Microsoft has a grand plan to revamp Edge apparently, and one of many attainable subsequent steps within the evolution of the net browser has simply been flagged up.
As Home windows Newest explains, the software program large has a mission with the codename of ‘Phoenix’ which has the goal of overhauling Edge, and making it look extra fashionable, however not in a single massive replace – moderately a collection of drip-fed strikes.
And one of many incoming modifications may very well be the power for the browser to morph its colour palette to match Home windows 11’s settings, the tech web site theorizes.
That is primarily based on a few flags Home windows Newest observed in a check construct of Edge from the Canary channel (the earliest preview builds).
The flags are ‘msEdgePhoenixColorPaletteGenerator’ and ‘msUseSnappingPointsForPhoenixPaletteGeneration’, so we have now the clear reference to the Phoenix mission right here.
What these flags possible confer with is the power for Edge to run a bit of ‘colour palette generator’ code that would detect Home windows 11’s accent colours or theme, and alter the browser to match that. In different phrases, Edge would dynamically change to enhance the Home windows 11 atmosphere on this respect.
Evaluation: What occurs in testing, typically stays in testing
That is educated guesswork on Home windows Newest’s half, however it is sensible to me. Keep in mind that not solely is that this early testing, however the performance isn’t even enabled in preview but, and solely current in these flags hidden away within the background. It’s attainable that nothing might come of this finally, however we will maintain a watchful eye out for additional clues.
Mica can be apparently coming to the Edge title bar, which is an opaque impact which means the bar is barely tinted by the desktop colour behind it.
Whereas all that is commendable – if it occurs – will it’s sufficient to propel Edge ahead by way of browser share? I’m on the lookout for greater strikes than this, and count on you may be too, though it actually received’t damage the possibilities of Microsoft’s browser.
To be honest to the software program large, some nifty bits have been introduced in as a part of Undertaking Phoenix prior to now, similar to Edge’s split-screen characteristic which helps you to browse two web sites concurrently, side-by-side within the browser window. Now that may be a sensible contact.
An additional level to notice right here – albeit extra minor – is one other flag Home windows Newest noticed not too long ago in testing, particularly ‘msVisualRejuvTooltips’ which possible represents a revamp of Edge tooltips. Whereas this has since been eliminated, it’s nonetheless one thing Microsoft may return to sooner or later down the road.
Moreover, Leopeva64, a supply of quite a lot of Edge rumors and leaks on X, not too long ago flagged up that the ‘Auto Image in Image’ characteristic in Microsoft’s browser is being faraway from testing (see the beneath put up).
Edge’s “Auto PiP” characteristic nonetheless works in Beta and Steady (it not works in Dev and Canary), if you wish to strive it out earlier than it stops working,here is the CLF to allow it: –enable-features=msEdgeAutoPictureInPicture,msEdgeAutoPictureInPictureTriggerhttps://t.co/dqiIlcXTq3 pic.twitter.com/UDu8LUPY7dJanuary 12, 2025
All of which illustrates precisely why modifications in testing must be regarded rigorously – not all of them make it by means of to launch by any means.
No matter occurs, it’s clear Microsoft is hoping to enhance Edge considerably with Undertaking Phoenix, however I’m hoping to see some greater items of that puzzle become visible this yr.
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