The new Edge: Much better than IE but still not perfect

Microsoft released Edge browser to replace the built-in IE browser. Although IE is still included in the new Windows 10 system, it has become a "retained legacy" to replace Edge. Microsoft calls on all users to use Edge browser to enjoy faster browsing speed and the latest features.

But Microsoft will not force users to make this transition. Your favorite browsers such as Chrome and Firefox can all be used in Windows 10. After all, the Edge browser cannot kill all its peers at the moment, so third-party browsers are still necessary to retain.

But Edge is still a big improvement over IE and worth a try. The best thing about Edge is that it is not "IE12", it is a brand new browser with many modern browsing technologies and additional features built in.

Let’s summarize some of the biggest highlights.

Network Notes

The web note function allows users to take screenshots of the websites they are browsing and take notes, or even draw directly on them. Users can also share them with friends.

In actual experience, it is better than any screenshot software because it will screenshot the entire website, not just the content you are browsing.

After you finish smearing and outlining, you can save the entire screenshot to OneNote, Edge favorites menu or reading list, or email it to a friend.

It is very useful for students who search online. It is also helpful for presenting projects at work. Although this function can be achieved through plug-ins in other browsers, the built-in function of Edge is very good.

Simple reading tool

Edge includes two tools to improve the reading experience for users. Reading perspective removes all the content on a website except the text. This feature is useful when you don't like those jumping animations or videos, or when you don't like the layout of the website. What makes this built-in feature in Edge different from other browsers is that it works for almost any website, as long as the book page icon in the address bar is not gray.

Another feature that improves the reading experience is the reading list. Users can put articles in the list and read them offline. If you see a lot of good articles at work, you can put them in the list and read them when you get home. It is also very easy to use. Just click the star button next to the address bar and select Reading List in the pop-up menu.

Apple Safari also has a very similar reading list feature, and Firefox and Chrome can implement it using third-party plugins.

Cortana personal assistant

Bing and Cortana play an important role in the Edge browser. Both can provide users with additional information. When using the address bar, Bing will display relevant search results while typing, such as weather, stocks, math formulas, flight information, etc.

Select a paragraph or a word and right-click to "ask Cortana" for more information. The personal assistant will display relevant information provided by Wikipedia on the right, without the user having to leave the web page. If Cortana can't find relevant results, it will display Bing search results.

Finally, if you select a restaurant or bar on the website, Cortana will display business information such as maps, directions, reviews, phone numbers, etc. This feature is not available in some areas.

How does Edge compare to other browsers?

Many of Edge's features are available in other browsers, but they usually require manual activation or downloading of third-party plug-ins. This is not a difficult task, but if you want a minimalist browser, Edge may be a good choice.

But despite these advantages, Edge still lacks many more important features compared to its competitors, such as bookmark synchronization.

Chrome, Firefox and other browsers support thousands of plug-ins, including iPassword, OneTab, Pinterest, etc., which are very useful for special needs. The first two browsers support fixed tabs, so users can pin the most frequently used websites to take up less space. Edge currently does not have these features.

Microsoft said it will add add-on functionality in the fall of 2015, allowing users to install new features based on their preferences. We hope Microsoft can add the most needed features to Edge.

Should You Try Edge?

If you’ve grown tired of using Internet Explorer after years of experience, you may be wondering whether you should give Edge a chance. The answer is: you should.

Microsoft Edge has been significantly improved. It looks simpler, especially for everyday users. The web note function is particularly useful for researching and saving web pages, and Cortana can search for information intelligently. Edge's browsing speed has also increased.

If you are a hardcore Chrome or Firefox user, Edge may be hard to shake you, at least not in its current version. I believe that with the addition of tab synchronization and extension support in the future, its competitiveness will become stronger.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.