This Microsoft Edge update could bring some rather unexpected bloatware
Next Microsoft Edge update could be bad news for some
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The bloatware controversy surroundingMicrosoft Edgelooks set to rumble on a little while longer following news of another update.
Thebrowseris set to receive a Skype Meet Now extension icon for its toolbar that will allow users to launch avideo meetingdirectly from their window.
However, users have already noted that including such a potentially resource-heavy tool could put extra strain on older machines, and slow downMicrosoftEdge even more.
Skype Meet Now extension
Digging into the latest Edge Canary build,WindowsLatestfound the new Skype meetings launchers in the toolbar alongside several other existing extensions and services such as screen capture and download management.
The site discovered the new Skype Meet Now icon would let users launch a call with just one click, meaning no need to download other software or even sign up to the service. Users simply need to add a name for their meeting to receive a unique URL that can then be shared with others.
It does seem that the Skype Meet Now tool can be disabled from the Microsoft Edge settings menu, but it’s the latest potentially unwanted and unloved addition to the browser.
If you’re still using Internet Explorer, just please stop now, Microsoft says>These were the most popular browser extensions during the pandemic>Microsoft Edge wants to make the web more accessible for everyone
The news comes as Microsoft looks to make Edge more of a multi-faceted tool for users everywhere as it gets close to Version 100
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The company recently revealed it is working on using Edge to make it easier toinstall progressive web apps (PWAs)across multiple devices, meaning once you have installed a PWA on one device, you will then see an option to install it on other devices with a single click.
Microsoft Edge continues to perform strongly in the global browser market, with recent figures placing it on the verge ofsurpassing Apple’s Safarioffering.
The latest StatCounter numbers show Microsoft Edge is now used on 9.54% of desktops worldwide, just behindSafariat 9.84% - although both are still far behind runaway market leaderGoogleChrome on 65.38%.
ViaWindows Latest
Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.
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