Microsoft continues to fine-tune its Edge browser, and the latest change under the spotlight is the redesigned Vertical Tabs interface, currently in testing via Edge Canary. Dubbed Project Jupiter, this update delivers a fresh take on tab managementâa feature that has quietly become essential for multitaskers and productivity enthusiasts.
Vertical tabs have been part of Edge for some time, offering users a more organized, sidebar-based browsing experience. This new update builds on that, not just polishing the look but enhancing how users interact with their tabs. Though still in the experimental phase, it already hints at how Microsoft aims to distinguish Edge from its Chromium cousin, Google Chrome.
Let’s dive into what this change means for your browsing routine, how it compares to previous versions, and what it signals about Microsoft’s broader design philosophy.
A Fresh Look at Vertical Tabs â Hereâs Whatâs New
The revamped vertical tabs come with some key visual and functional shifts that subtlyâbut significantlyâalter how users manage open pages.
- Sidebar Takes the Spotlight: In previous builds, the vertical tab bar nestled under the workspace icon. Now, it occupies a more prominent place, stretching across the full height of the browser’s left edge. It feels like an integrated part of the interface, not just an add-on.
Profile & Icons Rearranged: With the repositioned tab panel, the profile icon shifts to the right of the screen, sitting alongside extensions and the settings menu.
Missing Tab Actions Button: One notable omission is the Tab Actions button. Itâs not goneâitâs just moved. You now access its functions by right-clicking on the vertical tab bar.
New âOrganize Tabsâ Feature: Microsoft added a handy new button directly in the vertical tab bar to help users declutter their browser. With a single click, tabs are grouped into folders for better organizationâa subtle yet powerful productivity boost.
Color Scheme & UI Improvements: While the color palette might still feel a bit dull, the UI enhancements are crisp and intuitive. Hover actions remain unchanged, but the inner tab elements have a cleaner, more polished layout.
Edge vs Chrome vs Firefox: Google Chrome still lacks native support for vertical tabs, making Edge a preferred choice for users who rely on them. Firefox users also enjoy this feature, further positioning Chrome as the odd one out.
How to Activate the New Vertical Tabs Design in Edge
Because Project Jupiter is still in testing, even Canary users wonât see it by default. Hereâs how to enable it:
1. Open Edge and navigate to `edge://flags`
2. Search for edge-project-jupiter
3. Set it to Enabled
4. Restart your browser
Once reloaded, youâll see the new vertical tabs interface in action. Just keep in mind, since it’s still in the experimental stage, it may take some time before this feature makes it to the stable channel.
What Undercode Say:
Microsoftâs redesign of vertical tabs isnât just a cosmetic updateâitâs a strategic move in the browser wars. At first glance, it may appear minor, but hereâs what it really means under the hood:
- User Experience First: The decision to let vertical tabs take the full height of the window aligns with modern UX design. It provides clearer space allocation and reduces interface clutter.
Tab Management Revolution: With the new “Organize Tabs” feature, Microsoft is quietly revolutionizing how users multitask. This kind of native tab-folder functionality is something users have been begging forâespecially since Chrome users still rely on sketchy third-party extensions.
Removing Redundancy: By eliminating the Tab Actions button and replacing it with contextual right-click actions, Edge reduces UI bloat. The interface becomes cleaner, allowing users to stay focused.
Strategic Visual Design: While the color scheme remains a bit uninspiring, the overall layout now feels more cohesive. The repositioned icons show that Microsoft is trying to rebalance the browserâs ergonomics.
Edge Flexing Its Muscles: With Firefox having vertical tabs and Chrome not even considering them, Edge positions itself as the more progressive browser. Microsoft is carving a niche for Edge among power users, particularly those dealing with complex tab workflows.
Why It Matters: In a digital world where browser choice impacts productivity, features like this genuinely matter. The redesign isnât flashy, but it reflects a careful study of user behavior. Microsoft isnât just reactingâitâs listening.
Long-Term Implications: Expect further refinements before the stable release, possibly involving better color customization, keyboard shortcuts for tab organization, or even AI-assisted tab grouping. Project Jupiter may be a small ripple now, but it has the potential to reshape how tabs function across browsers.
Competitive Advantage: This feature gives Edge another leg up in the competition against Chrome. It’s not about having more featuresâitâs about having the right ones.
Microsoftâs Philosophy: Leaner, cleaner, and smarter interfaces seem to be the companyâs mantra for Edge moving forward. Project Jupiter shows that even established elements like tabs are still open to innovation.
Encouraging Innovation: Edgeâs experimental features set the tone for browser innovation. While not every feature makes it to the stable release, these Canary updates are essential for testing what sticks.
The Verdict? For anyone who juggles a dozen tabs or more, this update is a game-changer. Project Jupiter makes browsing feel more manageable, intuitive, and efficient.
Fact Checker Results:
- Project Jupiter is an actual experimental feature in Edge Canary.
- The vertical tabs redesign is real and functional when the appropriate flag is enabled.
- Google Chrome does not support native vertical tabs, while Edge and Firefox do.
References:
Reported By: www.windowslatest.com
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.twitter.com
Wikipedia
Undercode AI
Image Source:
Pexels
Undercode AI DI v2
