It's been a sneaky one, has Microsoft Edge[1].
Having emerged from the technological bosom of Google's Chromium, the new Edge appeared last year to a fanfare of irritation[2].
Some Windows customers were annoyed it was being foisted upon them.
Also: Google Chrome: It's time to ditch the browser[3]
Some even believed it was plainly malware[4].
Researchers concluded it was a purgatory of privacy issues[5].
I downloaded it fairly early on[6] and was then subject to constant pestering from Microsoft[7] to, well, download the new Edge. Which was an entirely new dimension of irritation.
Still, though I've clung to Firefox[8] as my primary browser, I've included Edge in my browser repertoire. It's proved to be a swift, responsive, and quite cheery addition.
Initially, this annoyed Google. When the misguided logged into their Gmail accounts from Edge, Google sent them a helpful message telling them that Chrome was better[9]. You know, fast, simple, and secure. Supposedly.
As the months rolled on, things seem to calm down. Google and Microsoft came to a rapprochement. Edge is now the second most popular browser[10] -- it does help that it descends upon all Windows users like manna from Seattle.
Perhaps it's Edge's swift rise that has finally made Apple[11] shriek in public.
Last week, I opened Edge, only to get a big surprise. In the top right-hand corner of my MacBook Air, there appeared a message. From Apple.
"TRY THE NEW SAFARI," shouted the headline. The text added: "Fast, energy efficient and with a beautiful