The transition from EdgeHTML to Chromium allows Microsoft to add several additional features to Edge browser, including functionality that's already available in other browsers like Google Chrome.

This can be a major benefit of the Chromium engine, as Microsoft Edge would technically have a similar feature lineup as Google Chrome.

Quite simply, Edge would not be the very best browser to download Google Chrome, but a very capable replacement that's certainly going to convince many Windows 10 users to stick with it.

Included in the feature lineup that Microsoft borrows from Google thanks to the migration to Chromium is support for Picture-in-Picture (PiP), an element that's also offered to Chrome users.

PiP is basically an element that makes it possible for users to look at videos online while browsing the web or focusing on a pc keeping on screen nothing more than just the actual window where the submissions are playing.

How you may use this in Microsoft Edge is very like the one out of Google Chrome, primarily due to the Chromium engine that powers both. So here's what you need to do in order to activate Picture-in-Picture in Microsoft Edge.

First of all, you have to obviously run the new Chromium-powered Microsoft Edge. Point the browser to YouTube.com - Picture-in-Picture should use other video sharing services, but for now, only YouTube along with a couple others seem to be supported.

Once you start playing a relevant video in the new Edge browser, you need to right-click the playing video twice - this really is necessary since the first right-click fires up the standard context menu with video controls like video URL, embed code, and loop options. Another right-click brings up additional options, such as the Picture-in-Picture mode that we're talking about here.

Once you enable this playing mode, a floating video window should display in the bottom right corner from the screen. You can hit the play button and also the window stays on the watch's screen, playing the recording regardless of what you're doing around the device.

There aren't a lot of options in this window because you're only supplied with the standard play/pause options along with a small X that allows you to close the window. An expand button is also available if you want to exit the PiP mode and go back to the standard playing mode on YouTube.

There's not much you can expect out of this feature in a browser, so don't expect any major improvements to become implemented by Microsoft within the next updates.

Microsoft Edge itself is still within the very early development stages, therefore the version that we're testing out here isn't the official release, but only a leaked build that was compiled by the organization a few weeks ago.

Microsoft originally promised to roll out a preview build from the Chromium-powered Microsoft Edge in early 2019, and because of the leaked version has already been here, I'm guessing we're not very not even close to the moment the company would ship it to registered testers.

As for the stable version of the new Microsoft Edge, expect it to visit live later this season, but an ETA in connection with this isn't yet available. Obviously, Microsoft got its time to complete the introduction of the browser, especially as it'd be provided not just to Windows 10 users, but also to those running older versions of Windows, Linux, and macOS.

PiP also exists in other browsers available along with Google Chrome, including Vivaldi and Opera. Mozilla is also focusing on an identical feature for Firefox, so sooner or later, practically all big browsers includes such capabilities.

Microsoft is revamping Microsoft Edge browser to migrate from EdgeHTML to Chromium, but the company originally promised to keep the appearance and feel from the browser fully untouched.

And since they are key options that come with the applying, it looks like one of the priorities right now is to bring Fluent Design towards the Chromium-based browser.

As discovered by HTNovo, the leaked form of the brand new browser comes with a dedicated flag which confirms that Fluent Design will be area of the updated Edge.

Called "Fluent Controls," the flag aligns the browser to Microsoft's new design language that's already getting used in Windows 10 along with a number of other pre-installed core apps.

"If enabled, HTML forms elements is going to be rendered utilizing an alternative style to align with Microsoft's design language to improve touch and keyboard accessibility," the flag reads.

"A work in progress"

You should check out the flag yourselves by typing edge://flags in the address bar after which searching for its name. The flag happens to be set to Default, so you have to click on the drop-down menu and switch it to Enabled.

Most likely, the implementation of Fluent Design in the new browser continues to be in the early phases, and it could take a while until everything works not surprisingly. However, it's also worth knowing this leaked version of Microsoft Edge is still an experimental release that wasn't shipped by Microsoft, so there's a high chance that when it has got the go-ahead, Fluent Design in the browser also improves significantly.

Microsoft promised a preview build of Microsoft Edge at the begining of 2019, but no specifics were provided. However, the leaked build suggests its release is simply nearby, as well as an official announcement on this is anticipated any minute now.

Additionally, the stable version of Microsoft Edge running on Chrome should make the rounds sometime later this year.

Microsoft has released new firmware updates for several Surface models, including both the first- and the second-generation Surface Laptop.

This month, however, the new versions don't bring too many significant improvements, though they refine the experience with certain components.

First of all, the Surface Laptop series is getting a brand new firmware, with both original version and the model launched last year being provided with this release if they're still running Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) or newer.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is the oldest version of Windows 10 that still receives updates for Home and Pro users, therefore if the top Laptop is running this version, it ought to be first updated towards the latest Windows 10 feature update to obtain the new firmware.

"No updates for that Surface Pro 6"

According to the official changelog, the Surface Laptop firmware update includes driver improvements, as the Surface Intersil Ambient Light Sensor (HID) - System devices component is bumped to version 4.1.139.0 to improve device stability. The same improvement is available on both Surface Laptop models.

Simultaneously, Microsoft has additionally released new drivers for that Surface Studio 2, but this time no changelog has been provided, despite the fact that the brand new version can be downloaded using this link.

Another Surface models haven't yet received new firmware updates. The top Pro 6, for example, got the most recent pack of improvements in October 2018, and also at time of penning this article, there's no information regarding when Microsoft could ship a brand new update.

Of course, you're recommended to maintain your device plugged in while updating the firmware and steer clear of to interrupt the procedure. It shouldn't take lots of minutes to install the new release and a reboot is actually required.

Microsoft has declared Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809) ready for broad deployment, recommending businesses to install the brand new OS version before the launch of version 1903.

The October update was originally released on October 2 last year, however it was then pulled just a few days later due to issues potentially causing the elimination of user files stored in libraries.

Microsoft fixed the bug and re-published the update in November, then beginning a gradual rollout to devices around the globe to avoid any other issues from becoming widespread.

Due to this more cautious approach, the supply of Windows 10 version 1809 improved slowly, so in January this year, Microsoft released it via Windows Update to all users who manually searched for updates.

Beginning March 28, Microsoft says Windows 10 October 2018 Update is "designated for broad deployment and Semi-Annual Channel for servicing status (recommended option)," meaning businesses can finally install the update. Simultaneously, the update can also be available for any user who manually selects check for updates via Windows Update.

"New update around the corner"

Meanwhile, Microsoft is getting ready for the debut of some other OS feature update currently codenamed 19H1 and certain to produce as version 1903 and April 2019 Update. Which means that users generally, and consumers particularly, are extremely likely to skip the October update altogether and switch straight to the April 2019 release.

As it's the situation of each and every Windows 10 feature update, the rollout of the next-month release may happen in stages to devices around the globe, once more to avoid major issues from hitting a lot of devices.

However, alternative download methods may also be offered, including a manual check for updates that will be readily available for users who don't wish to wait for a update to become automatically pushed for their devices.

The new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser isn't officially readily available for download, but because I said not a years ago, a leaked build allows us to try out the applying prior to the public launch.

What's vital that you determine if you choose to download this version would be that the new Edge browser continues to be within the development stage, so this particular build here's still an experimental release.

Quite simply, while you can try out the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge awaiting the public release, a lot of things could change by the time Microsoft gives the go-ahead.

As several users who installed this Microsoft Edge preview discovered, the browser has a more refined look featuring inspired by Google Chrome. But at the same time, it lacks some features which were previously obtainable in the EdgeHTML-based Edge.

One of these is really a dark mode. Microsoft originally promised that the feel and look of the original Edge could be retained within the Chromium-based sibling, so the company is obviously working on migrating the dark visual style too.

And while it's not yet obtainable in this preview version of the browser, you can actually enable it thanks to a passionate flag that you can get in the advanced configuration screen. Since Edge now operates on Chromium, enabling and disabling flags within the browser works just like on Google Chrome, so here's what you need to do in order to let the dark theme in this build.

First of all, you need to launch the flags screen. And also to do that, type the following code within the address bar:

edge://flags

The following screen should look just like the flag configuration interface in Google Chrome, so make use of the search box at the top to look for an option called:

#edge-follow-os-theme

As an alternative, you can just copy the code below and paste it within the address bar in Microsoft Edge to visit straight to the flag you have to enable:

chrome://flags/#edge-follow-os-theme

As you can see in the description of the flag, its purpose is to permit the browser to adapt to the system settings in Windows 10. The initial description may be the following:

"Use a light or dark theme (based on OS preferences) inside your browser - Mac, Windows"

As a side note, the description of the flag also serves a full time income confirmation that Microsoft is working on a Mac form of the new Chromium-based browser.

In Microsoft Edge, this flag is placed to Default, so you'll have to switch it to allow to activate the dark theme. A browser reboot is required to save the settings.

What you ought to know is this fact setting is tied to the system settings in Windows 10, so you need to activate the dark theme in the operating-system as well to be able to utilize it in Microsoft Edge.

To get this done, you have to launch the Settings app on Windows 10 and visit the following path:

Settings > Personalization > Colors > Choose your color > Dark

Microsoft Edge toggles between visual styles while you make alterations in Windows 10, therefore the new theme is used immediately.

By the time Microsoft Edge reaches the ultimate development stage, I expect Microsoft to implement a far more straightforward theme switcher, which means you should technically be able to enable the behavior described here easier right from the Settings screen.

For now, however, there's no ETA regarding when the final build is projected to visit live, and the only thing we are able to speculate right now is that a preview release is just around the corner.

Microsoft's Surface Headphones have got their initial firmware update, as the software giant works on refining the experience using the tool and fixing a few of the bugs as the saying goes.

What you need to know from the beginning is that this firmware update comes with no changelog, so we can't tell for sure what are the problems that Microsoft correct within this release.

The firmware version is 1.0.4.31.21, up from 1.0.4.22.21, and it can be installed on the Surface Headphones using any iOS, Android, or Windows 10 device.

Everything is pretty simple actually, even though you ought to know that using a Windows 10 PC to update the top headphones requires a USB cable. On Android and iOS, that you can do the whole thing wirelessly, however in both cases, you have to use the official Cortana app to update the headphones.

"Under the hood improvements regardless of platform"

On Windows 10, you can also make use of the Surface Headphones app for that process, but the USB cable is still required.

"The update will require a couple of minutes to download, and you can use your headphones during this period. After the download, your headphones will restart so the update can install," Microsoft explains.

"During the installation, your headphones will appear to become off. In case your Surface Headphones don't reconnect automatically following the update is completed, press the power button on the headphones to show them off, then turn it well on to reconnect."

We've reached out to Microsoft to ask for more details relating to this release and we'll update the article when and when an answer is offered. Meanwhile, those who own the top Headphones are obviously recommended to update their devices as soon as possible, especially because this firmware update could bring a series of welcome under-the-hood improvements.

A virus definition update published by Microsoft earlier this week breaks down Security Essentials and Windows Defender on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, based on reports.

By the looks of products, the culprit may be the virus definition update to version 1.289.1521.0, with several users confirming that whenever installing this release, real-time protection is turned off and also the security apps issue warnings that malware definitions are out of date.

Managing a manual scan on the affected computers fails with error 0x800106ba because of the botched update, so neither Microsoft Security Essentials nor Windows Defender can detect and take away malware on the Windows device.

According to Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet, Windows 10 isn't affected, and Windows Defender is running correctly on this version of the operating system.

"Issue already fixed"

In a statement provided earlier today, Microsoft acknowledged the issue and said a brand new update was pushed to devices in order to correct it. However, the software giant claimed only Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 were affected, even though there will also be reports that Windows 8.1 devices no longer benefit from native anti-malware protection either.

"We've resolved this problem, which has been restricted to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008," a company spokesperson was quoted as saying by the cited source.

The software giant hasn't specifically mentioned the virus definition update that corrects the issue, but according to this official listing, the brand new version is 1.289.1588.0. In other words, this is actually the virus definition update that you must install in order to restore the full functionality of Security Essentials and Windows Defender on Windows 7 and 8.1.

Windows Defender is provided as built-in anti-malware protection on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, while Microsoft Security Essentials must be manually placed on Windows 7 devices. However, both are provided with regular virus definition updates and offer users real-time protection and a manual scanning engine.

Microsoft has recently acknowledged the 5th issue in Windows 10 cumulative update KB4489899 for version 1809 (October 2018 Update).

KB4489899 was published included in the Patch Tuesday cycle on March 12 and originally included just two different known bugs.

According to the updated KB page, installing KB4489899 could break up the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) on Windows 10. Microsoft explains the following:

"After installing this update, there might be issues while using Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) to start a tool from the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server configured to make use of Variable Window Extension. This may cause the bond towards the WDS server to terminate prematurely while downloading the look. This problem has no effect on clients or devices that aren't using Variable Window Extension."

"A fix is on its way"

As the company says it's already working on a fix, which may be contained in a future release, Microsoft also recommended users to disable the Variable Window Extension on WDS server. There are many techniques to do this, and you can check them in full around the update KB article.

There aren't any specifics regarding when a fix could be published, but Microsoft is anticipated to release new cumulative updates for Windows 10 later this month. However, since no details were shared, I believe there are bigger chances with this bug to be resolved with the cumulative updates coming the next Patch Tuesday, that takes put on April 9.

The bug has also been confirmed in the other Windows 10 cumulative updates published this month, including in KB4489868 for Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update).

Obviously, this bug won't affect consumers, therefore if you're a home user, you should check the other known issues that happen to be acknowledged in this month's cumulative updates.

Microsoft has recently released another update to the latest Windows 10 preview build within the Slow ring, making some people already dreaming about the RTM build of 19H1.

Beginning today, Windows 10 insiders in the Slow ring can download build 18351.8 with update KB4492310, and based on Microsoft, this era "improves the way we service builds."

No other specifics were provided, but insiders can download this build from Windows Update right now. After installation, the Windows 10 version should be increased to 18351.8.

This is actually the second update each week for Slow ring insiders, after Microsoft originally published build 18351.7 (KB4492310) having a single fix for gaming issues on Chinese versions from the operating-system.

Both updates are available in addition to Windows 10 preview build 18351, which was shipped to Fast ring insiders on March 5.

"Getting closer to RTM"

Since we're already within an advanced development stage for Windows 10 19H1, also known as version 1903 or April 2019 Update, many see these new updates to the Slow ring as a sign that Microsoft is close to signing off the RTM build.

According to Microsoft's release schedule, the RTM build should be ready after the month after which released to insiders in most rings. Several updates would follow next to be able to ship last-minute fixes prior to the public rollout eventually starts in April.

Windows 10 19H1 will be shipped to devices around the globe in phases, just like the previous versions, as Microsoft really wants to be able to detect potential issues and connect them before they hit more computers. Hopefully, this approach works more proficiently than in the situation from the October 2018 Update, which was eventually pulled after Microsoft discovered a critical bug potentially causing the removal of user files stored in libraries.

Even though the February Patch Tuesday was delayed, Microsoft presented non-security Office updates this week, targeting both Office 2013 and Office 2016 having a total of 17 patches.

But what's more interesting is this fact week, the company also re-released two patches that were previously associated with telemetry data collection in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1

First and foremost, the Office patches. Microsoft shipped 5 different updates for Office 2013, with dedicated patches for OneDrive, Project, and Visio. Then, there's Office 2016, that is getting not only general patches but also updates which are specifically targeted at Access, OneDrive for Business, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher, and Visio, bringing the total count to 12 updates.

"Telemetry patches"

In addition to these Office updates, Microsoft can also be re-releasing KB2952664 and KB2976978 for Windows 7 and 8.1, respectively, for any reason that's not yet known.

As Woody Leonhard of InfoWorld notes, these updates came out up at a time when everyone was can not deal with the infamous Get Windows 10 (GWX) app, though Microsoft specifically mentions that they are not associated with this application in any way.

Their official KB pages indeed indicate that both updates were re-released on March 7, while their descriptions point out that just users who're area of the Windows Consumer Experience Improvement Program is deserving of them.

"This update performs diagnostics around the Windows systems that have fun playing the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program. The diagnostics evaluate the compatibility status from the Windows ecosystem, and help Microsoft to make sure application and device compatibility for all updates to Windows. There isn't any GWX or upgrade functionality contained in this update," the description reads.

It's not yet clear what these new updates are meant to do, but since they're more or less linked to telemetry activity, some users are kind of reluctant with regards to setting them up. We've asked Microsoft to provide more information about these patches and we'll update the content when and if an answer is supplied.