Microsoft is rolling out a new feature for its Edge browser aimed at improving performance and user experience. The tech giant has introduced an extension performance detector that will alert users when certain add-ons are significantly slowing down their browsing.
How It Works
The new feature will appear as a pop-up alert when Edge detects that extensions are consistently impacting browser speed. Users will be shown:
- Which extensions are causing slowdowns
- The performance impact as a percentage
- Toggle controls to easily disable problematic extensions
This proactive approach allows users to make informed decisions about which extensions to keep active, potentially improving their overall browsing experience.
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| Microsoft Edge introduces a performance detector, informing users about sluggish extensions and enabling easy management |
Availability and Access
The extension performance detector is currently being rolled out to users of Edge Canary 130, the beta build branch of the browser. For those eager to try it out, the feature can be manually enabled by:
- Navigating to
edge://flags/#edge-performance-extension-detection - Setting the appropriate dropdown to Enabled
- Restarting the browser
Part of a Larger Performance Push
This new feature is just one piece of Microsoft's efforts to position Edge as a performance-oriented alternative to Google Chrome. Other recent additions include:
- A RAM limiter to help manage memory usage
- Built-in performance monitors and task managers
These tools aim to give users more control over their browsing experience, especially when multitasking or using resource-intensive applications alongside Edge.
Implications for Developers
The extension performance detector could become an essential tool for developers looking to optimize their Edge extensions. It provides clear feedback on how add-ons impact browser performance, potentially driving improvements across the Edge extension ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture
While Edge and many other modern browsers are based on the Chromium engine, Microsoft's focus on performance optimization could help differentiate its offering in a crowded market. As users become more aware of how extensions impact their browsing speed, features like this performance detector may become increasingly important factors in choosing a primary browser.
Microsoft's continued investment in Edge's performance and user-friendly features demonstrates its commitment to competing in the browser space, even as Chrome maintains its dominant market position.
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| Microsoft Edge seeks to stand out in a crowded market by emphasizing performance and user-friendly features |