Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore announced the name on stage at Microsoft Build today. Project’s Spartan release title has been the subject of much speculation and suggestion since its first unveiling.
The company has now opted to use a single-syllable word to represent the browser. The “Microsoft” prefix is the consequence of earlier consumer studies in which it was found that people were far more likely to use the browser if the Microsoft name was tagged with it.
Since the last release of Spartan, Microsoft has added a few more features to what is now Edge. The New Tab page has been completely redesigned to help you to discover content that may interest you on the Internet while keeping your favourite sites accessible.
The Microsoft Edge web browser, formerly Project Spartan, at Microsoft Build 2015
The interface is reminiscent of Microsoft’s MSN portal. It allows you to see the latest news, weather, sports, video and more. You can view suggested apps to install on your computer and search the web, all from one page. Belfiore said that a lot of attention has been paid to the new tab page as it gets over 1 billion views a day in Internet Explorer.
The Microsoft Edge web browser, formerly Project Spartan, at Microsoft Build 2015
Microsoft Edge has acquired the tagline of “the browser for doing”. It is clear that Microsoft is determined to bill itself as the productivity company and is gearing itself towards creating comprehensive offerings for those who want to work and play.
Edge will feature integration with Cortana who will be able to expand web searches for you and deliver extra content. A synchronized reading list and reading mode allows you to save articles for later and read them in a stripped-down, clear view while the ability to annotate websites with drawings and illustrations allows you to share the Internet with others.
The Microsoft Edge web browser, formerly Project Spartan, at Microsoft Build 2015
Microsoft Edge will be launching as the default web browser in Windows 10. On desktop versions, Internet Explorer will also be present for legacy enterprise applications support but Microsoft will be pushing Edge as the key browser for consumers.
