Microsoft Edge to Relocate Address Bar to Bottom on Android Following Chrome’s Lead

Microsoft Edge on Android is poised for some exciting advancements. The company has exciting initiatives in the works, including the integration of a revamped Copilot experience that utilizes the latest ChatGPT models to enhance the Copilot web experience. Another major addition will be the support for browser extensions, and the potential introduction of a bottom-aligned address bar is also noteworthy.

Microsoft has confirmed its intention to reposition the address bar to the bottom of Edge for Android, although this feature is expected to be optional for users.

According to reports from our colleagues at 9to5Google, Google Chrome has been investigating a “bottom bar”configuration for some time. While Chrome tested this layout back in 2020, it was eventually scrapped. However, the plan is to reintroduce it for users who prefer it, allowing them to toggle between top and bottom positions via Chrome’s settings.

Currently, users can enable the bottom address bar in Chrome Canary builds on Android. This is done by activating the bottom toolbar flag, restarting the browser, navigating to Settings > Address bar, toggling the Bottom bar option, and restarting once more. Following user feedback, Microsoft aims to implement the same functionality in Edge.

In response to a question on Reddit, Microsoft representative Haibo Yu confirmed that the team is actively working on this feature after a user expressed concerns about the absence of the option to shift the address bar to the bottom. This adjustment is noted as a significant factor in the user’s potential switch to Edge on Android.

Furthermore, Microsoft has independently verified to Windows Latest that the bottom address bar feature is indeed forthcoming for Edge on Android.

The implementation of a bottom address bar is particularly crucial on mobile devices, as the screens have substantially increased in size since 2020. Users may find it more ergonomic to access the address bar at the bottom rather than stretching to the top.

Upcoming Features and Extension Support for Edge on Android

We have previously reported on the anticipated support for extensions in Edge for Android.

According to tests conducted by Windows Latest, Edge on Android is currently featuring approximately nine new extensions. These include tools like NordVPN, TouchVPN, Browsec VPN, Sponsor Block for YouTube, AIXDownloader, ADGuard VPN, ViolentMonkey, and ScriptCat, reflecting a modest yet expanding roster of extensions for Android users.

Additionally, Microsoft is developing a feature that will enable users to install multiple extensions simultaneously.

At this moment, it remains unclear when the official rollout of extension support in Microsoft Edge for Android will occur. However, users can explore the edge://flags menu and search for “extensions” in either Stable or Canary to experiment with available extensions.

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Image Credit: Windowslatest.com