Microsoft Edge is getting Sidebar extension support

Microsoft Edge continues to evolve with new features. The latest enhancement involves opening up the Sidebar to extension developers, granting them the ability to create extensions tailored specifically for the Sidebar. This move is set to elevate the functionality of the Sidebar and offer users an even more seamless browsing experience.

The Microsoft Edge Sidebar has already undergone significant improvements since its initial introduction. Notably, the recent addition of Bing Chat AI at the top of the Sidebar has been a game-changer. Users can now easily interact with Bing AI and effortlessly integrate it into their daily workflows.

By allowing extension developers to work with the Edge Sidebar, Microsoft is paving the way for some truly useful functionality and enhancing productivity. 

Here’s a glimpse of what developers will be able to do with the extensions:

1. Default Sidebar on Every Site: Developers will have the option to set a default sidebar that consistently displays specific content or extensions across all open tabs. These default settings will persist across sessions, ensuring a seamless experience for users. Sample code to implement this feature is readily available for developers to get started.
2. Sidebar Enablement on Specific Sites: Taking personalization to the next level, extension developers can make their creations open in the Sidebar exclusively on certain designated sites using sidepanel.setOptions(). This means users can enjoy a customized experience based on their preferred websites, enhancing efficiency and convenience.
3. Switching to a Different Sidebar: With the help of runtime.onInstalled(), developers can welcome their users with a dedicated sidebar upon installation or updates. As users navigate to different tabs, the extension can seamlessly transition to the main side panel, ensuring a smooth and personalized journey.

Microsoft emphasizes that the Sidebar page will offer the same level of flexibility as other extension pages. This means developers can load scripts, call APIs, and fully unleash their creative potential to craft unique and innovative extensions. The possibilities are endless, and this newfound freedom is sure to spark creativity and bring forth exciting new features.

Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its browser capabilities through extension support demonstrates its dedication to delivering a modern browsing experience for users. By encouraging developers to harness the power of the Sidebar, users can look forward to enhanced productivity, personalization, and convenience while exploring the web.

As the extension development community embraces this new opportunity, we can expect to see an influx of creative and practical extensions that will undoubtedly enrich the Microsoft Edge ecosystem.

Via: Windows Central