Microsoft Edge test builds add desktop widgets to Windows 10
It seems that the developers from Microsoft intend to return the Windows 10 operating system the ability to use widgets when interacting with different applications. According to online sources, in test builds of the Edge browser, it became possible to use several experimental widgets, which remain available in other applications.
Microsoft has tried to add something similar to its operating system in the past. We are talking about “desktop gadgets,” a feature that appeared in Windows Vista and allowed additional tools to be added to the workspace area, including those created by third-party developers. Over time, Microsoft ditched this feature’s use, but it seems the idea to create something similar remained.
According to reports, some Edge Canary users now have an option to activate search widgets and vertical and horizontal options for the news panel. Moreover, the news panel displays data related to current events and content that corresponds to the interests of the user. Once activated, these widgets will be displayed on top of other Windows applications when interacting with other applications.
For example, a floating search bar can help find information of interest on the Internet without having to open a browser. As for the news widget, in addition to news, it can display information about the weather, exchange rates, etc. Widgets can be easily moved and collapsed, due to which the user can place them on the screen by his own preferences.
Since the widgets feature is currently only available to a limited number of Edge Canary users, it’s too early to talk about its appearance in stable versions of the browser.