When Microsoft built its revamped Edge browser on the same Chromium technology that powers Google Chrome itself, it seemed a new era of collaboration between the tech giants was upon us.
However, Microsoft’s tossed a grenade into the browser battle royale by actively trying to dissuade people from downloading Chrome as they attempt to do so. The cheek!
Edge users have started to see a notification in the toolbar that appears when they visit the Google Chrome homepage.
The pop-up says: “Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft” and includes an invitation to “browse securely now.”
That button, first spotted by Windows Central, links to a product page explaining all the ways Edge protects users’ privacy, security, and a host more features.
Considering owners of new Windows PCs or laptops may indeed browse to the Chrome homepage via Edge as they install familiar apps on their new machines, it’s likely that quite a few users will see it.
While tech companies extolling the virtues of their own products at the expense of rivals is nothing new, it’s rare to see shots taken in these circumstances, where Edge is based upon technology created by Google.