The Microsoft Edge browser for Android is getting a new feature, called Collections, to make working across multiple devices much easier. First spotted by India-based tech site TechDows, the feature is already available on other platforms. But it is now appearing in the beta version of the app for Android for the first time.
For clarity, this feature is billed as being geared toward research. To that end, it allows users to put together groups of links, images, and information from websites. That’s not entirely dissimilar from what Google is attempting to accomplish with tab grouping in Chrome. But there is one vital difference. Collections can be synced across devices.
Two different solutions in two variations of Chromium
As already noted, this isn’t entirely dissimilar to tab grouping in Chrome with syncing being the key differentiator. But that’s only true to an extent since these are two different solutions with separate goals in mind. Perhaps more importantly, Google’s feature isn’t ready for primetime just yet.
That’s not only because Microsoft’s solution is intended to allow the saving of links and websites but also images. Comparatively speaking, tab grouping only works with tabs for websites.
Google is building its solution to allowing high-productivity workers and users to get things done without being overwhelmed by dozens of tabs. The Chrome feature allows tabs to be organized into collections that can be re-labeled and accessed as a group. But those are locked down to a single computer and a single instance of Chrome.
Conversely, Microsoft Collections in Edge — and now in Edge for Android — take things further. They are intended to improve research capabilities across multiple devices for easy access from anywhere. Now, that can be accomplished on the go. That helps to set Edge well apart from Chrome.
Google has given no indication whatsoever that its tab groups will ever be able to be synced. That will arguably make Edge the more capable browser since both are based on Chromium code. At the very least, the feature should help Microsoft gain some traction against its long-term rival. And it may help the company gain upward mobility as a true top competitor for the title of “best” browser on the mobile platform.
When will Collections arrive in Edge for everybody and how can you get it now?
None of that is to say that Microsoft will deliver Collections in Edge for every user any time soon. Microsoft is hard at work to bring parity between its desktop and mobile browser but this is still only available in beta. For end-users, that means accessing the feature is easy but not without risks. Beta apps don’t often work as well as stable apps.
It may also not be entirely accessible either since beta signups are often limited. For those who want to try the feature now, the best bet is to navigate to Microsoft Edge in the Google Play Store. Then, users will need to scroll down to the Beta signup card and activate the beta version. Once the system recognizes the signup, the Play Store will automatically suggest or install the update.
Once available, Collections are found behind a tap on the three-dot menu at the bottom of the page. They take center stage at the top of the resulting slide-out menu and are clearly labeled “Collections.”