Microsoft Edge has evolved significantly since its initial release, moving from the legacy of Internet Explorer to a robust, modern browser built on the Chromium engine. This transformation has introduced a range of features that set Edge apart from competitors like Google Chrome. In this article, we’ll explore the key strengths of Microsoft Edge and why it might be the ideal choice for your browsing needs.
- Enhanced Privacy with Tracking Prevention
One of the standouts features of Microsoft Edge is its Tracking Prevention functionality. Edge prioritizes user privacy. This feature is enabled by default and offers three levels of protection: Basic, Balanced, and Strict.
By choosing the Strict mode, we can block most tracking cookies and ads without needing third-party extensions. This commitment to privacy makes Edge a strong contender for those concerned about their online security.
- Efficient RAM Usage
Microsoft Edge is known for its efficient use of system resources, particularly RAM. Studies have shown that Edge typically consumes less RAM than Google Chrome when multiple tabs are open. This efficiency allows users to maintain smoother performance, even when juggling numerous web pages. With Edge, you can enjoy a seamless browsing experience without the lag often associated with heavy memory usage.
According to a test, when opening six websites on each browser, Edge used 665MB of RAM, while Chrome used 1.4GB. This indicates that Edge may have a slight advantage in RAM consumption compared to Chrome.
- Vertical Tabs for Better Organization
The Vertical Tabs feature is another innovative addition that enhances user experience. This layout allows to view their tabs in a vertical pane on the left side of the browser, making it easier to identify and manage multiple open pages. This is particularly beneficial for users who often have numerous tabs open, as it reduces clutter and improves accessibility, allowing for quicker navigation.
Which webpage is which? It can be nearly impossible to clearly between them when you have so many tabs open.
To turn this feature on, click the Tab Actions menu (just to the left of the first open tab) and then click “Turn on vertical tabs.” We get a resizable pane on the left that contains the webpage title, making it easy (well, easier) to find a specific tab.
- Immersive Reader for Focused Reading
Microsoft Edge has Read Aloud and Immersive Reader features are also a simple but powerful tool that reads the text of a web page audibly mode. This feature is perfect for reading articles, as it removes distractions such as ads and extraneous content, allowing users to focus on the text. You can customize text size, background color, and font style, making it a versatile tool for enhancing the reading experience.
Use Microsoft Edge to visit a website you want to read
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- Read Aloud: To begin, select Read Aloud from the Immersive Reader toolbar. A ribbon toolbar appears at the top of the page after you start Read Aloud. The toolbar includes buttons to play audio, skip to the next or previous paragraph, and adjust Voice options. Voice options allow you to change the reader’s voice and slow down or speed up their reading pace
- Entering Reader Mode in Immersive Reader will simplify the page you’re on by hiding distracting pop-ups and buttons, leaving you with just the important parts: textual and visual content
- To exit Immersive reader, select Exit Immersive Reader in the address bar.
If you don’t see the Immersive Reader icon in the address bar, you can still view the text in Immersive Reader. Just select the text you want to read, right-click, and select Open in Immersive Reader from the context menu.
Conclusion
In summary, Microsoft Edge is a powerful and feature-rich browser that prioritizes user privacy and overall functionality. With innovative features like Tracking Prevention, Vertical Tabs, and Immersive Reader, it optimizes resource usage effectively. Edge presents a compelling alternative to other browsers. If you seek a modern browsing experience that combines speed, security, and convenience, you can consider making Microsoft Edge your default browser.