Another week has passed which means the browser wars have continued with both Microsoft and Google announcing updates to their respective browsers - Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. It's probably for the best that we're seeing so many updates right now as this week has also brought the news that Microsoft is retiring Internet Explorer next year.
That's hardly surprising as the company has worked hard to make Edge the web browser of choice for Windows 10 users compared to the now creaky looking Internet Explorer of old. In a blog post, Microsoft explained that Internet Explorer will be retired as of June 15, 2022. The only reason why it's stuck around for so long is because some legacy websites could only be viewed through it but now Microsoft Edge has a built-in Internet Explorer mode, there's simply no need for it. Still, if you've been using Internet Explorer for the past 25 years, we won't blame you if you feel a little bit sad about its retirement.
Alongside that, we have news that Microsoft Edge is going all in with improving its vertical tabs facility. That's because an Edge Dev update has brought with it new settings options including the ability to hide the title bar to make using vertical tabs even easier. It's those little things that are making Microsoft Edge look increasingly unlikely to shift from the top spot in our web browsers list.
What's new with Chrome?
Until, that is, you glance over at Google's plans. It's just updated Chrome to allow users to quickly fix any of their passwords that may have been compromised due to a data breach. Its built-in password manager will now check to see if your details have been exposed anywhere as well as highlights if you have any reused passwords too. Soon, it'll also allow you to change your password with a single tap on Android smartphones meaning there's simply no reason not to stay safe at all times. Apple's Safari browser already lets you know if you're reusing passwords or there's been a data breach but being able to rectify the problem feels like a potent weapon in the battle against hackers and other nefarious people. The convenience of being able to fix it quickly is sure to help you avoid the allure of 'Ohh, I'll do that later'.
As we've said before, it's a bit of an exciting time for web browsers - a sentence few could utter honestly in the past. Thanks to competition being so ripe, it seems likely we're going to see some great features over the coming months in a bid to attract customer loyalty.
If you want more we have guides to the best home computers and the best laptops, to really boost your browsing.
