Microsoft has announced extension support in the Edge browser. This new feature allows users to quickly access to frequently used tools and information. Examples of sidebar extensions include note-taking apps, weather widgets, and news feeds. Compatible sidebar extensions will be hosted in Microsoft Store.
Microsoft invites developers to build extensions of the new type. The company noted that users will get the following benefits.
- Default Sidebar on Every Site: Users can now set a default sidebar to display consistent content or extensions across all open tabs. This feature ensures a seamless experience as the default values persist across sessions.
- Sidebar Enablement on Specific Sites: With the help of sidepanel.setOptions(), users can make their extension open in the sidebar on a specific site. This customization allows users to tailor their experience based on their preferred websites.
- Switching to a Different Sidebar: Using runtime.onInstalled(), the extension can welcome its users with a dedicated sidebar and seamlessly transition to the main side panel when they navigate to a different tab. This feature adds a personalized touch to the browsing experience.
It is easy to make your add-on run in the Edge sidebar by modifying its manifest.
Sidebar extensions can load scripts, call APIs, so developers can utilize the power of the full client side stack of technologies to build an attractive and useful tool. You can learn more by visiting the official announcement here.
Finally, Microsoft is also planning to make it easier for users to discover and install sidebar apps while browsing the web.
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