Microsoft appears to be working on integrating a Web3 wallet compatible with cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into its Edge web browser.
In a March 17 Twitter thread, Albacore, a software documentarian and occasional information leaker, shared a series of possible Edge user interface (UI) screenshots showing the early stages of the company’s new Web3 wallet.
“The latest addition to the questionable Microsoft Edge feature, a cryptocurrency wallet, I’m not quite sure what to make of this kind of thing plugged into the default browser,” Albacore commented pessimistically.
The last of Microsoft Edge’s questionable upcoming features is a wallet for cryptocurrencies.
I’m not sure how I feel when this sort of thing pops into my default browser, what do you think?
More UI screenshots in the next tweet ➡️ pic.twitter.com/GAUPiZGLIY— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) March 17, 2023
Newest in the gauntlet of questionable upcoming Microsoft Edge features, a crypto wallet
Not really sure how to feel about this kind of thing being baked into the default browser, what are your thoughts?
More screenshots of the UI in the next tweet ➡️ pic.twitter.com/GAUPiZGLIY— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) March 17, 2023
The first screenshot is an introductory page to Edge’s wallet, with Microsoft stating, “we encourage you to test our first Web3 wallet and provide candid feedback along the way.”
If the news is true, it appears that the wallet will be non-custodial and Microsoft will not have access to passwords and recovery keys, plus it will be “embedded in Edge” instead of being an extension installed in the browser.
The attached screenshots show the ability to swap, send and buy cryptocurrencies, thanks to Coinbase, a crypto exchange, and MoonPay, a Web3 infrastructure company, presented as “integrated platforms that help you buy and deposit cryptocurrencies in your wallet” .
As for NFTs, the UI simply states that: “browse different marketplaces to find your first NFT; as you build your collection of NFTs, we’ll organize them here.”
Microsoft’s move marks another effort to significantly improve the offering and capabilities of Edge, which has lagged behind rivals such as Google Chrome and Apple Safari in terms of popularity.
On February 7, Microsoft announced the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-based search and chat engines via OpenAI’s ChatGPT as part of the new Bing and Edge browser updates.
