Microsoft Edge Coming to Linux
Microsoft is bringing it’s new Chromium-based Edge browser to Linux.
For the longest time, any Linux user needing to work with a Microsoft browser had few options. There was always IEs4Linux, but that option tended to install out-of-date, buggy versions of the software. Users could also run a version of Windows within a virtual machine, but that meant actually running Windows.
All of that changes in 2020, when Microsoft Edge comes to Linux. In the State of the Browser: Microsoft Edge session at Ignite 2019, it was finally announced that Microsoft was, in fact, bringing their new browser to Linux.
The new Microsoft browser is built around the open source Chromium browser, but this won’t simply be a rebuild and rebrand. Microsoft plans on being actively involved as a contributor to Chromium’s open source development. That means any development work done for Edge could find its way to Chromium. So, even if users don’t opt to install Edge Chromium on Linux, if they use Chromium they will benefit from Microsoft-contributed work.
Of course, one looming question remains: Will Linux users give Microsoft’s browser a chance? Only time will tell. The official release of Edge Chromium for Windows and macOS is January 15. As of now, there is no definitive release date, nor any indication as to how Edge Chromium will be installed on Linux (be it official packages, snaps or flatpaks, or some other method).
Issue 239/2020
Buy this issue as a PDF
News
-
Linux Deepin 20 Released
One of the most beautiful Linux distributions on the market has been refreshed.
-
A New Version of Zorin OS is Now Available
Fan-favorite, Zorin OS 15.3 is officially available.
-
Lenovo Now Offering Fedora Linux as an Option
Lenovo is making good on their Linux promise by adding Fedora into the mix.
-
System76 Launches new High-End Laptop
System76 has unleashed a beast of a mobile workstation.
-
Mozilla Lays Off Staff, Receives More Cash
In a restructuring move, Mozilla lays off 250 employees, but then inks large deal with Google.
-
LibreOffice 7 Now Available
The LibreOffice 7 office suite is now available with important compatibility improvements.
-
Microsoft Brings procmon to Linux
The creators of Windows have brought the sysinternals procmon tool to the open source operating system.
-
New KDE Slimbook Available
The makers of the KDE Slimbook have released a Ryzen-4000 powered laptop.
-
PinePhone Now Offers a Convergence Package
The makers of the Linux PinePhone are now offering a model that makes desktop/mobile convergence a reality.
-
Flutter is Coming to Linux
Google and Canonical have joined forces to bring Flutter to the Linux desktop.