Windows Browsers Edge V38

Microsoft Edge 38: The Anniversary Power-Up

Released in August 2016 as part of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Microsoft Edge 38 was the version that finally "grew up." For the Chasms.com community, this was a massive release because it checked off the single most-requested feature since the browser debuted: Extensions.

The Extension Era

Edge 38 finally allowed users to customize their browsing experience via the Windows Store.

• Personalized Power: You could now install popular tools like AdBlock, LastPass, and Pinterest to make your time on Chasms.com more productive.

• App Store Security: Unlike other browsers of the time, Edge extensions were vetted through the Microsoft Store, ensuring a higher level of security and performance.

Tab Taming & Navigation

Managing a busy research session became much easier with several clever navigation tweaks:

• Pin It: You could finally "Pin" your favorite tabs. These would shrink to small icons on the left side of the tab bar, staying open even after you restarted the browser.

• Paste and Go: A small but vital "quality of life" update—you could now right-click the address bar and select "Paste and go" to save yourself an extra keystroke.

• Better History: The "Back" button received a long-press menu, allowing you to see your recent history for that specific tab and jump back several pages at once.

Notifications and Efficiency

• Web Notifications: Edge 38 integrated web notifications directly into the Windows 10 Action Center. If a site sent you an alert, it would appear alongside your system notifications, even if the browser was minimized.

• Energy Efficiency: This version was heavily optimized for battery life. Microsoft famously released videos showing Edge 38 outlasting Chrome and Firefox by hours during video streaming tests.

• Swipe Navigation: For users on tablets or 2-in-1s, Edge 38 brought back the popular "swipe to go back/forward" gesture from the IE11 days.

A Mature Modern Browser

With version 38, Edge stopped being a "work in progress" and became a true contender. It combined the speed of the EdgeHTML engine with the customization of extensions, making it a rock-solid choice for the Windows 10 era.