• Microsoft is quietly testing a built-in non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet in its Edge browser.
• The wallet would have a user interface for making crypto payments, browsing decentralized applications, and buying cryptocurrency through Coinbase and MoonPay.
• Other major web browsers such as Opera have also added support for built-in crypto wallets as adoption grows.
Microsoft Testing Built-In Crypto Wallet
Microsoft has been secretly testing a built-in non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet for its Edge browser. According to screenshots shared by software researcher Albacore, the wallet will provide users with an intuitive user interface for making crypto payments or accessing DeFi and Web3 applications. Features of the wallet include the ability to buy cryptocurrency through Coinbase and MoonPay, browse different marketplaces to find NFTs, and manually add custom tokens.
Non-Custodial Wallet
The onboarding process of the wallet states that it is non-custodial meaning users are completely in control of their funds without Microsoft having access to their password or recovery key. It is also embedded into Edge so there is no need to install any extension in order to use it.
Microsoft’s Interest In Crypto Space
This experiment with a crypto wallet comes as Microsoft has been involved with the crypto space in numerous ways including expressing great interest in the metaverse. However, recently they discontinued their Industrial Metaverse Core team which was aimed at encouraging the use of metaverse in industrial environments resulting in about 100 employees being laid off from this project.
Other Browsers Offering Crypto Wallets
Microsoft Edge is not alone when it comes to offering built-in crypto wallets as other major web browsers have followed suit by adding similar features due to increasing demand from users. Examples include Opera which has been supporting cryptocurrencies since 2018 initially adding support for Ethereum but later expanding its list of supported currencies over time.
Conclusion
Cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow as more companies are integrating them into their services and products while web browsers are leading the way by providing users with easy access through built-in wallets that require little setup on behalf of users while still ensuring complete control over funds at all times