Microsoft has gone back to basics with an update to its Edge browser that it hopes will offer a boost for those with older or more entry-level devices.
Rather than putting all its effort into developing new features, or AI integrations that require a great deal of processing power, Microsoft has instead addressed one major gripe of users with old or basic tech – speed.
As such, Edge’s latest framework enables it to load Favourites 40% faster, whilst giving those on low-spec PCs or laptops a speedier experience by lowering resource demands.
This has been achieved by using the WebUI 2.0 framework, which means buttons, menus and settings all load more quickly.
Google’s Chrome browser still rules the roost among UK consumers, with Statcounter putting its UK market share in November at over 50%. Edge, meanwhile, was down at just 9.2%.
However, Chrome has found its lustre waning somewhat due to its infamously high RAM demands. This could be behind the marginal drop in market share it has seen (down from the yearly high of 53.7% market share posted back in February).
Microsoft will no doubt be hoping its latest browser improvements provide the edge it needs to close the gap on Google – potentially keeping happy customers in the longer term as those with older tech choose to stick with its browser even after they upgrade.
Of course, Microsoft is never one to rest on its successes; it has promised further upgrades to Edge via the WebUI 2.0 framework, including faster, smoother loading. The firm said: “We’re in the process of upgrading components of the Edge user interface to WebUI 2.0 and you can expect to see more features of the browser getting far more responsive over time.”
It has also promised to make some packages open source, so all developers – and the people who use their products – can benefit.
