Firefox vs Microsoft Edge

September 07, 2023 | Author: Adam Levine
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Firefox
The free, non-profit browser for your desktop and mobile devices. Firefox is created by a global non-profit dedicated to putting individuals in control online. We’ve always designed Firefox to protect and respect your private information. That’s why we’re proud to be voted the Most Trusted Internet Company for Privacy.
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Microsoft Edge
Search faster in the address bar. No need to go to a website to search for pictures of adorable penguins. Stay put and save time by entering your search in the handy address bar. You’ll get search suggestions, results from the web, your browsing history, and favorites right on the spot. Microsoft Edge is the only browser that lets you take notes, write, doodle, and highlight directly on webpages. Add a few secret ingredients to a recipe right on the screen to share with your fellow amateur chefs, collaborate on a new project with your coworkers, or have fun with your kids—the web is your palette.
Firefox and Microsoft Edge are two widely used web browsers, each with its own unique set of features and advantages. Firefox, developed by Mozilla, is known for its commitment to privacy and customization. It offers a wide range of privacy features like Enhanced Tracking Protection, strict cookie control, and a built-in password manager. Firefox also provides a rich selection of add-ons and extensions, allowing users to personalize their browsing experience. Moreover, Firefox has a strong focus on open-source principles, making it a preferred choice for those who value transparency and community-driven development.

On the other hand, Microsoft Edge has undergone a major transformation with its shift to a Chromium-based engine. This has resulted in improved compatibility, performance, and a familiar browsing experience for users. Edge offers seamless integration with Microsoft services, including synchronization of settings and extensions across devices. It also comes with built-in features like Collections for organizing content, a reading mode, and a secure browsing environment with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protection.

See also: Top 10 Web Browsers
Firefox vs Microsoft Edge in our news:

2023. Microsoft is bringing AI Copilot features to Edge



It appears that Microsoft is striving to establish Edge as the leading browser for business. The company recently announced several AI-powered enhancements for its Edge browser, with the most significant being the integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot. This enterprise-focused AI system will be seamlessly embedded within the browser. The main objective of Microsoft Copilot is to leverage AI technology in order to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. By accessing and analyzing various Microsoft data sources such as calendars, chats, emails, and documents, Copilot assists users through conversational requests. For instance, if you ask it to "inform my team about today's updates to our product strategy," it will generate a response based on relevant information from the day.


2023. Microsoft launches new Bing and Edge browser with ChatGPT



Microsoft is intensifying its efforts to compete with Google by making significant advancements. In an official announcement, the company confirmed the integration of OpenAI's GPT-4 model into Bing, fulfilling long-standing rumors. This integration introduces a ChatGPT-like interaction within the search engine. As expected, the updated Bing now presents a chat option in its toolbar, leading users to a conversational experience reminiscent of ChatGPT. Additionally, Microsoft is launching a fresh version of its Edge browser, incorporating these new AI capabilities into the sidebar. With this enhanced browser, internet users can now leverage AI assistance to summarize search results and engage in conversations with AI chatbots to obtain answers to their queries, among other functionalities.


2022. Microsoft’s Edge browser gets shared Workspaces



Microsoft has introduced several notable updates to its Edge browser, focusing on enhancing the user experience. Among these updates, Edge Workspaces stands out as a significant feature currently available in preview. This feature enables teams to collaborate by sharing browser tabs. Microsoft emphasizes its usefulness when onboarding new team members to an ongoing project. Instead of sharing numerous links and files, teams can simply share a single link to an Edge Workspace. This workspace will contain various links and files related to the project, offering a centralized and organized collaboration environment. As the project progresses, the shared tabs are updated in real-time, ensuring everyone stays up to date. While similar extensions have been introduced in the past, they have not gained significant popularity. It is worth noting that teams also utilize alternative methods to share links and files, such as through platforms like Confluent and others.


2022. Mozilla brings free, offline translation to Firefox



Mozilla has introduced a new translation tool for Firefox that eliminates the need for cloud processing by conducting machine learning-based translations directly on users' computers. This significant advancement is a departure from relying on industry giants like Google and Microsoft for translation services. The tool, called Firefox Translations, can be easily added to the browser. Upon initial use, it may download necessary resources and potentially update models for improved translations, but the actual translation process occurs locally on the user's computer, rather than in a remote data center.


2021. Microsoft Edge now starts up faster and gets vertical tabs



The much-anticipated vertical tabs feature in Microsoft Edge is finally available to all users. Furthermore, the updated Edge browser now offers significant performance improvements, with Microsoft's preliminary tests indicating a potential speed boost of up to 41%. To achieve this, the Edge team has implemented a background loading mechanism that initiates the browser when you sign in, allowing it to remain operational even after closing all browser windows. Should you prefer not to use this feature, it can be easily disabled to suit your preferences.


2020. Microsoft’s Edge browser is coming to Linux



When Microsoft made the decision to transition its Edge browser to the Chromium engine, it made a commitment to make it available on all major platforms. Initially, Linux was not included in that list, but towards the end of last year, it became evident that Microsoft was actively developing a Linux version. As of now, Linux users have the option to obtain the browser either from the Edge Insider website or through their native package managers. Linux users will enjoy the same Edge browsing experience as users on Windows and macOS, along with access to its integrated privacy and security features.


2020. Microsoft Edge gets a Pinterest integration, sidebar search and automatic profile switching


The Microsoft Edge browser is introducing a range of exciting new features. Firstly, it will integrate with Pinterest, enhancing Edge's collections feature. Alongside the Pinterest integration, collections will now allow users to send items to Microsoft's OneNote note-taking tool in addition to its existing Word and Excel integrations. Another notable addition to Edge is Sidebar Search, which enables users to conduct searches within a sidebar without the need to open a new tab in the main browser window. This sidebar will remain visible as users navigate between tabs, making it a convenient feature likely to be emulated by others in the future. Moreover, Edge now offers automatic profile switching, catering to users who frequently switch between personal and business accounts within the same browser on their device.


2020. Firefox gets a better password manager



Mozilla has released version 76 of its Firefox browser, introducing an enhanced password manager feature. With the updated Firefox Lockwise, users will now be prompted to enter their device password when attempting to copy and paste credentials from the "Logins and Passwords" page within the browser. Once the device password is confirmed, users can view and copy their credentials for a duration of five minutes. This additional layer of security makes it more challenging for unauthorized individuals to access password-protected websites, particularly on shared computers. Moreover, Lockwise now provides alerts for vulnerable passwords that have been compromised in known breaches, along with warnings if a website you frequent has experienced a breach where your logins and passwords may have been stolen. Furthermore, Lockwise's password generator feature has been expanded to support more websites and can assist in generating random combinations of 12 letters, numbers, and symbols for stronger password creation.


2019. Firefox gets enhanced tracking protection, desktop password manager


Firefox is introducing one of its most comprehensive series of releases designed to prevent advertisers and other entities from tracking your online activities. Additionally, these releases make it more challenging for Facebook to monitor your online behavior. By default, Enhanced Tracking Protection, based on the Disconnect list, will block all third-party tracking cookies. You have the option to choose a strict setting that may impact the functionality of certain websites, or you can customize your own settings. Furthermore, Mozilla is expanding its Lockbox password manager to include desktop support. Previously, Lockbox was only available as a mobile app, but Mozilla has now launched a Firefox desktop extension for it. The name of the password manager has also been changed to Lockwise. Currently, Lockwise provides a straightforward password management experience, although it may not offer the same extensive features as Dashlane, 1Password, LastPass, or similar alternatives.


2018. Firefox will now alert you when one of your accounts was hacked



Earlier this year, Mozilla introduced Firefox Monitor, a service designed to inform users if their online accounts were compromised in recent data breaches. By simply providing your email address, Firefox Monitor utilizes the Have I Been Pwned database to display any potential concerns and details regarding the compromised data. Today, Mozilla takes this initiative further by allowing users to sign up for alerts notifying them if their accounts appear in any future known breaches. Mozilla emphasizes that Firefox Monitor is just one of many upcoming data and privacy features planned by the organization in the coming months. With increasing user concerns about privacy and the extensive data collection practices of Google's Chrome browser, Mozilla positions itself as a neutral force in the browser market, and this approach has been well-received.

Author: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email adam@liventerprise.com