14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to browsers, Microsoft isn’t building only a Chromium-based version of its own Edge, but also new extensions that would provide users with access to its services, regardless of the app they use to navigate the web.
This week, for example, signs of new functionality bundled into the Office extension for Google Chrome made the rounds, revealing that Microsoft might be working on a tool that could eventually land as an alternative to Grammarly.
At this point, Grammarly is one of the leading spelling and grammar checking services on the market, and it’s also available through dedicated extensions that can be installed in browsers. This is actually what Microsoft might be aiming for as well, as the new so-called Microsoft Editor could be bundled into the Office extension to help improve writing skills.
“The Microsoft Office extension now includes Editor, which uses an online service that checks your writing and offers suggestions as you write on most websites,” the description of the new feature reads.
Currently in preview stage
Once enabled, the extension allows users to configure spelling and grammar verification, but also a so-called “check for refinements” option that most likely helps further improve writing with other suggestions. Of course, users can select the proofing language, enable synonyms on spelling suggestions, and also set up blocked sites where proofing wouldn’t be offered.
For the time being, however, the new functionality appears to be available to just a limited set of users. Installing the Google Chrome Microsoft Office extension doesn’t enable the Microsoft Editor preview, so most likely Microsoft will offer access to this option in stages to testers.
The Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser will also support this extension given it’s based on the same engine as Google Chrome. Microsoft’s new browser is projected to launch in mid-January.