14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is working to improve Edge browser for the upcoming Windows 10 Redstone 2 update, and one way to do that is by making it more secure with a new feature internally codenamed Barcelona.
Confirmed at the Ignite conference, the new feature is basically an implementation of container-based isolation in the browser that makes it possible to isolate threats found online in containers, thus preventing them from harming the system and spreading across the full network.
ZDNet reports that Microsoft is calling this feature “Windows Defender Application Guard” and plans to start testing it in early 2017 with enterprises have that already expressed interest in it.
To be tested with help from insiders
This isn’t the first time we hear about container-based isolation in Windows 10 and the company has previously posted job ads to look for senior program managers for its operating system engineering team, with the focus specifically on bringing containers on Windows clients.
“There are a large number of client focused scenarios, currently unannounced, where Containers form the core pivotal technology providing security, isolation and roaming ability,” one job ad read.
“The Senior Program Manager who takes this challenge will own and drive the end-to-end container scenarios across Windows client. This includes driving large cross group initiatives to deliver a complete customer-focused vision.”
Microsoft is planning to release this new feature to users participating in the Windows Insider program, but it’s not yet clear when a new build with such functionality would be shipped. For the moment, Windows 10 Redstone 2 builds are still setting the foundation for new features, as Microsoft is working on the core part of the update, while more significant updates are expected in the coming weeks.
Windows 10 Redstone 2 is due to arrive in the spring of 2017, but work has already started as part of the Insider program, with several important features, including OneDrive placeholders, likely to be released and previewed in the coming builds.