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In a major move to enhance the user experience on Android, Microsoft has launched a feature that has been long awaited by Edge enthusiasts: the ability to easily install extensions directly through the official Edge store. Previously a complicated process, adding extensions on the mobile version of Edge was a hassle that required beta versions and enabling special settings. With this new update, Edge users can now quickly access and install extensions, making it a compelling alternative to Google Chrome for mobile browsing. Here’s everything you need to know about the update and its implications.
Microsoft Edge for Android Adds Official Extension Store
Until recently, Microsoft Edge for Android had been limited in its ability to support extensions. While these features existed for over a year, the process of installing them was far from user-friendly. You had to use the Canary version of the browser and manually activate flags to enable extensions, which was a complicated and clunky process.
Now, with the of a more streamlined extension process, Edge for Android has officially launched an extension store, giving users direct access to a range of useful tools. Though the store is still in beta, it marks a significant leap forward for mobile browsing on Android devices.
How to Add Extensions to Microsoft Edge on Android
Adding extensions to Microsoft Edge on Android is simple and quick. Here’s how you can do it:
- Install or Update Microsoft Edge: First, head to Google Play and either install the app or update your current version to the latest one.
Open the Edge Browser: Launch Microsoft Edge on your Android device.
Access the Extensions Page: Tap the three-line hamburger menu icon in the lower-right corner of the browser, then select Extensions from the panel.
Browse the Extension Store: Although the store currently offers only 22 extensions, it promises more will be available soon. Extensions like Dark Reader (for dark mode), Bitwarden (Password Manager), NordVPN, and AdGuard VPN are just a few of the tools available.
Install an Extension: Once you’ve selected an extension, tap Get, then select Add to install it.
Manage Extensions: You can manage your installed extensions by returning to the Extensions page. From here, you can disable, enable, or remove extensions, or even use them in Private mode.
What Undercode Says:
Microsoft’s decision to integrate extensions into Edge for Android could shift the mobile browser landscape. Historically, extensions on mobile platforms have been limited, with Google’s Chrome being one of the primary culprits. While Chrome has become the dominant mobile browser, the lack of support for extensions has been a major drawback for users who rely on browser add-ons for tasks like password management, security, and customization.
With Edge’s move to simplify the installation of extensions, Android users now have a powerful alternative to Chrome. The app’s integration of privacy tools like VPNs and password managers, as well as customization options such as dark mode, gives it an edge (pun intended) in a market that has been dominated by Google’s offering. Additionally, Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its extension store ensures that users will have more options in the future.
One noteworthy point is that Google has yet to introduce support for extensions on Android, despite working on a project called Desktop Android, which would extend Chrome’s desktop extension capabilities to devices like Chromebooks. However, this project doesn’t currently include mobile platforms, leaving Android users with fewer options. As such, Edge’s move could be a significant reason for some users to consider switching browsers.
Moreover, Edge’s smoother extension process will undoubtedly be appreciated by users who have faced difficulties installing extensions in the past. The new streamlined process also offers better privacy and security, as extensions like Bitwarden and VPN clients can help safeguard user data in a world where digital security is increasingly under threat.
Fact Checker Results
- Extension Availability: Edge for Android now officially supports a store with 22 extensions, although Microsoft promises more will be added soon.
Google’s Position: Google has not yet implemented extension support for Android, leaving users of Chrome without these tools.
Security and Privacy: With the inclusion of privacy-enhancing extensions like VPNs and password managers, Edge on Android offers greater security options than its competitors.
References:
Reported By: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-edge-just-made-adding-extensions-on-android-easy-heres-how/
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