Microsoft Edge Enhances Shopping Experience with New Tools
Microsoft has rolled out significant updates to its Edge browser, introducing innovative shopping features just in time for the holiday season. These enhancements include expanded price comparison capabilities, automated coupon discovery, and a dedicated shopping hub in Bing search.
Key Shopping Features in Microsoft Edge
1. Smart Price Comparison
- Now runs continuously in the background
- Displays a badge in the URL bar when better prices are available
- Instantly confirms when you’ve found the best deal
While the feature shows promise, early testing reveals some limitations:
- Works reliably for single-SKU Amazon products
- Struggles with items having multiple variations (colors, sizes)
2. Automated Coupon Finder
- Aggregates discounts from major coupon sites (RetailMeNot, Slickdeals)
- Attempts to apply valid coupons at checkout automatically
Current limitations:
- Primarily shows sitewide coupons rather than product-specific deals
- May require refinement for more precise matching
3. Bing Shopping Hub
Microsoft has launched a new shopping deals portal within Bing, offering centralized access to holiday promotions.
Additional Browser Enhancement
Microsoft has also introduced a URL shortening feature:
- Converts long URLs to concise hyperlinks with website titles
- Option to revert to full URL via context menu
This update follows Microsoft’s earlier announcement about integrating price comparison tools into Edge.
User Experience Insights
While these tools show potential, early adopters should note:
- Features may require refinement for consistent performance
- Some users may prefer to disable certain automated functions
- The technology appears most effective for straightforward product searches
These shopping-focused updates position Microsoft Edge as a more competitive option for online shoppers, particularly during the extended holiday shopping season.
