The Windows 10 browser arrives on rival mobile phones

Oct 5, 2017 13:39 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft doesn’t believe Windows phones deserve a chance, but instead is fully committed to bringing all of its apps to Android and iOS, so today the company is announcing a new version of Edge browser specifically aimed at rival mobile platforms.

Microsoft Edge for iOS and Android comes with the essential features available in the PC build, and allows you to sync favorites, reading view, and other content from the desktop to your mobile phone.

Furthermore, Microsoft Edge allows users to resume from where they left off on a PC, which means that you can start browsing on a desktop computer and then open the pages on a mobile phone when you leave the room.

Microsoft Edge for iOS is available right now in preview via Apple TestFlight, while the Android beta build will arrive at a later time. You first need to sign up for the preview here.

The browser will only be offered in English at first, but more languages will be released as the project advances. Also, some features like roaming passwords and support for iPad and Android tablets will not be included in the first versions as they require additional work.

Based on customer feedback

The Redmond-based software giant says bringing Edge browser on Android and iOS is one very popular request, so it does this because it listens to customer feedback.

“One of the most common requests we hear from people who use Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 PCs is ‘we want our browser experience to move to our phones’. You spoke, we listened,” Microsoft says.

On the desktop, Microsoft Edge is way behind its rivals and it’ll certainly have a hard time competing against the likes of Google Chrome and Safari on Android and iOS. Microsoft hopes that content sync between PC and mobile will impress users, but similar features are already available on both platforms.

It remains to be seen how Edge will be received by the Android and iPhone communities, but what’s certain is that those who still stick with Windows phones won’t be happy with today’s announcement.

Edge for Android and iOS will provide content sync between mobile and PC
Edge for Android and iOS will provide content sync between mobile and PC

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Microsoft Edge for Android and iOS
Edge for Android and iOS will provide content sync between mobile and PC
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