Microsoft Edge: Putting On A Show – But Who’s Paying Attention?
Alright, pay attention. Microsoft is once again boasting about its Edge browser, treating it like it’s the next big thing since sliced bread. They’ve released a “2024 Year in Review” article filled with impressive-sounding numbers that, upon closer inspection, don’t tell us much at all. Sure, there’s some excitement over AI features and conversations, but in terms of actual users? It’s still as sought after as a Sunday workout after a wild Saturday night. Let’s take a closer look and dissect this PR nonsense like a true no-nonsense Geordie.
All Talk, No Action?
So, Microsoft believes Edge has been revolutionary this year, largely due to their favorite AI tools like Bing Chat. They’re all about, “Look at us, we’re really smart,” while conveniently overlooking the massive elephant in the room: almost nobody is actually using it. They’ve been crowing about delivering 1.4 billion chat sessions since Bing Chat launched. Sounds impressive, right? Well, not so much when you realize it’s spread across millions of Microsoft accounts. If you break that down, it’s just a handful of sessions per user at most. Not exactly something to brag about.
1.7 Billion Dalle Images Generated – But Who’s Paying Attention?
Then there’s the claim about people creating “1.7 billion images” with the Dalle generative AI in Edge. Wow, how extraordinary, right? People dabbling with AI art like it’s an upgrade from Paint. I mean, hats off to anyone who’s turned their drab workdays into something more vibrant, but it’s not exactly groundbreaking. It’s just another distraction, isn’t it? Like adding glitter to a toilet roll tube and calling it art. If your grandmother can’t be bothered to switch browsers, these features clearly aren’t winning any fans.
Edge’s Market Share – Still Chugging Along
Ah, here’s the interesting part. Regardless of all this self-praise, Edge hasn’t made much of an impact on browser market share. As of October, it holds roughly 5 percent on desktops, according to Statcounter. That’s nothing to celebrate when Chrome reigns supreme at 63 percent. It’s the browser equivalent of being the last pick for a kickabout. And don’t even get me started on mobile. Edge’s presence there is so small it’s as if they’re not even trying. If you can’t entice someone to use your browser on their phones, what’s the point?
The AI Hype Train Keeps Rolling
Naturally, no Microsoft update would be complete without a lengthy monologue about how they’re at the forefront of artificial intelligence. Bing Chat this, Copilot that, “Making AI accessible to all” blah blah blah. It’s like listening to a guy in the pub ramble on about how he could’ve gone pro if it weren’t for a bad ankle. Sure, the technology is impressive, but if people aren’t engaging, all the fancy talk won’t do you any good.
They’re also boasting that about “40 percent of web searches” via Bing Chat are “multi-turn,” meaning people are asking follow-up questions. Again, seems brilliant in theory, but when you’re one of maybe three people still using Bing, it’s just noise. If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, does it make a sound? The same idea.
What’s Ahead for Edge? More Features. Fewer Actual Users.
Microsoft asserts they’ll be concentrating on “innovation-driven growth” in 2024 with even more AI features and a revamped look for Edge. Oh, wonderful. Just what we’ve all been waiting for, right? Another half-baked redesign of a browser we mostly utilize to download Chrome. It’s like wrapping a brick in wrapping paper – it’s still a brick at the end of the day.
Look, I’m all for competition in technology, but Microsoft seems to have confused “adding flashy features” with “creating something people genuinely want to use.” And if they keep spouting statistics that don’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, they’ll alienate the tiny fraction of users they may still have.
Plenty of Big Numbers, but Market Share Wasn’t One of Them
Let’s be straightforward: Microsoft Edge is like that eager lad at a CrossFit class who shows up in all the right gear, talks a good game, but can’t lift a proper barbell. They’re shouting from the rooftops about statistics and features nobody asked for, but the figures that actually count – like market share – aren’t shifting. If they’re betting on 2024 being their year, they’ve got a lot of hard work ahead. All I can say is: good luck, guys, you’re going to need it.
And if you’re foolish enough to continue using Edge as your main browser, I applaud your loyalty – even if it’s misdirected. Now, check out **[gadgetlad.co.uk](http://gadgetlad.co.uk)** for more straightforward opinions on technology. GadgetLad signing off.
