According to Albacore, a Twitter user known for revealing software features before their official release, Microsoft is reportedly planning to integrate a Web3 wallet into its Microsoft Edge browser. The wallet would allow the purchase, storage and transfer of cryptocurrencies as well as non-fungible tokens (NFT) and would support the Ethereum blockchain (ETH).
Soon to have a wallet for cryptocurrencies on Microsoft Edge?
Albacore, a Twitter user known for revealing software features before their final release, reported that Microsoft is planning to integrate a Web3 wallet within its Microsoft Edge browser.
The capabilities of the wallet are yet to be determined, but it would appear from the screenshots shared that it will be possible to buy, store and transfer cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or even have quick access to a crypto newsfeed.
Regarding the supported assets, Microsoft’s future wallet should be able to host at least Ether (ETH), USDC, USDT and DAI and thus be compatible with the Ethereum blockchain. We can also see a network selector offering the Goerli testnet.
Preview of the Web3 wallet homepage of Microsoft Edge
The wallet, introduced as non-custodial, should first be accessible in beta form according to the captures. It is also mentioned that it is a “confidential project” and that “no details should be shared”.
“We encourage you to test our first Web3 portfolio and give us feedback along the way. As early testers, you have the unique opportunity to shape our foray into crypto-currencies and NFTs. “
Microsoft is trying to catch up with its competitors
This is the second step towards Web3 in a short time for the giant Microsoft, which recently partnered with the Ankr platform to offer blockchain node services to professionals. The announcement had moreover made the market react, the price of the ANKR token having soared almost instantly.
Thus, the integration of a native crypto wallet could prove to be an attempt to capture an audience that often prefers to opt for more flexible browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox, or even for specialized browsers like Opera Crypto Browser.
We can also mention the Brave browser, also based on Chromium, which allows its users to be rewarded in the form of BAT tokens according to the volume of ads they accept to view during their Internet browsing.
However, Microsoft Edge is the third most used browser behind Google Chrome and Safari, respectively. It remains to be seen whether the integration of a crypto wallet on the browser will be unanimously accepted by users, which does not yet seem to be the case given the reactions to Albacore’s tweet.
