Microsoft deprecates some Edge features to improve and simplify its browser

[vtqhtr413]

Several days ago, Microsoft pushed Edge 117 to the Beta Channel for the final testing before the public rollout next month. The release contains a few important changes and enhancements, such as an improved Microsoft Edge for Business experience with the ability to switch from work to personal browsing, the new Smart Find feature, and E-tree in Wallet (speaking of questionable features). More importantly, Microsoft announced several feature deprecation: Math Solver, Picture Dictionary, Citations, Grammar Tools, and Kids Mode are niche-focused features, and it is unsurprising to see Microsoft ditching them for simplicity's sake.

Feature deprecation means Microsoft is no longer developing it, so users should not expect upgrades or substantial changes. Still, a deprecated feature may remain accessible before Microsoft permanently removes it (as it was with Windows 10's "My people" hub). Microsoft plans to release Edge 117 in the Stable channel on the week of September 14, 2023. It will be available on Windows 10, 11, macOS, and Linux. Those wanting to test early Edge updates can sign up for the Edge Insider program and download the latest Canary, Dev, or Beta version from the official website. Full release notes for Microsoft Edge 117 Beta are available here.

Microsoft deprecates some Edge features to improve and simplify its browser

Many users agree that Microsoft Edge has become too "heavy" with too many unnecessary features. If you share this sentiment, good news: Microsoft is deprecating parts of Edge to simplify its browser.

www.neowin.net

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

A good idea, less is more...
Not sure if like Grammar Tools to be depreciated, or is that not Microsoft Editor?

 

[vtqhtr413]

or is that not Microsoft Editor?

I'm with you Gandolf, MS doesn't really elaborate on that topic?

 

[ForgottenSeer 97327]

Finally Microsoft is starting to realizing it sstrenghts.

Microsoft has two strongholds (related to the consumer browser market)
1. Their dominance in the business market.
Which moron at M$ decided to evade most group policy settings by signing in to the browser? Finally they stop adding bloat. Their stronghold is the corporate market, so they should offer the most secure no nonsense browser available on the desktop

2. Their X-box business line
Microsoft is cheating with lower startup times of Edge due to pre-loading. Dtop adding bloat, make it the fastest browser in the market. Microsoft is contneously buying game studios. Most gamers stick to the Windows OS because Games and GPU hardware. It should not be to difficult to develop a multi-platform cross sell strategy with all these M$ strenghts (offering services in every part of the underlying software infrastructure) where their browser Edge shines as the fastest no nonsense gaming browser available.

I bet a fair share of the home/desktop users outside those above two target audiences, might be attracted to a browser which focusses on its core functionality.

 

[oldschool]

They need to remove many more "features" than those listed above. If it was a lean, mean machine once again I'd use it much more.

 

[sartic]

Please remove chat bing, search bing and sidebar jaja

 

[JohnR]

Reduction in features didn't last long, the 'Google Docs Offline' extension now helpfully installs itself

 

[ForgottenSeer 97327]

Reduction in features didn't last long, the 'Google Docs Offline' extension now helpfully installs itself

Does not happen with group policy only allowing uBO as extension

D

 

[JohnR]

I simply removed it, and no sign of a resurrection as yet....

 

[oldschool]

I simply removed it, and no sign of a resurrection as yet....

Likewise. If it gets installed again then it qualifies as malware/PUP. What's next?

 

[WhiteMouse]

Probably because they lost marketshare, otherwise there's no chance Microsoft doing something like this