In April 2021, cumulative updates for Windows 10 permanently removed Edge Legacy from the operating system. Now, Windows 10 ships with Edge Chromium by default. The only device that still runs Edge Legacy is Xbox, but the old browser will not stay there for long. Microsoft plans to replace Edge Legacy with Edge Chromium in nearby future. Xbox Insiders can already test the new browser.
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Edge Chromium for Xbox brings the same benefits it offers on desktops. Users get significantly improved compatibility (you can even access game streaming services, such as Google Stadia or Amazon Luna) and faster updates. Besides, there is one more thing: mouse and keyboard support. Until now, the only way to browse the Internet on Xbox was through a gamepad. Needless to say, that is not the best experience. With Edge Chromium, Xbox owners can visit websites using traditional input methods. It is a much-needed addition to Xbox's feature set, considering that many games on Microsoft's consoles already support mice and keyboards.
You can see Edge Chromium on Xbox in action here:
https://twitter.com/tomwarren/status/1385707011300642817
Edge Chromium for Xbox with a mouse and keyboard support is currently available to Xbox Insiders in the Alpha/Skip Ahead Ring. Microsoft plans to release the browser as part of upcoming firmware updates for Xbox. Do note that Edge Chromium will not be exclusive to the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. Gamers who prefer to stay on the Xbox One/One S/One X consoles will also get the new browser.
As of now, only those with access to Skip Ahead Ring can test Edge Chromium for Xbox. Unlike the Windows Insider program, you cannot freely enroll your console in the Alpha Ring. Microsoft sends out invitations to this tier only for active members of the program.
There is no official word from Microsoft on when the company plans the global launch of Edge Chromium for Xbox. Also, we do not know how Microsoft plans to test and update Edge on Xbox in the future. Expect Microsoft to share more information in the coming months.
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