Windows 10 looks set for a radical change as Microsoft takes aim at Google

[The AchieVer]

Microsoft looks set to take on Google's web browsing dominance with a major announcement that could come as soon as this week.

 

Google continues to lead the way when it comes to surfing the web with its Chrome browser now the most popular in the world.

 

Whilst the internet giant enjoys more people using its software the same can't be said for Microsoft.

 

The firm's Windows 10 Edge browser got off to a rocky start and has never really recovered with latest stats suggesting that just 3 percent of people access the web via this software.

 

Compare that to Google's 61 percent share and you can see why Microsoft may be more than a little concerned.

 

Now it seems the Redmond company is addressing this issue with a new report from Windows Centralsuggesting that a refreshed and totally new browser is coming to Windows 10.

 

Codenamed Anaheim, this updated software could be powered by Chromium which would help website behave much more like they do when using Chrome.

 

This should stop the instability and performance problems faced by some Edge users.

 

Windows Central say they have spoken to sources who suggest 'Microsoft is throwing in the towel with EdgeHTML'.

 

There's no official word on when an announcement will take place but The Verge is reporting that it could be as soon as this week.

 

If true, it would be a huge boost for the operating system and its millions of users.

 

The news of this Edge update comes as Microsoft recently announced it was redesigning its Office 365 app icons to be more modern and "embrace a new world of work".

 

The initiative will see hugely-popular apps such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel have their icons altered.

 

Explaining the move Jon Friedman, the head of Microsoft Office design, said: "The last time we updated the Microsoft Office icons was in 2013, when selfies were new enough to become Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year and emojis were new enough to be considered buzzworthy.

 

"Clearly, a lot has changed since then — including how people get things done.

 

"Over 1 billion people from vastly different industries, geographies, and generations use Office.

 

They work on different platforms and devices and in environments that are faster, more distracting, and more connected than ever before.

 

"As a signal to our customers, we’ve evolved our Office icons to reflect these significant product changes. We’re thrilled to share the new icons for Office 365 with you today and tell the story behind their creation."

 

 

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[BimBamSmash]

I thought those Office icons looked very similar to Google Earth's current icon. I suppose they plan to do more than just copying Google's design language from now on.

 

They insist so much on staying relevant in the Browser wars, even if what they do is a clone. You'd think they collect enough user data from Windows 10 for whatever purpose they're pursuing already. I can't really see what it is about browsers that's keeping them invested so much.