Edge 96 is now available in the Beta channel

Microsoft Edge 96, the next major update for the browser from Microsoft, is now one step away from the public release. The company has just shipped Edge 96 for testers in the Beta channel, allowing users to preview new features and find last-minute bugs. If you stay away from preview software, expect Edge 96 to arrive in the Stable channel on the week of November 18, 2021.

What is new in Microsoft Edge 96 Beta?

Microsoft has published a changelog for Edge 96 in the official documentation. For regular users, the most noteworthy changes include the following:

• Microsoft Edge can now launch Progressive Web Apps (PWA) directly using protocol links. Edge 96 allows Progressive Web Apps to handle URLs that use a specific protocol. That provides users with a better, more integrated experience when using the browser and web apps.

• Solve complex math problems with a built-in Math Solver. After months of testing, Math Solver is finally coming to Edge Stable. The browser can help students with mathematical concepts ranging from elementary arithmetic and quadratic equations to trigonometry and calculus. Math Solver allows taking a picture of a handwritten or printed math problem for further processing. Once processed, the browser provides an almost instant solution with step-by-step instructions. Besides, Math Solver has a dedicated mathematical keyboard for easy math problems input. No need to search on the Internet how to input math characters you need.

• Scrolling improvements for PDF documents. Microsoft Edge 96 offers a better scrolling performance in PDF documents. Users will no longer see white bars when scrolling.

• Freeform highlighting in PDF documents. Built-in PDF viewer now has a tool for freeform highlighters.

You can download Microsoft Edge Beta from the official Edge Insider website. Microsoft will test Edge 96 in the Beta channel for approximately two weeks before shipping it to all users in the Stable channel.