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Google hits back at claims of sub-par Chrome battery life
Google isn't buying Microsoft's claims that Chrome's battery life is terrible. The search pioneer has posted a video showing the battery life improvements between last year's Chrome 46 and the just-launched Chrome 53, and it's clear that Google is taking a dig at Microsoft testing that favored Edge. The result shows the newer browser (conveniently running on Surface Books, like in Microsoft's clip) offering 2 hours and 12 minutes of additional runtime when streaming Vimeo footage non-stop. It lasted a healthy 10 hours and 39 minutes, which might be enough to get through your favorite movie trilogy.
Windows 10 update adds AdBlock support to the Edge browser
AdBlock and AdBlock Plus are no longer exclusive to Windows Insider Program participants. Microsoft's anniversary update for Windows 10 doesn't only come with Cortana voice commands (and many other features), it also adds support for the ad blocker to your Edge browser. This version is based off the extension's code for Chrome instead of Internet Explorer, but you might encounter some issues anyway since it's still in development. Of course, you'll have to wait for the anniversary update first before you can install the add-on and tweak its (potentially problematic) whitelist. You're bound to get it within the coming weeks, so long as you're running Windows 10.
Microsoft hopes 1080p Netflix makes Edge your next browser
As Microsoft continues to nudge folks into trying its new Edge browser on Windows 10, its latest tease is the promise of better looking, more efficient video streaming. Just like Apple's Safari browser on OS X, it turns out that on Windows only Microsoft's browsers stream HTML5 Netflix in 1080p, while Chrome, Firefox and Opera all max out at 720p and a much lower bitrate. It also claims the browser makes use of Windows 10's enhancements to offload video and audio processing to the right hardware in ways that save significant battery life.
Microsoft trashes Chrome's impact on battery life
Your choice of web browser can have a tremendous effect on your laptop's battery life, and Microsoft is determined to prove that its Edge browser is the most efficient of them all... at Google's expense, of course. The crew in Redmond has posted battery tests showing that Edge lasted longer in web video playback and standardized surfing tests than any other browser (including Opera in low-power mode), and over 3 hours longer than Chrome in the video test. And this is with the current version of Windows 10, Microsoft notes. Edge in Windows' Anniversary Update should be downright miserly thanks to lower resource usage and tighter restrictions on Flash.
LastPass is the first password manager extension on Edge
Microsoft is getting closer to releasing its big Windows 10 update this summer, but Windows Insider beta testers with the latest build have a new element to try out today. That's because LastPass has officially released its first browser extension for Edge (after it leaked out temporarily a week ago), saying it's the first password manager extension on the platform. Support for extensions is necessary if Edge will try to snag users from the Chrome or Firefox browsers they're used to, and after AdBlock, password management is a big one.
AdBlock and AdBlock Plus are available for Microsoft Edge
Back in March, Microsoft started testing a version of its new Edge browser on Windows 10 with support for extensions. Now, one of the most-requested features is covered with the introduction of AdBlock and AdBlock Plus extensions for Edge. The feature list appears to be mostly intact from its Chrome and Firefox iterations, with the ability to block varying levels of ads or whitelist certain sites (like... Engadget.com for example).
Cortana won't let you search with Google in Windows 10
In what may come as no surprise, Microsoft won't let you use Cortana to perform a Google search anymore. While the digital assistant was capable of using a third-party search engine on Windows 10, the company announced this week that the "result is a compromised experience that is less reliable and predictable." So, to ensure that everything works well, Microsoft will only allow Cortana to launch the new Edge browser and find answers via Bing.
Microsoft's Edge browser is clamping down on Flash, too
"Adobe Flash isn't responding." It's the message you can feel coming as soon as your browser grinds to a halt and you abandon all hope of salvaging what you were working on. Well, if you're a developer that's part of the Windows Insider program and have grabbed Windows 10 build 14316, you're living in a future where the aforementioned nightmare scenario sounds less likely. Microsoft is changing how its Edge browser handles Flash elements by disabling all but those that it says are central to the page you're viewing, like games or Flash-based video.
Microsoft's Edge browser gets a handful of new extensions
Microsoft has announced some important new extensions for its Edge browser at the annual Build developer conference. Major services like Pinterest, Amazon, Evernote, LastPass, Reddit, Adblock and Adblock Plus can now plug into Microsoft's newest browser. This comes a few weeks after an updated version of Edge rolled out that supported a paltry three extensions; those announced at Build bring the number up a little bit, but Edge still lags far behind Chrome, Firefox or even Safari in this department.
Microsoft's Edge browser will offer ad blocking (update: with third-party extensions)
Ad blockers continue to go mainstream as Microsoft revealed its Edge browser will soon have the tech built right in. The feature was spotted by ZDNet during a Build 2016 presentation, where a slide showed that the software giant will "build ad blocking features into the browser" in the next release. The wording implies that the feature may work natively without third-party extensions, which is a good thing since Edge only just started supporting those. However, the same slide also shows that Microsoft plans to "provide a modern extension/plug-in model," complete with a store, for the next Edge release.
Microsoft is trying to make Chrome extensions work on Edge
Microsoft's very first batch of Edge browser extensions is small, but it seems the company's taking steps to make sure Windows users get more in the future. According to Microsoft Senior Program Manager Jacob Rossi, the tech titan is developing a "porting tool to run Chrome extensions in Edge." It will presumably make things even easier for developers to create Edge versions of their extensions, though Rossi clarified that it doesn't support all APIs. The tool isn't finished yet, as well, but it's not like most users can start installing plug-ins on their browsers anyway. Redmond has just begun testing the feature, and for now, only Windows Insiders in the Fast ring can enjoy it.
Latest Windows 10 preview brings Edge browser extensions
Microsoft has finally started testing the feature that could make its new Edge browser a real alternative to the likes of Chrome and Firefox: extensions. An updated browser with support for extensions is part of the new build rolling out to Preview users in the Fast ring. There are updates for both PCs and Mobile, although extensions are a desktop-only feature and there are only three of them available right now: Translate, Mouse Gestures and the Reddit Enhancement Suite. Versions of popular extensions from the likes of AdBlock Plus, LastPass, Amazon and more are promised to arrive later this year. The video below explains how the installation process works, so you can watch that while your computer updates.
Talking it out: Why I'm switching from Verizon to Google Fi
I've been a loyal Verizon customer since the mid-1990s when I got my first StarTac. Heck, I even work for them, technically. And for the duration of that two-decade relationship, despite the company's excruciatingly lackluster customer service, my fealty to Big Red never wavered -- even as my bill monthly slowly bloated. It was a gradual increase, barely noticeable with the company's auto-pay feature. In fact, it wasn't until I recently renewed my two-year contract and found myself conscripted into Verizon's EDGE program that things got out of hand.
Chrome for Android slims down the internet when speeds are slow
If you've ever been stuck with slow mobile internet and just wanted to read an article, Google has some mighty good news. It's about to release a new feature to its Chrome for Android Data Saver mode that will only display text when it senses a slow network. Once a page loads, you can then show all images (above) or specific ones by tapping on them. Google says that the new trick will use up to 70 percent less mobile data on Android devices.
Windows 10 focuses on Cortana and Edge in first big update
Microsoft is rollingout the first major update to Windows 10 for tablets and PCs. The release focuses on improvements to Cortana, Edge and performance. The personal assistant will now track your event and movie tickets, and even monitor travel time and give you a heads up when you should leave. The update also allows you to book an Uber, in case you need a ride to the theater. And for our international friends, Cortana is finally landing in Japan, Australia, Canada and India.
Windows 10's latest preview sends web videos to your TV
If you've wanted nothing more than to sling web videos from your Windows 10 PC to your TV, today's a very big day. Microsoft has released a Windows 10 Insider Preview build that gives early adopters (specifically, those on the Fast ring) the ability to cast media in Edge. The web browser now sends audio, photos and videos to any DLNA- or Miracast-capable device (an Xbox One should do it) on your network, whether it's a YouTube clip or a Pandora radio stream. There is a big gotcha, unfortunately: copy-protected content won't work, so don't expect to put Netflix on the big screen. Even so, it's good to have an alternative to Google's Chrome browser, Cast API and Chromecast hardware for easily sharing web content with the rest of your home.
Extensions for Microsoft's Edge browser aren't coming until 2016
When switching web browsers, importing favorites isn't hard, but the thought of losing all your extensions is usually what keeps people where they are. As a result, even if you're on Windows 10 already you might not make use of Microsoft's slick new Edge browser until it too has support for add-ons. Unfortunately, in a statement to Ars Technica Microsoft confirmed rumors that its current plan is to put off the addition of extensions until next year. Its decision is apparently based on the need to make sure its extension model is secure before delivering it in a 2016 Windows update. While browser upgrades are still cooking, all signs indicate a fall update is on the way in November with most of the features currently being beta tested, like an integrated Skype experience, new features for Cortana and an activation process that can accept product keys from earlier versions of Windows. [Image credit: Shutterstock]
Microsoft wants you to stick with Windows 10's default apps
If you don't like how difficult it is to change your default web browser in Windows 10... well, you may be particularly upset in the near future. A leaked Windows 10 preview release now gives you a prompt whenever you're trying to switch away from a default Microsoft app, such as the Edge browser. You're asked to give the stock app "a shot," and the most prominent option is to stick with the Microsoft option -- not exactly subtle. It's not certain that this will reach the public Insider Preview program, but it's evident that the company is at least toying with the idea.
Windows 10 Preview tests Skype integration, activation fix
Microsoft has bundled the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview build with a number of major (but still experimental) features, including Skype integration. If you're an Insider on the "fast" ring, you'll notice that the messenger's capabilities are now integrated with the native Messaging, Phone and Skype video apps for the platform. You'll also be able to reply to message notifications right from the action center. More importantly, if you're having trouble activating the free Windows 10 upgrade, this build fixes that up. Simply install this particular Preview release and use a Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 product key.
Unity Engine working to keep years of browser games alive
One of the big factors to game engine Unity's success is that for awhile it ran on basically any platform be it Oculus, PS Vita or home consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. But according to the developer, recent moves by the likes of Google, Microsoft and Mozilla are going to put an end to that. The latest version of Chrome doesn't have support for a specific plugin (NPAPI, specifically) that the Unity Web Player relies on, and Unity says that Firefox's support for plugins is going the way of the buffalo while Edge isn't supporting them at all. Most everything is moving toward WebGL these days.
