📢 Microsoft Edge (Beta) Version 117.0.2045.9: What's New and Improved

What's New and Improved in Microsoft Edge (Beta) Version 117.0.2045.9

Feature Updates

1. Microsoft Edge for Business

The Edge for Business initiative is a bespoke experience tailored for organizational use. This enhancement ensures employees can navigate the web productively and securely. One of its standout features is the Automatic Switching mechanism, which distinctively separates work and personal browsing.

The current release makes it even more intuitive. Now, it won't just switch from personal to work browsing, but will also do the reverse - transitioning from work to personal browsing based on login credentials. More about this can be found in the Microsoft Edge for Business section.

2. Smart Find

The era of tirelessly scanning a page for a single word or phrase is coming to an end. With the integration of AI in the search function, even if users make a typo or misspell a word, Edge will suggest related matches.

Just select the suggested link, and it takes you straight to the required word or phrase on the page. This feature can be toggled on or off by admins through the RelatedMatchesCloudServiceEnabled policy. More on this in the Smart Find section.

3. E-tree in Wallet

A blend of technology and environment-consciousness, this feature lets users nurture a virtual seed in their Edge Wallet, eventually resulting in the planting of an actual mangrove.

However, this is gradually being rolled out, so not everyone will see it immediately. The availability can be controlled by admins using the EdgeWalletEtreeEnabled policy.

4. Deprecation of Features

Simplicity is often key to efficiency. To declutter the 'More tools' menu and enhance the user experience, several features are bidding adieu. These are Math Solver, Picture Dictionary, Citations, Grammar Tools, and Kids Mode.

Policy Updates

New Policies Introduced

• AllowSystemNotifications: This policy will permit system notifications.
• EdgeWalletEtreeEnabled: Control the E-Tree feature in the Edge Wallet.
• GamerModeEnabled: Gives an option to enable the Gamer Mode.
• SearchbarAllowed: Allows the usage of the Search bar.
• SearchbarIsEnabledOnStartup: Enables the Search bar right from the Windows startup.
• ShowHistoryThumbnails: This will show thumbnail images for browsing history.
• UploadFromPhoneEnabled: Users can upload files directly from their phone to the Microsoft Edge desktop.

Obsolete Policy

• WebSelectEnabled: This policy has now been marked obsolete.

In conclusion, Microsoft continues to enrich the Edge browsing experience with its consistent updates. This beta version showcases a blend of utility, simplicity, and sustainability, ensuring both personal and business users find value. As with all beta versions, user feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final product. So, if you're on the beta channel, your voice can make a difference!