Microsoft Edge, previously known as Project Spartan, was launched by Microsoft in 2015 as the default Windows 10 browser. Despite efforts to improve compatibility and extension support by switching to the Chromium rendering engine, Edge continues to lag behind Chrome in terms of user adoption.
According to recent reports, Microsoft Edge only holds a 5-6% market share, far behind Chrome and Safari. The browser’s cluttered home page, overwhelming users with unnecessary features like Microsoft Shopping, has contributed to its lackluster performance.
While Edge offers useful features like sleep tabs and collections, its security features are considered standard and not as advanced as competitors like Brave. Microsoft should focus more on enhancing user privacy to attract security-conscious consumers.
The initial user experience of Microsoft Edge is criticized for bombarding users with unnecessary elements and a busy home page with various Microsoft services. Customizing the browser requires effort and is hidden in the settings menu, leading to a negative reputation among users who prefer a simpler browsing experience like that offered by Chrome.
On the bright side, Edge supports all extensions from the Chrome Web Store and offers unique features like sleep tabs, collections, and a built-in screenshot tool. However, it also includes unnecessary bloat like Microsoft Shopping and games, which can frustrate users.
In terms of security, Edge has standard features that block trackers and harmful content but does not set a benchmark in the security space. Competitors like Brave offer more advanced privacy features, prompting Microsoft to improve security add-ons to appeal to privacy-focused users.
Microsoft’s aggressive promotion of Edge on Windows, such as setting it as the default browser after software updates, has been met with resistance from users who prefer alternative browsers and search engines. This forceful behavior can lead to frustration and a negative perception of Microsoft Edge.
Despite its shortcomings, Microsoft Edge represents a significant improvement over Internet Explorer and previous Microsoft browsers. While the browser still has room for growth, Microsoft should focus on reducing bloat and improving the overall user experience to compete effectively in the crowded browser market.
In conclusion, Microsoft Edge is worth a try for users looking for a modern browsing experience, but it still has room for improvement. Exploring other browsers like Arc, which offers innovative features and a powerful theme engine, can provide insight into how different browsers compare in various aspects.
Article Source
https://www.xda-developers.com/is-microsoft-edge-really-that-bad/