Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to encourage users to transition from Google Chrome to its own Edge browser have taken an intriguing turn. For years, the tech giant has employed various strategies to persuade Chrome users to reconsider their browser choice, and the latest initiative is no exception.
Watching how much you use Chrome
According to reports from Windows Latest, Microsoft has introduced a new feature in the Canary build of Edge that prompts users to pin the browser to their Windows taskbar whenever extensive Chrome usage is detected. This pop-up notification is a fresh approach in a long-standing campaign aimed at increasing Edge’s visibility among users who predominantly rely on Chrome.
The feature in question is currently experimental, and while it may not be available to all users just yet, it highlights Microsoft’s persistent ambition to capture a larger share of the browser market. One of the intriguing elements of this campaign is the internal flag titled msOptimizeChromePBSignalForPinningOnCloseCampaigns, which reportedly activates when Edge is closed. This flag is part of a broader strategy to identify users who might benefit from a gentle nudge towards Edge.
Another flag, known as msPinningCampaignChromeUsageGreaterThan90Trigger, suggests that notifications will only be triggered for users whose Chrome usage exceeds 90%. While the specifics of how Microsoft will track this data remain unclear, it raises questions about user privacy and the extent of data collection involved in this initiative.
As Microsoft continues to refine Edge with features like Copilot mode, it appears determined to implant the notion of switching browsers in the minds of Chrome users. The company’s commitment to this campaign reflects a broader strategy to enhance Edge’s appeal and functionality, positioning it as a viable alternative in a competitive landscape.
