Microsoft really, really doesn’t want Firefox on your computer

[sincity]

Microsoft made a big fanfare around the launch of its Edge browser last year: a reboot of the long-running Internet Explorer default web browser built into Windows.

But the software giant is testing out new initiatives to ensure users stick with the default Edge browser, including ‘warning’ prompts when you attempt to download a competing browser. 

Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are two browsers often touted as faster, more streamlined alternatives. The choice of browser often comes down to personal preference regarding the interface – and despite being pre-installed in Windows PCs, the Edge browser lags behind in popularity, below even Apple’s Safari browser.

• Chrome continues to dominate the browser world, while Edge gets left behind

The notifications can be turned off, but may do more to irritate existing users rather than encourage Edge loyalty – just check the tweet below.

Fair play

Microsoft’s warning prompts aren’t just irritating: they also build an odd air of distrust. With so many viruses and valid cybersecurity concerns out there, trying to throw doubt on the reliability of perfectly sufficient browsers to ensure users stick with Edge – instead of making a browser they genuinely prefer – doesn’t seem very sportsmanlike.

On the other hand, Google was called out earlier this summer for a YouTube redesign to improve loading speeds – that required running on the Chrome browser. 

A technician from Mozilla caused a storm when they pointed out that the update caused comparatively slower loading speeds on Edge and Firefox, due to their differences in programming.

• Mozilla claims Google had made YouTube perform worse on Edge and Firefox

Via Engadget

View the full article

[RedBaird]

I just realized that I no longer get Edge popups when I start Chrome and not longer get Chrome popups when I open Edge. 

 

My Edge browser seems to have problems when accessing various Google "stuff".  It may lock up or crash.  I left Edge as the default browser when I installed Win10, so that when I click on varous links in different F|A sources, they open on Edge first. 

 

 

[-=HipKat=-]

On 9/12/2018 at 10:54 PM, RedBaird said:

I just realized that I no longer get Edge popups when I start Chrome and not longer get Chrome popups when I open Edge. 

 

My Edge browser seems to have problems when accessing various Google "stuff".  It may lock up or crash.  I left Edge as the default browser when I installed Win10, so that when I click on varous links in different F|A sources, they open on Edge first. 

 

 

I tried to use Edge recently, for a few weeks. It's OK and I imported my Chrome favorites/Short Cut Bar links, but I still ended up going back to Chrome as my Default