At Build 2016, Microsoft showed off some of the features coming in the next major update of Windows 10, which now we know as the “Anniversary Update”. Among the new changes, the company also unveiled new features coming the Microsoft Edge web browser.
During a technical session, the software giant announced that with the Anniversary Update, Edge will include swipe back/forward gestures to navigate between web pages.
On recent Insider Preview builds, Microsoft included extension support for Microsoft Edge, and now we have a little more information on what the future holds. With the new update, Bring Translator, which is currently available as an extension, will be integrated into the web browser by default.
The company is also working to make extensions interact with Windows 10 apps similar to the Google Chrome apps. Essentially, users will be able to download extensions from the Windows Store. Then the Store will list the apps the extension can connect with, and uses will need to grant permission. Once permission is granted, the extension will be able to talk to the apps and offer a more integrated experience. (This feature is in the roadmap, but there is not specific release date.)
This year we’re also expecting to see more extensions coming to Edge, including AdBlock, Amazon, OneNote, Evernote and LastPass.
In addition, Microsoft Edge will get additional security enhancements. With the new update, Microsoft is working to include Windows Hello in its web browser to use biometric authentication to login into websites.
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update will also focus on improving Web Apps on Windows 10. Web Apps support is coming to Xbox One with support for W3C Gamepad API, mouse mode or directional navigation. In addition, Microsoft is also making it easier to developers to publish the Web Apps.
These are just some changes and improvements coming to Microsoft Edge with the Anniversary Update. However, we’re expecting to see more throughout the development of the next major update as new preview are made available.
How do you like the new changes coming to Microsoft Edge? Tell us in the comments below.
Update, March 31, 2016: Despite of native adblocker support appeared on Microsoft documentation, Jacob Rossi an Edge engineer at Microsoft clarifies that the browser won’t support any sort of adblocking capability natively, but it will allow third-party developers to bring the controversial feature to Microsoft Edge.
We are not building a native ad blocker within MS Edge, but we will support third party ad blockers like AdBlock and AdBlock Plus
— Jacob Rossi (@jacobrossi) March 31, 2016
Via MSPowerUser
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].