Microsoft Edge’s latest feature called a ‘shameless cash grab’ by critics
Many have called for Microsoft to stop adding shopping features to its Edge browser.
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What you need to know
Microsoft Edge recently gained a feature that allows people topay for online purchases in installments. It’s known as buy now, pay later (BNPL), and it’s currently in testing on Microsoft Edge Dev and Canary. The option drew criticism from fans and users of the browser that expressed frustration in the comments section of thepost announcing the feature.
The center of most complaints is the belief that Microsoft Edge is becoming bloated with shopping features rather than delivering a pure browsing experience. BNPL is optional, but its detractors are against the concept of Edge having shopping features built in.
“It’s impressive how quickly you can throw away years of hard work and good will with a ridiculous feature like this,” said vyrotek. “The Edge teams need to pause and think how they possibly thought this was a good idea. Even the Bing features are getting too aggressive.”
Cameron_Bush states asks for Microsoft to reconsider the addition. “This sounds like an awful idea that will only be seen as a shameless cashgrab are/or bloat by media outlets. I beg you reconsider pushing this to live. The negative press this feature is going to receive isn’t worth it.”
GNS722 echoed similar sentiments. “As many have mentioned above please don’t keep on adding such bloat. Edge has become a really good alternative to others but if you are going to follow this path it won’t be anymore.”
A comment by examinedliving contrasts the open nature of some parts of Microsoft with the addition of BNPL to Edge. “It seems like Microsoft had been divided into competing biblical entities. One is pure and creates things like VS Code and Powertoys. The other is the demonic beast who comes up with this ridiculous, insulting garbage.”
There are several pages worth of comments, most of which are negative. Edge hasseveral features that help people save money. Critics seem to believe that features like these should be left to extensions and dedicated websites rather than being built into a browser.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
