Microsoft Edge appears to have a built-in cryptocurrency wallet, according to screenshots of a beta version of the browser. The images of the feature indicate that it is only intended for internal testing.
The Microsoft wallet is still being tested
To enable users to store, transmit, and receive cryptocurrency cash as well as store NFTs, it is said that Microsoft is implementing a Crypto Wallet functionality into its Edge browser.
The function was discovered by Twitter user @thebookisclosed, who has a history of locating current but-disabled features in anything from fresh Windows 11 releases to old Windows Vista betas.
According to “Windows Central,” references to Microsoft internal testing suggest that the new Crypto Wallet functionality is still under development.
The crypto wallet is “integrated into Edge, making it easy to use without installing any extension,” and it can handle many kinds of cryptocurrencies, according to the screenshots. Moreover, it will keep track of transactions and changes in the value of each of your separate currencies. You may read news articles on cryptocurrencies under the “explore” page, and you can admire your NFTs under the “assets” tab. The wallet is “non-custodial” (also known as “self-custodial”), which means that you are in charge of and alone responsible for the recovery keys and passwords that grant access to your money. If you forget your login information, Microsoft will be unable to re-enter you.
The wallet project has not been formally introduced by Microsoft, and it is not stated on the wallet’s introduction pages that cryptocurrencies are supported.
Yet, those sites refer to a “foray into cryptocurrencies and NFTs,” and exposed screenshots imply that at the very least, Ethereum, DAI, USDC, and USDT are supported. Several of the tokens appear to have been added by the user using the custom token option.
Additional pictures indicate that the wallet has trading connectivity with Coinbase and Moonpay, support for other extension wallets through its settings panel, and a “explore” page that displays news articles about cryptocurrencies from around the internet.
The development of the built-in crypto wallet has not been formally verified by Microsoft, but if the tweet is correct, it may be a major step forward for the business and the widespread acceptance of cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Rival web browsers of Microsoft
The adoption of crypto by default is not unique to Microsoft Edge.
Since 2018, Opera has offered support for cryptocurrencies, initially on mobile devices before expanding to desktops in 2019. Opera supports several blockchain ecosystems and was developing a cryptocurrency-focused version as of 2022.
Brave also has a native Basic Attention Token and a personal cryptocurrency wallet (BAT). It has also been connected with more projects, including Binance in 2020 and Solana in 2021.
It is possible to install third-party cryptocurrency wallets like Metamask or MEW for users of other browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.
The cryptocurrency industry has been criticized for certain browser developments. Vivaldi, an opponent of Opera, has vowed never to develop a cryptocurrency. In response to criticism, the company that created Firefox, Mozilla, ceased accepting cryptocurrency donations in 2022.
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