Forum Discussion
Top feedback summary for September 24
Under Review | Allow sign-in to the browser with a Google account |
Let me add my voice to those who see potential issues with Google integration.
I don't have a problem with Google integration, so long as Google integration is an option, user activated, requiring an affirmative step by the user, that is added into the mix (perhaps as an extension or a flag), but if and only if the user wants Google integration, and is not baked into the browser.
As far as I am concerned, Google is a user data mining operation, and I won't use a browser that ties me into Google in any way, shape or form.
tomscharbach My fear is that if they allow Google integration back in, then that means they have to put in all the Google components that is required for Google integration to work - and *if* that is the case, I will strongly disagree!, as I fear this will return the spying tools back to Google, which this browser had gotten rid off. I don't see how it is possible to restore Google integration without these components, but if it *is* somehow possible, I am fine with allowing the feature.
- That's right, but the million dollar question is, what is the Point of adding Google integration to Edge browser? it doesn't bring any good values with it.
I wonder ...
I had thought - and posted here - that I couldn't see the point of having the browser logging into a Google account, as if you allow autofill of saved passwords,, going to google.com or the GMail, Google Keep etc pages it logs you in anyway as is.
But, if logging the Edge browser (not just a page) into a Google account meant that the browser synced with the Google account - synced favorites, history, passwords etc - as of yesterday that strikes me as potentially useful.
I for one feel that I need to use browsers on laptop and phone that sync with each other (i.e. they both sync to some same cloud account), which I currently have with Android and desktop Firefox, both syncing with my Mozilla account. Yesterday I really looked at Android Edge for the first time and realised I would never use it (because it uses bottom controls, and I won't use apps with bottom controls). With Android Edge as the only Android browser desktop Chromium Edge will sync with (via the Microsoft account), the fact that Android Edge's design means I won't use it therefore means I can't use desktop Chromium Edge. But if desktop Chromium Edge had the option to log into and sync with my Google account, that would mean it would sync with Android Google Chrome, which (at least at the moment, and unless they suddenly force bottom controls on it) I am prepared to use, unlike Android Edge.
So, IF enabling desktop Chromium Edge to log into Google accounts includes it then being able to sync with the favorites, passwords, history et al in the Google accounts, that would then mean that Chromium Edge had a choice of Android browsers it would work/sync with, which puts it back in contention as a desktop browser for people like me who won't use Android Edge. And given the latest browser use statistics that came out yesterday, and Microsoft's woefully small share even just in the desktop section and even adding IE and Edge together, ANYTHING that adds options that might tempt any users at all is worth them doing. Frankly, on the current trend things are heading towards Microsoft abandoning making browsers completely, which would be a shame.
- DavidGB, there are third party apps that provide bookmark syncing across browsers. I used to use Xmarks, which actually sync'd all browser's internal bookmarks/favorites. I now use Roboform as a password manager and cross-platform + cross-browser bookmark syncing tool (replaced LastPass for me because of the cross-browser bookmark support). I do not think different browsers should share or allow for sharing data with each other. I can see the benefits from a usability perspective, but the security holes that would create are too big. Don't chance it, especially when it's Google at the other end.
By the way, there was a lot of feedback on mobile Edge to MOVE THE CONTROLS TO THE BOTTOM of the screen, because on a large screen and using touch one-handed, they are otherwise unreachable to many people when at the top. I have fairly large hands, and even I can't reach the very top of my modest-sized Galaxy S10E screen with one-hand, unless I move the phone so that I then can't reach the bottom of the screen, meaning I can't swipe to type. I understand not everyone has the same preferences, but the control placement is logical.
