Ask HN: Why is Microsoft pushing Edge so hard? I just got a new Windows Update that revolved around pushing me to use the new Edge Browser. The update also removed my default setting for browser and when a new URL opens, there's small text under Edge that tries to persuade you to use it over the other choices. This level of insidious marketing is a pain, but more than that I'm struggling to understand why Microsoft wants me to use their browser so badly. What's the motivation? |
In the late 90's and early 2000's Internet Explore basically defined web standards. Once Microsoft decided on a new feature it became a strong candidate to be a new standard. It didn't always become a standard but developers were force to adapt their web pages to make sure they worked properly on IE. They want that power back.
If you don't use Edge they won't be able to track the web sites you visit so they can sell your data to advertisers.
Google does it too with Chrome. That's why if you visit Google sites with a non-Chrome browser they will push you to use Chrome.
And are there any ways to mitigate the amount of data they obtain when using Edge (e.g. Ublock)?