Windows Browsers Edge V20.1

Microsoft Edge 20: The Spartan Debut

Released in July 2015 as part of the initial Windows 10 launch, Microsoft Edge 20 (originally codenamed "Project Spartan") was a clean break from the past. For the Chasms.com community, this version represented a "reboot" of the Microsoft browsing experience—trading the heavy legacy of Internet Explorer for a lightweight, minimalist powerhouse.

The New EdgeHTML Engine

Edge 20 introduced the EdgeHTML engine, which was built for the modern web.

• Legacy-Free: By stripping out millions of lines of old code meant for "Internet Explorer only" sites, Edge 20 became incredibly fast and lean.

• Speed King: Upon release, Edge 20 famously beat Google Chrome in several JavaScript benchmarks, proving that Microsoft was back in the performance race.

Web Notes and Inking

Edge 20 wasn't just for reading; it was for interacting.

• Doodle on the Web: The standout feature was Web Notes. You could click a button to "freeze" a webpage and then draw, highlight, or type notes directly onto it using a stylus or your finger.

• Save and Share: Once you were done marking up a guide on Chasms.com, you could save the annotated page to OneNote or share it instantly with a friend.

Cortana and Reading View

• Cortana Integration: Microsoft’s digital assistant was built directly into the browser. If you highlighted a restaurant name, Cortana would pop up with directions, hours, and reviews without you ever leaving the tab.

• Reading View & List: Like its predecessor, Edge 20 featured a beautiful, book-like Reading View. It also introduced the Reading List, a dedicated space to save articles you wanted to catch up on later, synced across all your Windows 10 devices.

• Hub View: Favorites, History, Downloads, and the Reading List were all unified into a single "Hub" icon, keeping the main toolbar clutter-free.

A Bold New Direction

Edge 20 was the browser that proved Microsoft could innovate again. It was sleek, touch-friendly, and focused on productivity, setting the stage for the deeply integrated "Universal Windows Platform" era.