Summary of Key Insights
- Microsoft Edge enjoys generally positive sentiment, with a high percentage of 5-star reviews. Users appreciate its integration with Microsoft services, AI features (Copilot), customization options, and security features.
- Key weaknesses include issues with ad blocking effectiveness, forced integration, UI/UX problems, downloading issues, and specific feature requests like status bar hiding and better country recognition.
- While many users praise the AI features, some experience problems with their functionality.
- There is a mixed response to the app, with some users expressing strong dislike due to forced usage and perceived bloatware.
Overall Rating: High (based on review distribution)
Score Distribution:
- 5-star: 62%
- 4-star: 11%
- 3-star: 5%
- 2-star: 3%
- 1-star: 19%
Data & Methodology Overview
- Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
- Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but assumed to be recent based on the version number and references to features like Copilot.
- Analysis Methods: Qualitative analysis of review text, focusing on sentiment identification, keyword extraction, and categorization of user feedback.
Key User Pain Points
- Ineffective Ad Blocking: Several users complain that the built-in ad blocker is not powerful enough and request the option to use uBlock Origin. This impacts browsing experience by exposing users to unwanted ads.
- Forced Integration/Bloatware: Some users resent the forced integration of Edge, particularly in Windows, where links from other Microsoft apps open in Edge regardless of the default browser setting. This leads to frustration and a feeling of being forced to use the browser.
- UI/UX Issues: One user highlighted a severe UI/UX issue related to hidden menu functionality (vertically scrollable menus), causing significant user frustration and wasted time. Another user reported problems with trackpad scrolling on Galaxy Tab keyboards.
- Downloading Issues: One user reported that downloads disappear when the app is left, making it unreliable for downloading files.
- AI Tool Issues: Some users report that the AI tool (Copilot) is not responding.
- Permission Issues: One user complains about mandatory microphone permission requirements for attaching photos.
- Country Recognition Issues: One user experiences problems with the app not saving country choices, leading to incorrect search results.
- Text-to-Speech Issues: One user reports that the text-to-speech feature skips paragraphs.
- Settings Menu Bug: One user reports that the settings button brings up the favorites menu instead.
- No 120hz Support: A user is requesting 120hz support.
- App crashes: App crashes on nothing phone 3a.
- Local search issues: Inaccurate local search results, with a lot of adds at the top of the search page.
Frequently Requested Features
- Status Bar Hiding/Immersion Mode: The most frequently requested feature is the ability to hide the status bar while browsing to increase screen estate and immersion, similar to Samsung Internet.
- More Powerful Ad Blocker (uBlock Origin Support): Users want a more effective ad-blocking solution.
- Home Button: User prefers a home button next to the address bar.
- Vanishing Tabs: A user suggested a "vanishing tabs" feature where unused tabs disappear after 24 hours.
- Translation in App: User requested in-app translation like Chrome.
- Address Bar at the Bottom (option): While previously available, a user reports that this feature has been removed and is requested to be brought back.
Strengths and Positive Aspects
- Integration with Microsoft Services: Users appreciate the seamless integration with other Microsoft services, especially for users heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
- AI Features (Copilot): The built-in Copilot is a significant draw, with users praising its ability to summarize information, answer questions, and generate images.
- Customization Options: Users like the ability to customize settings and use extensions.
- Security and Privacy Features: Security features like InPrivate browsing, tracking prevention, and Microsoft Defender Smartscreen are appreciated.
- Ease of Use: Many users find the browser easy to use and navigate.
- Performance: Some users find it fast and resource-efficient.
Prioritized Action Recommendations
High Priority:
- Address UI/UX Issues: Fix the hidden menu functionality and trackpad scrolling issues immediately. These are critical usability problems causing significant frustration.
- Improve Ad Blocking: Invest in a more powerful ad-blocking solution, potentially by integrating uBlock Origin or a similar technology.
- Fix Downloading Issues: Resolve the issue where downloads disappear when the app is left.
- Resolve AI Tool Issues: Investigate and resolve the problems with the AI tool (Copilot) not responding.
- Address Permission Issues: Review the necessity of mandatory microphone permission for attaching photos and find alternative solutions if possible.
Medium Priority:
- Offer Status Bar Hiding Option: Implement the requested status bar hiding/immersion mode to enhance the browsing experience.
- Improve Country Recognition: Fix the problem with the app not saving country choices for search results.
- Text-to-Speech Bug: Fix the text-to-speech bug that skips paragraphs.
- Address Settings Menu Bug: Fix the bug that causes the settings button to open the favorites menu instead.
- Consider "Vanishing Tabs" Feature: Evaluate the feasibility of implementing the "vanishing tabs" feature.
- Resolve App Crashes: Resolve the app crashes on specific devices.
- Improve Local Search: Improve local search results and reduce the number of adds at the top of the search page.
Low Priority:
- Consider Home Button Option: Evaluate the demand for a dedicated home button.
- Add In-App Translation: Consider adding in-app translation.
- Reintroduce Address Bar at the Bottom (option): Reintroduce the option to have the address bar at the bottom.
- Investigate 120hz Support: Investigate whether to implement 120hz support.
Opportunities for Startup Ideas
- Contextual Ad Blocker: A startup could develop an AI-powered ad blocker that dynamically adjusts its blocking based on the user's browsing context, aiming for a less intrusive and more effective ad-blocking experience.
- Privacy-Focused Browser Extension Marketplace: A marketplace specializing in privacy-focused browser extensions, offering curated and vetted extensions that enhance user privacy without compromising functionality.
- AI-Powered Browser Customization: A service that uses AI to learn user preferences and automatically customize browser settings, extensions, and appearance for optimal browsing experience.
Trends and Observations
- Strong Sentiment Divide: While the overall sentiment is positive, a significant minority expresses strong negative feelings due to forced integration.
- AI Feature Dependence: Users are increasingly reliant on and interested in AI-powered features like Copilot.
- Privacy Concerns: Privacy remains a key concern for users, highlighting the importance of robust privacy features.
- Feature Parity with Desktop: Users expect feature parity between the desktop and mobile versions of the browser.
- Language Preferences: Reviews are primarily in English, but some are in other languages, indicating a global user base.
Conclusion
Microsoft Edge enjoys a generally positive reception thanks to its integration with Microsoft services, AI features, and security. However, addressing the key pain points related to ad blocking, forced integration, UI/UX issues, and specific feature requests is crucial for improving user satisfaction and attracting new users. Prioritizing the action recommendations outlined above will help Microsoft Edge solidify its position as a leading mobile browser.
Original App Link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.emmx