Microsoft is pushing users to try out the new Edge Internet browser integrated in the Windows 10 operating system. The Redmond-based tech giant is even taking one big leap by introducing a new tactic that urges its users from switching away to the default Edge browser.
When users try to search Chrome or Firefox, the Edge browser shows a message posted on the top results saying "Microsoft recommends Microsoft Edge for Windows 10" along with a Learn why button that redirects users to a website that shows off all the features of the Edge browser.
A Microsoft spokesperson told Venture Beat, "Microsoft Edge was designed exclusively for Windows 10 with features and functionality that enhance the browsing experience such as Cortana, Web Note, and Quick answers."
When Microsoft announced the Edge browser, many analysts quickly speculate that it will compete with Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox in the Internet browser market. On top of that, Microsoft is also replacing its 20-year-old browser Internet Explorer.
Despite introducing interesting new features, the Edge browser is missing one key feature which is present in both Firefox and Chrome; support for extensions. Currently, Chrome has more than 1 billion users while Edge is also slowly gaining after it was released two months ago along with the Windows 10 upgrade.
Microsoft was recently criticized by Mozilla claiming that the former makes it difficult for users to switch default browsers in the Windows 10 operating system. Mozilla even went as far as writing an open letter directly to Microsoft chief executive office Satya Nadella.
According to Computer World, Internet analytics show that Edge is responsible for about two percent of all Internet traffic for the month of August.