Edge 128 is now available on the Stable channel, and some users can enable it to hide the Edge bar automatically

Microsoft recently rolled out Edge 128 to the Stable channel, and with it, a significant change has people talking. The update marks the end of the followable web feature, a tool that once allowed users to easily follow their favourite websites directly from the browser.

This move by Microsoft might leave some scratching their heads, wondering why a seemingly useful feature is being removed. But as it turns out, this decision is just the tip of the iceberg in a series of updates to enhance user experience, security, and performance.

The new Edge 128 build lets certain users try the brand-new capability that automatically hides the bar when the browser is docked to the desktop. Spotted by tech enthusiast @Leopeva64, the capability was initially thought to be present only in the Canary channel of the Edge Insider Program. However, it is also available to users on the Stable channel.

Microsoft is experimenting with a feature that allows the Edge bar to automatically hide when it's docked to the Windows desktop.
byu/Leopeva64-2 inMicrosoftEdge

This update has significantly improved performance and security. With improvements to reduce CPU usage and end support for older CPUs, Edge 128 aims to provide a smoother and more secure browsing experience in the Stable channel.

Additionally, the update introduces new policies for managing Copilot’s access to browser context, reflecting Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to balance functionality with privacy and security concerns.

As the update hinted, rounded tabs might be on their way out. This potential change could signal a shift in design philosophy, away from a trend that has been popular across various software interfaces in recent years.

For those concerned about the implications of these updates on their daily browsing habits, it’s worth noting that Microsoft’s approach appears to be one of careful consideration. For example, the deprecation of the followable web feature follows reports of accidental URL leaks to Bing’s API, highlighting the company’s responsiveness to security vulnerabilities.

Moreover, the transition from the followable web feature doesn’t leave users entirely in the lurch. With version 128, Microsoft Edge continues to evolve, introducing new features and policies to enhance the browsing experience while addressing user feedback and security concerns.

You can read the full changelog here.