Microsoft: Beta of Edge with Chromium engine is suitable for everyday use

Microsoft is releasing the first beta of its Chromium-based Edge browser. Preview versions previously appeared, but the new beta works on all Windows versions and macOS. According to Microsoft, the browser is suitable for daily use.

Now that Edge has entered the beta phase, the browser is in the final phase before the official release. It is the third preview channel, previously there were test versions in the Canary and Dev channels. Microsoft reports that more than a million people have downloaded a test version so far.

The Edge beta is the most stable version to date and new functionality will only be added if it has already been tested in the Canary and Dev channels. Microsoft will release a major update roughly every six weeks and minor updates with bug fixes and security patches appear in between. The new beta will work on all versions of Windows and macOS that still receive support. Previous versions only worked on specific operating systems.

The beta that Microsoft will release on Tuesday includes support for fourteen languages. There are also options to adjust the interface to your liking and a dark mode is available. The test version also allows installing extensions, which can be from Microsoft’s download store, or from other download stores for Chromium-based browsers. For example, extensions from the Chrome Web Store also work.

Simultaneously with the beta release, Microsoft is announcing a bug bounty program for the Beta and Dev versions of the new Edge browser. Security researchers who find vulnerabilities can receive a reward of up to $30,000.