If you haven’t heard yet, there’s a new web browser which Microsoft has made for Windows 10. It’s been called by its codename, Project Spartan, but the software giant has recently announced it will be named Microsoft Edge. If you’re looking for a Microsoft Edge download, it’s not quite as simple as that. You can’t just try it out on Windows 8, Windows 7 or other versions. It’s only for Windows 10 so you’ll need to download and install the Windows 10 Insider Preview to get Microsoft Edge. That’s easy enough and we’ve put together a how to install Windows 10 guide which you can follow – the latest build includes Microsoft Edge (the globe icon on the Start menu or taskbar) but be aware that, for now, it’s still called Project Spartan so don’t bother to search for Edge. Before you go and get Windows 10 to test drive Microsoft Edge, we’ve outlines its features below.
“Microsoft Edge is the all-new Windows 10 browser built to give you a better web experience. Write directly on webpages and share your mark-ups with others. Read online articles free of distraction or use the reading list feature for saving your favorite reads for later access. Microsoft Edge is the new browser that works the way you do,” said the firm in a blog post.
Microsoft Edge features and how to use
Faster searching Like some other browsers, Edge allows you to search the internet by simply typing your query into the address bar. Hub The Hub in Microsoft Edge is where important stuff you might need is kept. It’s the folder icon with a star and stores favourites, reading list, browsing history, and current downloads. Notes, highlights and annotations A key feature of Microsoft Edge is the ability to annotate and highlight web pages. Click Web Note (the pen and paper icon) to begin then use Pen, Highlight or Type to add whatever you want. You can then save and share your edits with the usual icons (yes, the floppy disk is still the universal symbol for save).
Reading list AS you might guess, the reading list is a way of saving articles or content you want to read later – whether you’re on the train or just sitting in the garden with a beer. Select the star icon, hit Reading List and choose Add. You can then find saved content in your Hub as explained above. Cut the crap If you’re struggling to focus on an article, click the book icon to switch to a simple layout focussing on the images and text. You can change your reading view style and font size by hitting the three dots icon and choosing Settings. Cortana Microsoft’s digital assistant is also built into Edge (in the address bar) so you can interact with the browser in a different way. You can also highlight words or phrases on the page, press and hold (or right click) and select Ask Cortana to get more information about whatever it is. Feedback If you do get Windows 10 onto your PC or laptop and use Microsoft Edge, the firm is keen to get feedback to make it better. To send feedback, click the smiley face icon in the top right corner of the window, fill out the form and hit send.
Tech Advisor’s Reviews Editor, Chris has been reviewing all kinds of tech for over 10 years and specialises in audio. He also covers a range of topics including home entertainment, phones, laptops, tablets and more.
