Microsoft is working on embedding the Ethereum crypto wallet in the Edge browser. The first to notice this was a Microsoft researcher under the nickname Albacore, who posted several screenshots on his Twitter. Apparently, this is a “non-custodial” feature through which users will be able to send and receive cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Public keys can be shared with others to receive payments, while private keys will be kept secret and can be used to authorize transactions using cryptocurrencies.
The Edge Crypto Wallet feature is not yet available to insiders and is only available to users in the Dev channel for very limited testing. The description says that
users are in full control of their funds, only they have access to the password and recovery key. The wallet is built into Edge and does not require any additional extensions to be installed. Microsoft warns that testers use their own funds, so if they are lost, they will not be able to reimburse them. The company also insists on confidentiality and asks not to disclose any details about the project.
During the creation of the wallet, the user is asked to come up with a password, after which a 12-word phrase is formed – a standard procedure for regaining access to your wallet. Once registration is complete, a unique ID is generated to enable users to receive funds via the Ethereum network. Edge Crypto Wallet supports multiple Ethereum accounts, allowing you to switch between them as needed. Cryptocurrency wallet can connect to decentralized applications (dApps), has a news section to keep track of the latest developments in the world of cryptocurrencies.
In order to offer a built-in exchange of cryptocurrencies between Ethereum, Dai Stablecoin, Uniswap, USD Coin and Tether Coin, Microsoft has entered into an agreement with Consensys. Notably, the Edge Dev code also found evidence that the software giant may provide Bitcoin wallet support in the future.