New Windows 10 Insider Build Brings Extensions to Edge

Microsoft has released a preview of Windows 10 that will give users a preview of extensions for the Edge browser. The build includes three extension modules that Windows Insiders can sideload.

It concerns Windows 10 ‘Redstone’ build 14291, which is distributed by Microsoft to participants in the Fast Ring of the Insider program. According to the company, extension modules have been on the roadmap from the beginning of the Edge project to extend the capabilities of the browser, just as many other browsers can.

One of the extensions is Microsoft Translator, which can convert web pages into more than fifty languages. In addition, there is Mouse Gestures for linking mouse movements to browser actions. Finally, the Reddit Enhancement Suite is available, with additional functionality for Reddit. Earlier this week, Microsoft accidentally released the extensions, after which it turned out that they were compatible with Chrome’s. Microsoft has announced that extensions for AdBlock, Adblock Plus, Amazon, LastPass and Evernote are in the pipeline.

Final distribution to all Windows 10 users is likely to follow in the summer, when the Redstone expansion is released. Initially, Microsoft wanted to release support for extensions by the end of 2015, but the company was forced to postpone the functionality.

Other new features in Redstone build 14291 include the ability to pin tabs in Edge, extensions and a new interface for Maps and an updated alarm and clock app.