Redmond adding support for more technologies in Windows 10

May 27, 2015 05:57 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft Edge is Redmond's new browser for Windows 10 that will be offered alongside Internet Explorer at first but that could eventually replace it completely, so it's no surprise that the company is working so hard to make it better.

After having rolled out benchmarks to prove that Microsoft Edge is faster than its rivals, today Microsoft has revealed that its new browser will come with support for Dolby Audio in order to offer high-performance audio when visiting websites and loading apps using this format.

“It allows websites to match the compelling visuals of H.264 video with equally compelling multi-channel audio. It works well with AVC/H.264 video and also with our previously announced HLS and MPEG DASH Type 1 streaming features, which both support integrated playback of an HLS or DASH manifest,” Microsoft explains in a blog post today.

Windows 10 also comes with Dolby Digital Plus codec support, so the overall sound experience in the new operating system should be greatly improved with both speakers and headphones. The sound will be louder and clearer, the company promises, and this should be valid not only for PCs but also for portable devices such as mobile phones.

Edge will be offered together with IE

Microsoft Edge will be the default browser in Windows 10, but Internet Explorer will continue to be offered just in case you come across compatibility issues that block you from loading certain websites or applications.

Microsoft says that Internet Explorer will remain a backup option and no new updates will be released for this browser, so the very same version that is available to Windows 8.1 is also part of the new Windows 10.

Edge, on the other hand, will become the number one browser and will be available on all devices powered by Windows 10, including PCs and smartphones. It will be offered as a universal app and will only be targeted at Windows devices, with Microsoft saying that right now there are no plans to bring it on non-Windows platforms, such as Android and iOS.