Microsoft, the software conglomerate, has introduced an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency wallet in the testing version of its Edge web browser. The new feature, which software sleuth Albacore discovered, is named “Crypto Wallet” and would allow users to store and transact Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens in a non-custodial way, acting like a Metamask clone.
Microsoft Introduces Ethereum Wallet in Its Edge Browser
Cryptocurrency and Web3 projects are making inroads into mainstream software products. According to reports coming from Albacore, a software researcher, Microsoft is currently developing a native wallet that would as part of its own web browser, Edge. The new feature, called “crypto wallet,” would allow the users to transact and store Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens in a non-custodial way.
In the screenshots available, Microsoft confirms the status of the project, warning the testers about the dangers of using their funds in this wallet. It stated:
As a tester, you will use your own funds. In the event of loss of funds, Microsoft will not reimburse any loss. This is a confidential project and no details should be shared externally.
This confirms that the wallet is still in the early testing stages, and not ready for the use of the general public yet.
More Details
The new native crypto wallet, if finally released, would constitute a native competitor to Metamask, the most used Web3 wallet addon, with the particularity that it would be included natively with Edge.
Bleeping Computer, a portal that had the opportunity of testing the wallet, reported it could confirm that the wallet supported different Ethereum accounts, with the user being able to switch between them as desired, and it could be used with already existing Web3 apps. Also, the wallet includes a built-in Ethereum exchange, that has support for ETH, DAI, UNI, USDC, and USDT.
Strings present in the software hint at the inclusion of a Bitcoin wallet at a later date, but the functionality is still not present. Microsoft did not confirm the existence of the crypto wallet. A spokesperson of the company stated:
At Microsoft, we regularly test new features to explore new experiences for our customers. We look forward to learning and collecting feedback from customers but have nothing further to share at this time.
Microsoft has been very active when it comes to supporting Web3-related projects, having participated in establishing standards for the metaverse, and introducing metaverse features in its Teams app, even if its recent layoffs have affected some of these projects.
What do you think about the native Ethereum wallet that is currently being tested in Microsoft Edge? Tell us in the comments section below.
