Microsoft is reportedly working on integrating a native cryptocurrency wallet in its Edge web browser, according to Twitter user Albacore. The wallet is described as a “non-custodial crypto wallet” that offers a simplified experience and “integrated security features” to protect users from insecure addresses or apps. Testers selected by Microsoft can create a new wallet or restore a wallet, with Microsoft providing introductory pages that explain the functionality and set up everything in the browser.
Newest in the gauntlet of questionable upcoming Microsoft Edge features, a crypto wallet 💸
Not really sure how to feel about this kind of thing being baked into the default browser, what are your thoughts?
More screenshots of the UI in the next tweet ➡️ pic.twitter.com/GAUPiZGLIY— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) March 17, 2023
Features
Features of the Crypto Wallet include a watchlist to track different cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, the ability to buy currency on different marketplaces, with Coinbase and Moonpay initially supported, and options to add custom tokens and check out crypto-related news right from within the wallet. The wallet can be accessed via the internal edge://wallet/crypto address but needs to be unlocked by Microsoft before it becomes available.
Edge vs Brave Browser
Microsoft Edge would not be the first web browser with integrated crypto support. Brave browser, another Chromium-based browser, already offers built-in cryptocurrency support. However, unlike Brave, Microsoft has not integrated a rewards system into the browser. Brave rewards users for seeing Brave Private Ads in the browser, allowing them to earn the BAT (Basic Attention Token) cryptocurrency.
Microsoft has been busy in recent months, introducing new features to its Edge web browser, including the Bing Discover button, Super Video Resolution, Microsoft Secure Network, Text Prediction and Microsoft Edge Drop. Some of these features have landed in stable versions of Edge, while others have been introduced to testers. Moreover, as crypto continues to gain acceptance and adoption, more companies may follow Microsoft’s lead in offering integrated cryptocurrency wallets in their products.
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