Microsoft Edge, often simply called Edge, was created by Microsoft. This proprietary cross-platform web browser was first released in 2015 alongside Windows 10 and Xbox One.
Understanding Microsoft's Web Browser
Microsoft Edge represents a significant evolution in Microsoft's web browser offerings, succeeding Internet Explorer. It was developed to provide users with a modern, fast, and secure browsing experience.
Key Milestones and Features:
- Initial Release: Edge debuted in 2015, marking a new chapter for web browsing on Windows platforms and Xbox One.
- Proprietary Engines: Initially, Edge was built using Microsoft's own proprietary browser engine, EdgeHTML, and their Chakra JavaScript engine. This showcased Microsoft's internal development capabilities for web technologies.
- Cross-Platform Availability: While initially tied to Windows, Edge has since expanded its availability to numerous other operating systems, including macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, making it a truly cross-platform browser.
- Chromium Transition: In a significant shift, Microsoft later rebuilt Edge on the Chromium open-source project, adopting Google's Blink rendering engine and V8 JavaScript engine. This move enhanced compatibility and performance across websites.
Why Microsoft Created Edge
Microsoft's decision to create Edge was driven by the need to:
- Modernize Browsing: Move away from the legacy of Internet Explorer and offer a browser that could compete with modern alternatives like Chrome and Firefox.
- Improve Performance: Develop a faster and more responsive browser.
- Enhance Security: Implement advanced security features to protect users from online threats.
- Integrate with Ecosystem: Provide seamless integration with Windows 10 and other Microsoft services.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Creator | Microsoft |
| Initial Release | 2015 |
| Initial Platforms | Windows 10, Xbox One |
| Original Engines | EdgeHTML (rendering), Chakra (JavaScript) |
| Current Basis | Chromium (Blink rendering, V8 JavaScript) |
Microsoft continues to develop and refine Edge, offering new features, improved performance, and enhanced security updates regularly. For more details on its history and features, you can refer to the Microsoft Edge Wikipedia page.
