Microsoft Edge, the web browser developed by Microsoft, has announced that it will remove some features in its latest beta update. The beta version 117, which is expected to become stable on September 14th, 2023, will no longer have Math Solver, Picture Dictionary, Citations, Grammar Tools, and Kids Mode. These features were designed to enhance the user experience and provide various tools for learning, writing, and browsing. However, Microsoft said that the reason for deprecating these features is to “improve end user experience and simplify the More tools menu.”
What are the features that are being removed?
Math Solver was a feature that allowed users to solve math problems by taking a screenshot or typing them in the address bar. It also provided step-by-step solutions and interactive graphs. Picture Dictionary was a feature that enabled users to see the definition and pronunciation of a word by hovering over it with the mouse cursor. It also supported multiple languages and text-to-speech.
Citations was a feature that helped users create and manage citations for their academic papers. It supported various citation styles and formats. Grammar Tools was a feature that improved the readability and comprehension of web pages by breaking words into syllables, highlighting parts of speech, and providing reading levels. Kids Mode was a feature that created a safe and fun browsing environment for children. It offered custom themes, kid-friendly content, and parental controls.
Why are these features being deprecated?
Microsoft did not provide a detailed explanation for why these features are being deprecated. However, some possible reasons are:
- These features were not widely used or popular among users.
- These features were not compatible with some web standards or platforms.
- These features were redundant or overlapping with other existing features or services.
- These features were difficult to maintain or update.
- These features were affecting the performance or stability of the browser.
How will this affect the users?
The removal of these features will not affect the core functionality of Microsoft Edge. Users will still be able to browse the web, sync their data, use extensions, and access other features such as Collections, Immersive Reader, Vertical Tabs, and Smart Copy. However, some users who relied on these features for their specific needs may be disappointed or inconvenienced by this change. They may have to look for alternative solutions or switch to another browser that offers similar features.
