Microsoft Cancels Planned Redesign for Edge Browser

Microsoft Edge Isn't Getting That Cool Redesign

The Internet is Not Forever, So It's Time to Preserve What You Can Microsoft has seemingly abandoned its plans to redesign its Edge web browser significantly. The planned update, initially unveiled in February 2023, would have given Edge a fresh look with rounded tabs, increased use of blur effects, and a design more in line with Windows 11's aesthetic. However, that may no longer be on the agenda. The redesign was first announced during a special event at Microsoft's headquarters, where the company showcased its advancements in AI, particularly with the introduction of Bing Chat and Microsoft Copilot. The revamped Edge browser was meant to reflect this new era for Microsoft and offer a more modern and distinctive appearance than its current state. Despite being announced over a year ago, the new design never made it to an official release. Although users could enable the interface through flags for a while, recent Edge versions seem to indicate the flag will soon be discontinued. The latest Edge Canary build has already removed the flag entirely. This doesn't bode well for the update, which would have made Edge look a lot different from Chrome. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the company's decision to scrap the rounded tabs design to Windows Central. The spokesperson stated that the company is moving away from the concept. However, some redesign elements will remain, including webpage borders and a repositioned user button. The reason behind this decision is still unclear. The new interface was generally well-received, offering a clean look that aligned well with Windows 11's overall design language. The most important thing was that it could have made Edge and Chrome easily distinguishable; at the moment, the two look almost identical. With the cancellation of the previously announced redesign, Edge will keep its current appearance, which is very similar to Chrome. We don't know why Microsoft decided to keep the old look, but perhaps the redesign wasn't well-received by many Edge users, or it was causing other issues. Microsoft also might not want to scare off potential Chrome converts. Source: Windows Central

Microsoft has cancelled plans for a redesigned Edge browser: What the company has to say - Times of India

Microsoft has confirmed that it is moving away from launching a redesigned Edge browser which it showed in February last year. A sneak peek of the browser suggested rounded tabs and was teased in the same event that saw the launch of Bing Chat, the service which has been renamed to Copilot. According to a report by Windows Central, despite being over a year since the announcement of the "new Bing and Edge", there hasn't been an official launch.The report says that while it was possible to enable the new interface via flags for some time, recent versions of Microsoft Edge now state that the flag is being discontinued soon. Moreover, the latest version of Edge Canary will be the first one to remove it completely, the report added. What Microsoft has to say A Microsoft spokesperson told the publication that the company is moving away from the refreshed UI that was unveiled last year. "For now, the company has moved away from the floating rounded tabs design, but are continuing to evolve and modernise the overall look and feel of Edge," the spokesperson was quoted as saying. It is safe to say that Microsoft has scrapped plans to overhaul the Edge interface, however, some elements of the new design are reported to stay. These may include the border around web pages and a repositioned user button. What was the Microsoft Edge redesign all about During the event, Microsoft's Yusef Mehdi announced that Edge would be getting a refreshed design, including a rounded tabs design that will essentially provide Edge a different look when compared with Google Chrome "We've just updated Edge with a new look and feel ... it's sleeker, it's lighter," he said at that time. The new design with a heavy use of blur effects was said to be better aligned with Windows 11 and Microsoft's design language. The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk's news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.