In today’s episode of browsers vs URLs, we have Microsoft Edge, the default browser for Windows following up after Google’s Chrome in trimming URLs displayed on the address bar. In a previous article, I discussed about Google’s on and off pursuits on this since years, and how it continues doing it despite the relentless backlash and user frustration.
The reason Google gives is that this feature improves security as it apparently makes it harder to trick users with spoofing and cybersquatting of domains.
And now, even Edge has started experimenting with it – lopping off the ‘https’ and ‘www’ keywords, as well as showing just the domain name instead of the whole URL. Example, www.domainmagazine.com/stitle-of-some-post-you-are-reading will display as just domainmagazine.com.
For now, the feature is only being tested on Canary channel users of Edge. However, unlike Google, Microsoft is asking for feedback from Canary users before rolling it out to general users.
In a post on Reddit by Edge’s official account, they acknowledge the mixed reactions from several users, and encourage them to post their feedback from either the browser or through comments under the post.
“To better understand any frustrations, could y’all submit feedback through the browser so the team can have eyes on it? You should to do it from Canary since that’s where this is currently available. Holding Alt+Shift+I on Windows (or … menu > Help and feedback > Send feedback) will bring up the feedback tool. In your description, detail why this is counterproductive for you and any thoughts you have on how to improve the functionality of this feature.”
If you use Edge, what do you think of it? Let us know in the comments!
