14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Edge is Redmond's new weapon in the browser war, but while the Internet Explorer replacement does come with several new features, it doesn't necessarily mean that Google and Mozilla agree to just sit and watch their apps losing users.
Instead, the latter has just introduced a new feature that provides enhanced tracking protection when browsing the web, trying to take the famous “Do Not Track” setting to a completely new level.
As our resident web expert Catalin Cimpanu reported to you this weekend, the latest Firefox developer edition introduces a new tracking protection feature that blocks ads from collecting user data when running in Private Browsing.
In addition to deleting search queries, cookies, and temporary files when the Private Browsing window is closed, the new feature also prevents websites and services from collecting data through ads, analysts, or other online content. This feature is turned on by default and is expected to be part of Firefox 42 when it launches in stable form.
Ad blocker in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge also comes with its very own Do Not Track feature that sends a signal to websites in order not to collect any user data.
Also, it's a well-known fact that Microsoft was one of the pioneers of DNT, implementing this feature in Internet Explorer 10 and turning it on by default, a change that led to criticism from advertisers who were basically trying to serve relevant ads to users based on the information they collected.
But for Microsoft Edge, this feature is not enough and users are asking the company to introduce an ad blocker which can help not only protect their identity online, but also provide a cleaner experience no matter the website.
Chances are that Redmond won't include such a feature in Windows 10, but the more votes, the bigger the chances to see it considered. Extension support, however, will create new opportunities for Edge browser, so expect ad blockers to be available too when this feature arrives later this year.
