Microsoft has taken a significant leap in the mobile browser space by introducing extension support for Edge on Android. This move puts Edge ahead of its main competitor, Google Chrome, which has yet to implement a similar feature for its mobile users.
What’s New in Microsoft Edge for Android?
The latest stable version of Microsoft Edge for Android (v134.0.3124.57) now includes a built-in extension store. This feature, which has been in testing since early 2024, allows users to install and use various browser extensions directly on their mobile devices.
Available Extensions
Currently, the Edge extension store for Android offers 22 popular extensions, including:
- Dark Reader
- Bitwarden Password Manager
- Tampermonkey
- Browsec VPN
- NordVPN
- Keepa (Amazon Price Tracker)
Microsoft has labeled the Extensions section as “Beta,” indicating that more extensions are likely to be added in the future.
How to Add Extensions to Microsoft Edge on Android
Adding extensions to your mobile Edge browser is a straightforward process:
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge on your Android device.
Step 2: Tap the menu icon (three dots) in the bottom right corner.
Step 3: Select “Extensions” from the menu.
Step 4: Browse the available extensions and tap “Get” next to the one you want to install.
Step 5: Confirm by tapping “Add” when prompted.
Once installed, you can manage your extensions through the same Extensions menu. This includes options to enable or disable extensions individually and adjust their settings.
Impact on Mobile Browsing
The addition of extension support significantly expands the functionality of Microsoft Edge on Android. Users can now enjoy features like:
- Custom dark modes for websites
- Password management
- Script modification
- VPN services
- Price tracking
This development is particularly beneficial for users who rely on tablets as their primary computing devices, as it brings the mobile browsing experience closer to that of desktop browsers.
Comparison with Other Mobile Browsers
Microsoft Edge’s move to support extensions on Android puts it ahead of Google Chrome in this aspect. While Chrome dominates the mobile browser market, it has yet to implement extension support on its Android version.
Firefox for Android has offered extension support since 2023, but with a more limited selection. The now-discontinued Kiwi browser was previously the only Chromium-based mobile browser to offer extension support.
Looking Ahead
As the feature is still in beta, users can expect improvements and additions to the extension ecosystem on Edge for Android. Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing its mobile browser could potentially influence other major players in the market, including Google, to reconsider their stance on mobile browser extensions.
Microsoft Edge’s introduction of extension support on Android marks a significant step forward in mobile browsing capabilities. As users become more accustomed to customizing their desktop browsing experiences, the ability to do the same on mobile devices is likely to be increasingly valued. It’ll be interesting to see how this development shapes the future of mobile web browsers and whether it prompts similar moves from competitors.