Microsoft is trying to nudge Windows 10 users into giving its new Edge web browser a chance, namely by harassing those who prefer Firefox.
The Suggested field in the Windows 10 Start Menu is asking PC users: “Still using Firefox? Microsoft Edge is here.”
Eagle-eyed Reddit users spotted the message and it hasn’t gone over well among those posting in the threat, which dubs the move a ‘cringeworthy suggestion’.
“I would understand if it said ”Still using Internet Explorer” but that is just nasty,” wrote Boogertwilliams. Not everyone’s upset by it though, with some Windows 10 users actually commenting on how much they’re enjoying using the reborn Edge browser (via ZDNet). “New Edge is really great. Feels just like a better version of Chrome,” wrote ringadu.
Related: Should you give Microsoft Edge a second look?
Tellingly, it doesn’t appear as if Microsoft is haranguing Chrome users in the same way. That’ll be because the new version of Edge is based upon the same Chromium framework as Google’s browser. The new Edge shares extensions with Google Chrome, supports 90 languages, offers an Internet Explorer mode, 4K streaming, improved privacy, better sound and much more. We kinda like it too.
Image credit: u/S_IV on Twitter
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has overstepped its boundaries to promote its own products, especially Edge. A couple of years back, the company attempted to override users browser preferences by ensuring all links they clicked within the Windows Mail app opened in the Edge browser.
“For Windows Insiders in the Skip Ahead ring, we will begin testing a change where links clicked on within the Windows Mail app will open in Microsoft Edge, which provides the best, most secure and consistent experience on Windows 10 and across your devices,” it wrote in a blog post, back in March 2018.
Before that, Mozilla complained that those upgrading to Windows 10 also had their default browser choice overridden by Edge.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.