Skip to main content

Microsoft Edge will halt Flash-based objects in Windows 10 Anniversary Edition

Microsoft released Build 14316 of Windows 10 to insiders on the Fast ring just days ago, and revealed that the company released two new extensions for the Microsoft Edge browser while updating three existing extensions. What the company did NOT reveal in its launch announcement was a specific change it made to the browser: auto-pausing content that is not central to a web page. Essentially, the browser will pause Flash-based animation and will require the user to click on the content if he\she wants it to play.

So why has Microsoft made this change? According to John Hazen, Principal Program Manager Lead of Microsoft Edge, this move will not only “significantly” reduce power consumption, but improve the performance of the browser and web page. However, not all Flash objects will be loaded in a paused state. Games and videos that are “central” to the page will not be touched by the Edge browser.

Recommended Videos

While Flash has been the centerpiece for Internet-based animation for decades, it’s become ancient and rather unsafe technology. Flash has been the target of hackers for years, who seemingly dissect every version Adobe releases and finds a way to infiltrate the software and the resulting computers of Web surfers. HTML5 is the rising replacement, requiring absolutely no additional software but instead a modern browser that supports it.

Microsoft introduced the Edge browser with the launch of Windows 10 in July 2015. It’s the company’s take on a “modern” browser that was built from the ground up to support modern Web technologies like HTML5. The company still offers Internet Explorer, but the aging browser sits on the sidelines, waiting for the user to visit a “legacy” website that doesn’t use new technologies. That said, Edge does not support the likes of Browser Helper Objects, Active X, and other old Internet tech.

Microsoft introduced extensions last month to the Insider Preview program, which are expected to go live to the general public this summer. As reported earlier this week, Microsoft has updated Microsoft Translator, Mouse Gestures, and Reddit Enhancement Suite extensions while adding two more to the list: Pin It Button and OneNote Clipper. Extensions are typically safe to install and use, and expand the overall function of the browser itself.

As for pausing Flash-based objects in Microsoft Edge, the move isn’t surprising given that even Adobe is pushing for overall support of HTML5 instead of Flash. The company joins Google, Apple, Mozilla, Microsoft, and numerous other organizations in a movement for a safer, less power-consuming Internet.

Kevin Parrish
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 gaming monitor is 55% off, but there’s a catch
Samsung's Odyssey Neo G7 on a desk.

The 43-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 gaming monitor is an excellent display for gamers, but it's not always available with a discount from monitor deals, and it's pretty expensive at its original price of $1,000. However, we've found a way for you to get it with a 55% discount, and that's to take advantage of Samsung's open box pricing so that you'll only have to pay $450. That's a massive $550 in savings, and you don't have to worry about the quality of the gaming monitor -- open box products still look brand new and are tested to be working properly. You need to hurry though, as stocks are limited!

Why you should buy the 43-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 gaming monitor

Read more
This quirky AI-powered camera prints poems, not photos
The Poetry Camera.

The Poetry Camera is an ingenious device that doesn’t take photos but instead makes poems.

The clever contraption features a lens that observes its surroundings before using AI to craft a poem inspired by the scene. It then prints the verse through a slot on the front -- similar to how a Polaroid camera delivers photos. You can see it in action in the video above.

Read more
I loved this AI-first web browser, but experts warned me of ‘free’ AI
Launch screen of Dia browser.

“If you're not paying for the product, you are the product.” 

Bogdan Onikiienko, an engineer at MacPaw, dropped that hard-hitting quote on me after using Dia, a new-age web browser that heavily relies on AI. He found it quite useful, but warned me that there are still a few unknowns, especially the privacy aspect.

Read more