Microsoft Edge Receives Vertical Tabs and Performance Boosts

One year following the initial announcement, Microsoft has released vertical tabs for its Edge browser, making them generally available to users.

Alongside this feature, the Edge development team has implemented several internal optimizations designed to significantly accelerate browser startup times. Microsoft’s initial testing indicates improvements of up to 41% in startup speed.

This speed enhancement is achieved by pre-loading the browser in the background upon user sign-in, allowing it to remain active even after all browser windows are closed. Users who prefer not to utilize this functionality can easily disable it within the settings.

Startup Improvements Rollout Schedule

While vertical tabs are immediately accessible, the performance improvements will be deployed gradually throughout the current month.

Image Credits: Microsoft

The concept of vertical tabs isn't novel; numerous other browsers have already incorporated them, either natively or through browser extensions. However, their inclusion in Edge represents a welcome addition to the browser’s functionality.

According to Microsoft’s Michele McDanel, the decision to implement vertical tabs stemmed from observing the significant amount of unused whitespace on either side of most webpages. The team hypothesized that this vertical space could be more effectively utilized for tab display, moving away from the conventional horizontal arrangement.

Image Credits: Microsoft

User research revealed a preference for seamless switching between vertical tabs and traditional horizontal tabs. Consequently, Microsoft has integrated a persistent toggle for easy mode selection.

Furthermore, recognizing the need for maximized screen real estate, the team has also provided an option to collapse the sidebar when not in use.

Bing Search Engine Updates

For users of the Bing search engine, Microsoft is introducing several new features. These include a dedicated recipe view, enhanced visual search results, and a refreshed design for rich sidebar snippets, presenting information in a more visually engaging, infographic-style format.

However, it’s acknowledged that Bing is not the dominant search engine of choice for many users. Further details regarding these updates can be found on the official Bing website.

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