Build 2015: Say Goodbye To Project Spartan, Hello To Microsoft Edge

Microsoft’s next generation web browser for Windows 10 will be known as ‘Microsoft Edge’, shedding the Project Spartan codename.

The company unveiled the new branding at its Build 2015 developer conference in San Francisco, explaining that the name ‘Edge’ reflected the cutting edge technology used in the browser.

“We chose the name Microsoft Edge as it reflects our commitment to developers to deliver a browser that lives at the edge of modern web standards and security,” said Microsoft’s executive vice president of operating systems, Terry Myerson.

Microsoft Edge browser

“Microsoft Edge is a browser built for doing, with built-in note taking and sharing; a reading pane for no distractions; and integration with Cortana. We showcased how Microsoft Edge will offer developers better discoverability of their apps and our plans for future extensibility with JavaScript and HTML.”

The new logo for Edge, a stylised ‘e’, is very similar to the Internet Explorer browser that Microsoft plans to replace. However ever since Edge’s debut in January, the company has been keen to stress the new browser represents a complete break from its much-maligned predecessor.

The browser was unveiled alongside Windows 10 in January, claiming to be a new option for the modern web with a focus on security, reliability and speed, as well as continuous updates that allow it to keep up with the latest trends.

A new web rendering engine frees Edge from “20 years of Internet Explorer legacy”, while Edge also boasts a minimalist user interface, distraction-free reading mode, annotations and Cortana integration.

It is built as a Windows Universal App, so it can work on all Windows 10 devices and is currently included in the Windows 10 Technical Preview. Earlier this week Microsoft launched a bug-hunting programme, offering users up to $15,000 if they were able to identify a bug in the browser.

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