Microsoft Edge, the browser that has long lived in the shadows of the dominant Google Chrome, is getting an aesthetic makeover. If you're a regular Edge user (or even if you just dabble in it occasionally), you may have noticed its design feeling more in sync with Microsoft's Windows 11. Well, the changes are intentional—and they're taking frequent pit stops along the way to "modernization station." If you're excited about good design and curious about where the Edge browser is heading, buckle up!
The experimental Canary build of Edge provides a peek into what’s brewing. Now, toolbar buttons are borrowing Windows’ accent colors, boosting coherence between the browser and the operating system. Have you ever played dress-up with your desktop themes, tweaking your accent colors? Well, Edge’s experimental design updates will reflect those choices now. Imagine a painter adding the perfect final brush strokes to complement the rest of the canvas—that’s where Edge is heading!
Interestingly enough, Chrome has quietly adopted some similar customization features. But where Chrome feels subtle in its adjustments, Edge appears to be embracing the vibrant possibilities these tweaks can empower.
Features tied to Project Phoenix include:
It’s worth noting: unifying the look and usability of Edge with the greater Windows ecosystem could create an opportunity to attract disenchanted Chrome users or even Edge skeptics. Let’s face it, Chrome isn’t everybody’s favorite browser, especially as it has garnered a reputation for being a resource-intensive behemoth.
But that doesn’t mean Edge can stop there. It will need to prove itself with things that go far beyond design—performance, battery usage, and privacy will still be major battlegrounds.
WindowsForum.com Readers, What’s Your Take?
Is this design shift enough to make you use Edge as your primary browser, or have cool looks alone rarely been enough to sway your workflow? Do you think Microsoft is heading in the right direction with their Project Phoenix revamp strategy? Let us know your thoughts below and keep the conversation rolling!
Source: MSPoweruser https://mspoweruser.com/microsoft-edges-visual-is-looking-more-and-more-like-material-you/
What’s Happening?
Microsoft is reportedly leaning further into the design language of "Material You," Google's conceptual approach to aesthetic personalization that manifests prominently in Android 12 and beyond. However, don’t misunderstand this as Microsoft playing catch-up with Google. Instead, it looks more like a strategic alignment of the aesthetics of Edge with the polished design principles of Windows 11. For those of you unfamiliar, "Material You" centers around themes driven by user customizations, such as accent colors, dynamic palettes, and a harmonious overall interface.The experimental Canary build of Edge provides a peek into what’s brewing. Now, toolbar buttons are borrowing Windows’ accent colors, boosting coherence between the browser and the operating system. Have you ever played dress-up with your desktop themes, tweaking your accent colors? Well, Edge’s experimental design updates will reflect those choices now. Imagine a painter adding the perfect final brush strokes to complement the rest of the canvas—that’s where Edge is heading!
Interestingly enough, Chrome has quietly adopted some similar customization features. But where Chrome feels subtle in its adjustments, Edge appears to be embracing the vibrant possibilities these tweaks can empower.
“Project Phoenix”: An Edge for Tomorrow
Let’s talk about Project Phoenix. No, it’s not the name of the next Avengers villain. This is Microsoft’s internal initiative to modernize Edge and bring its overall UI closer to the modern and vibrant aesthetic championed by Windows 11. The overarching goal is clear: make Edge the go-to browser for people who appreciate beauty, functionality, and seamless Windows integration.Features tied to Project Phoenix include:
- Mica Effects: Ever seen that frosted glass or see-through sheen blending the app background with your wallpaper? That’s the Mica effect. Initially implemented in some builds, it was notably pulled out, but don’t despair—it could make a triumphant comeback.
- Split Screens Inside Edge: Say you’re researching airline tickets and want to compare flights directly, side-by-side in one browser window. Split-screen functionality is coming as part of the modernization to support multitaskers.
- Accent Color Integration: Here, toolbar buttons and menus evolve to hug your chosen accent color. Imagine personalizing your computing experience to resonate with your style even more profoundly than before.
Goodbye… or “See You Later,” Old Features?
Some users aren't thrilled about shifting priorities. Case in point: complaints surfaced when Microsoft removed Mica effects within vertical tab designs. While disappointing for some, this isn't necessarily a permanent loss. Refined versions—or even entirely reimagined implementations—might appear again as experiments solidify into finalized features.It’s worth noting: unifying the look and usability of Edge with the greater Windows ecosystem could create an opportunity to attract disenchanted Chrome users or even Edge skeptics. Let’s face it, Chrome isn’t everybody’s favorite browser, especially as it has garnered a reputation for being a resource-intensive behemoth.
But Wait… What Is Material You?
If this is the first you’ve heard of "Material You," here’s what you need to know in Windows terms:- Dynamic Colors: Like picking a color scheme for your Windows desktop and letting it flow into all your apps. Think of it as a palette generator just for you: unique, sleek, and responsive.
- Control with Simplicity: One of Material You’s greatest strengths is balancing customization with accessibility—you don’t need to be a graphic designer to create something cohesive and elegant.
- Origin Story: Developed by Google for Android 12, the design philosophy underscores creating unique, user-centric interfaces across multiple applications while still retaining familiarity.
The Battle Between Edge and Chrome: Design Wars
Edge's design choices aren’t just aesthetic niceties—they're an indirect challenge to Google Chrome, the beast that gobbles up an overwhelming lion’s share of global browsing activity. By leveraging design language from Material You while also offering distinctive functionality such as the Mica effects and vertical tabs intrinsic to Windows 11, Microsoft positions Edge as a unique contender: one that's tuned to combine productivity with style.Where Is Edge Headed?
In simple terms, Microsoft appears laser-focused on making Edge feel like home for Windows users. If Google Chrome is viewed as a neutral, "Swiss-Army-knife" of browsers, built for everyone, Edge is working to emotionally connect with users by fully integrating itself into Windows 11’s identity.But that doesn’t mean Edge can stop there. It will need to prove itself with things that go far beyond design—performance, battery usage, and privacy will still be major battlegrounds.
Key Takeaways
Here’s the gist of what makes this Edge redesign experiment exciting:- Customization Meets Seamlessness: Your desktop's accent color will now follow you into your browser, an underrated but visually satisfying feature.
- Gradual Deployment: Updates like these serve as puzzle pieces for the broader effort under Project Phoenix to modernize and future-proof Edge.
- Enhanced Multitasking Tools: Split-screen features will elevate Edge for users who often juggle multiple tabs in a single window.
- New Aesthetic Competition: Microsoft borrows from Google’s Material You design language and ramps it up with its distinct Mica twist, carefully threading the line between inspiration and differentiation.
WindowsForum.com Readers, What’s Your Take?
Is this design shift enough to make you use Edge as your primary browser, or have cool looks alone rarely been enough to sway your workflow? Do you think Microsoft is heading in the right direction with their Project Phoenix revamp strategy? Let us know your thoughts below and keep the conversation rolling!
Source: MSPoweruser https://mspoweruser.com/microsoft-edges-visual-is-looking-more-and-more-like-material-you/
