Microsoft set to replace Windows 10’s Edge with a Chromium-based browser

Back in 2015, Microsoft attempted to oust its aging Internet Explorer for Edge, a faster, lighter browser built on the more secure EdgeHTML rendering engine. Marred with early issues, as well as an overreliance on its predecessor led to a slow adoption rate in comparison to competition, causing Microsoft to reportedly rethink its approach once again in favour of Chromium.

Chromium is a browser engine popularised by Google Chrome, also used by Opera, Amazon Silk for its Fire range of devices, and a variety of other browers. By contrast, EdgeHTML not only caused headaches among the public for its constant issues, web developers themselves found its mindshare to be intolerable in comparison to other offerings.

Anonymous inside sources divulged to Windows Central that this was all set to change, revealing a Chromium-based project codenamed Anaheim. There are many uncertainties about the incoming browser, such as the whether Microsoft will retain or ditch its Edge branding or current user interface; however Anaheim will most certainly put an end to EdgeHTML and usher in the company’s first effort on Chromium.

Google Chrome users will rejoice in knowing that Anaheim will treat websites much in the same way we’ve seen before. The tried and tested engine should also result in a significantly more stable platform, with a good performance to boot. Microsoft has also recently been spotted contributing code to improve Google Chrome’s performance on ARM chips, potentially showcasing a focal point for Anaheim.

Eventually, Anaheim will supposedly act as a full replacement for Edge on Windows 10, becoming the default browser found on the operating system. For now, Microsoft still needs to finish building the mysterious Chromium-based browser ready for Insider testing.

KitGuru Says: Although this is undoubtedly a welcome shift, there’s no telling whether or not Anaheim will be able to gain some of the sizeable market share distributed across Chrome, Firefox and Opera. Still, given that two of the three are built on Chromium, it certainly puts Microsoft in the running. How do you feel about the end of EdgeHTML as we know it?

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