14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has released the very first 2020 update for the Microsoft Edge Dev channel, bringing the browser to version 81.
Microsoft says it fixed the broken favorites synchronization in Canary and Dev during the holidays, but also worth noting is that Edge Dev 81.0.381.0 introduces a series of seven new features on all supported desktop platforms.
Specifically, Microsoft says that it added a new dialog to tell users when new data is available to sync, and this improvement certainly comes in handy as Edge is now a cross-platform browser and the company wants users to install it on as many devices as possible, be they PCs or mobile.
Then, there’s a new CTRL + SHIFT + U keyboard shortcut for starting Read Aloud, as well as an option to paste multiple items into a Collection at the same time.
Stable Edge coming next week
There are improvements for enterprises as well, so beginning with this release, Microsoft Edge Dev brings a management policy for disabling Microsoft Search for Business. Also, the browser includes a Chromium management policy to disable web payment APIs in webpages.
Microsoft says it has also introduced an option to make loading specific URLs faster.
“Added a feature to suggest URLs to visit that are similar to typed URLs that result in a failed navigation due to the fact that no webpage at the typed URL exists,” the company says, adding that beginning with this update, Guided Switch suggests enabling a personal profile when clicking links that aren’t labeled as work or school resources.
As all the other Microsoft Edge Dev builds, this new release includes plenty of fixes too, including for crashes occurring at certain times, such as when syncing favorites, when clearing browsing data, or when important certain data from other browsers.
Microsoft is projected to release the stable version of Microsoft Edge on January 15.