Microsoft has made a bold move by integrating a non-custodial crypto wallet into their default Edge browser. A software documenter discovered this experimental feature and went by the pseudonym “Albacore.” The screenshots released by Albacore show that the wallet has NFT functionality and integrates Coinbase and Moonpay.
In detail, the screenshots depict a user interface that includes a cryptocurrency wallet, a decentralized application explorer, a news feed, and the ability to purchase cryptocurrency via Coinbase and MoonPay. However, the feature is currently hidden and not accessible to users.
Albacore warns that Microsoft tests many features that never make it to production but confirms that the Edge wallet functions correctly. Albacore believes that a rollout of the feature is possible, given that he was able to use it without any issues.
Edge Browser’s Crypto Integration Sparks Mixed Reactions
Many users have expressed mixed feelings about this integration. Some have criticized it, claiming that crypto is a tool for fraud and has no place in a browser, let alone one shipped with the OS. Others have defended the integration, saying everything should be in the browser nowadays.
Some users have expressed concern about Edge becoming too cluttered with features, while others have lamented the bloat that has been added to the once-clean browser. Some have even expressed a desire for a variation of Edge that does not have all the “freaking nonsense.”
Despite these criticisms, some users have suggested that this integration makes sense as a first-party extension if Microsoft wants to invest in crypto. However, they also noted that it is not necessary as an integrated part of a general-purpose browser, as most users will never care about crypto.
Interestingly, some users have pointed out that Microsoft no longer seems interested in extensions, preferring to implement features directly into the browser instead. They have started integrating their existing extensions into the browser rather than making new ones.
It remains to be seen how the broader community will receive this integration. Will it attract crypto enthusiasts and drive the adoption of Edge, or will it turn off users looking for a more streamlined browsing experience?
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