If you’re a fan of Microsoft’s Edge Browser it’s really been a busy morning for you. Along with a newly updated Arrow Launcher for Android, the company shared Edge would be coming to IOS and Android, also providing some technical details on the matter. Joe Belfiore took to his Twitter account to expand on the announcements, sharing some more details about Edge for iOS and Android.
First, users can sign up on this website to receive more information about how to download the App on IOS or Android. The iOS version is already available and invites will be sent via Apple’s test Flight system. The Android version will be coming shortly. Subsequent tweets reveal Apple limits beta invites to 10,000 people, so only Windows insiders can download on iOS via Test Flight so Microsoft can test with PC.
Why? Because Apple limits beta to 10k people, we are initially limiting to Windows Insiders. Temporary restriction so we can test w PC https://t.co/Xt3SvudJtY
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 5, 2017
He also gave a bit more details on the requirements for downloading the app. Right now, Microsoft requires users to be Windows Insiders with a recent build of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. This is apparently verified by opening Edge on PC and checking the User Account.
Edge iOS: right now we require users to be Windows Insiders with a recent RS3 build.. we verify this by opening Edge (PC) & checking UA.
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 5, 2017
Thirdly, on both iOS and Android, Edge will only be available for phones. Belfiore says that a tablet and iPad version is on the way, but not ready yet.
Edge: On both platforms, phone-only for now. Tablet/iPad on way but not ready yet.
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 5, 2017
Importantly, as revealed in the technical post, Edge on both iOS and Android uses native web-rendering platforms. On Android, this is the Blink rendering engine from the Chromium browser project, and on iOS, this is the WebKit engine. According to Belfiore, these web-engine choices ensure the best battery life, and system integration, similar to Windows 10 PC.
Edge: on both platforms we use the native web-rendering platform for best battery life, system integration…just like on PC. ????
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 5, 2017
Belfiore also revealed that although the apps can be used with any Windows OS, the Continue on PC feature will require Redstone 3, better known as the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. This is mainly because you will need to link your phone to your PC, a key feature in the upcoming version of Windows 10.
OS versions: you can use these apps with any Windows OS, but "Continue on PC" feature needs you to complete the linking step on your RS3 PC
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 5, 2017
Lastly, Belfiore noted that Edge has been part of his team ever since the beginning, when it was Project Spartan, except while he was on his leave of absence.
Edge has been part of my team since it's very beginning… when it was "Project Spartan"! (though it wasn't while I was on leave of absence)
— Joe Belfiore (@joebelfiore) October 5, 2017
Definitely lots of exciting news today, and with the launch of the WIndows 10 Fall Creators Update looming, plus a special event at Future Decoded upcoming, things will no doubt get even more exciting in the days ahead. Keep tuned to OnMSFT for all your Windows 10 news and information, and be sure to follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook to ensure you won’t miss out!
