Talk about the techniques of those from Redmond with Microsoft Edge, of bad techniquesI mean, it puts you in a kind of time loop similar to the one Bill Murray suffered in “Groundhog Day” (also known as “The Groundhog Day Movie”). A loop that causes tedium and a certain anger, because as I have tired of repeating on other occasions, Edge is a good browser, a good job that does not deserve to earn the rejection of users due to Microsoft’s more than criticizable policy at the time of trying to impose it on Windows users.
Over the years, we have seen how Microsoft has resorted to an endless list of tactics to retain users on Edgeoften at the cost of freedom of choice and user experience. From preventing other browsers from being set as default in Windows 11 to pop-up messages that discourage downloading Chrome, the history of Edge is marked by strategies that hardly go unnoticed. Some of these methods have been particularly invasive, such as automatically importing data from other browsers, persuasive messages when trying to switch browsers, or deciding to open links from services like Outlook or Teams exclusively in Edge, regardless of the default browser. Each of these movements has eroded user trust, while the browser has accumulated a history of controversies.
Now, in a new twist, Edge once again stands out, unfortunately, in this sense. With its latest update, the browser presents a pop-up window upon opening, suggesting to import data from Chrome to “improve the browsing experience”. The option appears preselected, making it easy for Chrome data to be transferred without the user fully realizing it. This measure has been criticized by experts and users, who consider that Microsoft is once again crossing the limits of privacy and respect for the preferences of its users.
Although Microsoft defends these initiatives by arguing that they offer a more integrated browsing experience, the underlying problem remains the same: the insistence on retaining users in their ecosystem, even when they have shown a preference for other alternatives. With each new attempt at aggressive promotion, Edge loses acceptance points, ceasing to be valued for its technical merits and being perceived, instead, as the browser that prevails rather than the one that is chosen.
For many users, the constant recommendations and lack of consideration for their preferences create an adverse reaction towards Edge. In an ecosystem where freedom of choice is fundamental, perception is key. And unfortunately, Microsoft seems to be letting its insistence tarnish what could have been a more genuine adoption of a browser which, in other circumstances, might actually be valued.
Source: www.muycomputer.com
