Microsoft To Bring Edge Browser To Linux

Microsoft is trying to find one more home for its revamped Edge browser. Its Technical Program Manager for web, Sean Larson, has put out a new survey on Twitter asking feedback from developers who depend on Linux for development, testing, and other stuff.

The survey asks developers what distro they prefer for development, and whether they prefer browsers for automated testing, web development or personal browsing. It also asks what things they require in a Linux web browser to meet their development needs.

The plan seems ambitious, but the tweet has bagged mixed comments from the users. While some users think it’s a great idea, others have criticized Edge for being proprietary software. Also, it seems the company is still facing the consequences of IE’s bad repo in some way.

🚨🔥We on the @MSEdgeDev team are fleshing out requirements to bring Edge to Linux, and we need your help w/ some assumptions!🚨🔥

If you're a dev who depends on Linux for dev, testing, personal browsing, _please_take a second to fill out this survey! 📝https://t.co/PCerGONmCG

— 📦🛠👷🏻‍♂️Sean Larkin (@TheLarkInn) September 26, 2019

Some Reddit users are arguing that MS Edge is just another skin for Chromium and bringing it to Linux will only add another browser to the crowd. A few others are saying it would be more helpful MSFT open sources binaries of Chromium Edge, as well as, IE and old Edge components including EdgeHTML.

Speaking of Linux distros, Google’s own Chrome and Chromium browsers are available for use. Then there are other Chromium-based browsers. But Edge Chromium is trying to stand out as Microsoft is cutting off most of the Google-related part from the Chromium source code and its own home-baked stuff. So, at least, it could be an option for those who want to have a Google-free browser experience.

Earlier this year, Microsoft began Insider testing for the browser that is currently in Beta phase and is expected to arrive later this year.

Edge Chromium preview builds are already available for Windows 10, Android, iOS, and macOS. Unlike its older sibling, the newer browser will also be available on Windows 7 and Windows 8.

With the recent plans of porting it to Linux, it seems Microsoft wants to target all the major platforms at ones. However, this doesn’t come out of the blue. We have been hearing about the possible development since April, it’s just that a new survey popping-up has made it more concrete.

Anyway, it remains to be seen how Microsoft manages to mark its presence in the ever-diverse world of Linux. The company shouldn’t rush into this as their Windows offering isn’t officially ready yet, let alone bringing Edge to other places.

Should Microsoft port Edge to Linux? What are your views?