Microsoft Edge is considering introducing the add-on feature to its browser on the Android platform. This move could give it an advantage over its main competitor, Google Chrome. According to Similarweb data, Google Chrome is the most commonly used browser on Android, accounting for about 58% of the market share, while Edge has a minimal share.
The add-on feature was first noticed by Lance Adams on X (formerly Twitter), who is an expert in detecting changes in the Microsoft Edge browser on the Android platform, according to the XDA Developers report. Adams, known as “Leopeva64” on X, noticed that Microsoft Edge for Android supports extensions in the Canary version, where users can find a switch for add-ons using browser flags. Once the settings are configured, users will be able to download Chrome-based extensions to their browser, similar to the desktop version.
Adams also noticed that some extensions, such as uBlock Origin, Global Speed, and Dark Reader, are already available on the Edge add-ons beta page.
The 9to5Google report mentions that while Google Chrome has not yet confirmed the introduction of add-ons to its mobile browser, Edge’s work on adding add-ons to mobile devices could be significant for Google. Additionally, another Chromium-based browser – Kiwi – already allows users to download add-ons to mobile devices, offering a similar interface to Chrome.
When will users be able to use Edge with add-ons? According to the 9to5Google report, the add-on feature is currently in the early development stage and is hidden behind a flag in Edge version 123. The Edge beta version with add-on support is likely to enter the beta channel in February, and the stable version may appear no earlier than the end of March.
FAQ
1. What features is Microsoft Edge considering introducing to its browser on the Android platform?
Microsoft Edge is considering introducing the add-on feature to its browser on the Android platform. This could give it an advantage over its main competitor, Google Chrome.
2. What are the most popular browsers on the Android platform?
According to Similarweb data, the most commonly used browser on Android is Google Chrome, accounting for about 58% of the market share.
3. Who noticed the add-on feature in the Microsoft Edge browser for Android?
The add-on feature in the Microsoft Edge browser for Android was first noticed by Lance Adams on X, who is an expert in detecting changes in this browser on the Android platform.
4. What extensions will be available for the Edge browser on Android?
Users will be able to download Chrome-based extensions to their Edge browser, similar to the desktop version. Some extensions, such as uBlock Origin, Global Speed, and Dark Reader, are already available on the Edge add-ons beta page.
5. Does Google Chrome also plan to introduce add-ons to its mobile browser?
While Google Chrome has not yet confirmed the introduction of add-ons to its mobile browser, Edge’s work on adding add-ons to mobile devices could be significant for Google. The Kiwi browser, based on Chromium, already allows downloading add-ons to mobile devices.
6. When will users be able to use Edge with add-ons?
The add-on feature is currently in the early development stage and is hidden behind a flag in Edge version 123. The Edge beta version with add-on support is likely to enter the beta channel in February, and the stable version may appear no earlier than the end of March.
Definitions:
– Android platform browser – a program that allows browsing websites on mobile devices with the Android operating system.
– Add-ons – additional tools or features that can be installed in a web browser to enhance functionality and customize browsing.
Useful links:
– Microsoft Edge homepage
– Google Chrome homepage
– Kiwi browser homepage
The source of the article is from the blog rugbynews.at