Now Offering Extensions Assistance in Microsoft Edge for Android

Distinct from most Chromium-based browsers such as Google Chrome, which do not permit add-ons on mobile devices, Android users now have the ability to utilize content blockers with the latest update.

Recently, Mozilla has integrated complete add-on support in Firefox for Android. While some Chromium-based browsers do have compatibility with Chrome add-ons, specific browsers like Brave, Vivaldi, and Opera come equipped with built-in content blocking functionalities.

Upon its release in 2021, Microsoft Edge for Android did not offer add-on support, staying in line with Google’s strategy. However, the mobile browser contains default tracker and ad blocking capabilities driven by Adblock Plus.

Extensions in Microsoft Edge: KI Browser for Android

Microsoft has introduced an experimental feature in Microsoft Edge: KI Browser for Android. This feature, exclusively available in the Canary development version, allows users to activate add-ons.

As per Leopeva64’s report, the feature is still in progress. Some users who enable it will spot an Extensions menu in Edge for Android, showcasing three add-ons: Dark Reader, uBlock Origin, and Global Speed.

• Dark Reader provides dark mode support for all visited websites.
• uBlock Origin is a popular content blocking tool.
• Global Speed enables users to regulate the playback speed of video and audio content.

Nevertheless, the add-ons button might not be visible on all test systems post enabling the flag, suggesting a gradual release to all users.

Regarding add-ons support, Microsoft can opt for two main approaches: concentrating on specific add-ons as Mozilla did with Firefox for Android or expanding support to all add-ons.

Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. Prioritizing particular add-ons allows Microsoft to guarantee their smooth operation on the mobile browser, whereas enabling all add-ons broadens the browser’s functionalities, running the risk of some add-ons malfunctioning due to user interface, API, technology, or device compatibility differences in the mobile version.

Users can activate the feature with these steps:

1. Open edge://flags in Microsoft Edge for Android.
2. Search for Android Extension or locate the flag by scrolling down.
3. Enable the flag.
4. Restart Microsoft Edge for Android.

Concluding Thoughts

The experimental flag has recently been introduced in Microsoft Edge Canary, but the development may still be in progress. It might take several months or more before add-on support is available in the stable version of Microsoft Edge for Android.

Nevertheless, add-on support gives Microsoft a competitive advantage over Google, its main competitor.

Image Credit: monticello / shutterstock