Microsoft has already begun testing a new version of its Edge browser on Xbox consoles. The software giant earlier this month provided Xbox Insiders with access to the Chromium version of Edge, providing an early browser with improved appearance for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
According to the testers of this early version, they have been able to test Discord, Stadia, and other network services internally on Edge running on Xbox. It’s like running the full version of Edge on a PC on a TV.
Join our channel on Telegram
The Xbox version of Edge looks almost the same as the Edge you find on a PC or Mac now. It even includes functions such as vertical tabs and favorites. Just like Edge on PCs and mobile phones, the Xbox version will also sync all your settings, favorites, tags, and web history.
Extended support is currently the only big feature that is really missing. We don’t know if this is a general limitation of the Xbox version, or whether Microsoft may implement it after this Chromium version is ready for release. In either case, if you try to add a Chrome or Edge extension, it will fail.
This new version of Edge greatly improves network compatibility. This allows services like Discord, Skype, and even Google Stadia to run on the Xbox version of Edge. Discord will let you join voice calls and participate in text channel chats, but there is currently no microphone support.
This is a very early version, so it is likely to be supported eventually. Similarly, if you switch to another game or application, the Discord call in the Edge browser will not continue in the background.
Google Stadia’s work is very smooth, testers have been able to use the service to stream multiple games, and Xbox handles are automatically detected and supported in the game. The tester also tried to use Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming service, but Nvidia seems to block the Edge user agent string, and there are no developer tools or extensions that the tester can bypass.
The tester also tested the Office web application in the Xbox version of Edge. They work as reliably as you would expect, and you can even connect the keyboard to the Xbox and type. Unfortunately, this Edge browser does not yet support the mouse. This appears to be part of a broader restriction on Xbox apps to access the mouse on Microsoft game consoles, so it is not clear whether this will be fully supported in the future.
Edge on Xbox is currently based on Chromium 91 and is expected to debut on the desktop version of Edge in May. However, Microsoft has not yet revealed when it plans to release this Xbox version. This Edge browser has been greatly improved compared to the traditional version currently existing on Xbox.
Comprehensive synchronization support, network compatibility, and general interface have been greatly improved. Although Xbox usually provides dedicated streaming media applications for most services, this Edge update is useful for many people who want to access all the services the network provides.
