Microsoft Is Testing an Ethereum Wallet in Its Edge Web Browser

March 20, 2023 Bitcoin.com

Microsoft reportedly testing Edge browser web3 wallet integration

March 18, 2023 Coin Telegraph

The supposed screenshots show a non-custodial crypto and NFT-friendly Microsoft Web3 wallet embedded into Edge.

Microsoft is reportedly working on integrating a crypto and nonfungible token (NFT) friendly Web3 wallet into its Edge web browser.

In a March 17 Twitter thread, software documenter — and occasional info leaker — Albacore shared a series of supposed Edge user interface (UI) screenshots showing the early stages of the firm’s new Web3 wallet.

“Newest in the gauntlet of questionable upcoming Microsoft Edge features, a crypto wallet not really sure how to feel about this kind of thing being baked into the default browser,” Albacore pessimistically noted.

Newest in the gauntlet of questionable upcoming Microsoft Edge features, a crypto wallet
Not really sure how to feel about this kind of thing being baked into the default browser, what are your thoughts?
More screenshots of the UI in the next tweet ➡️ pic.twitter.com/GAUPiZGLIY
— Albacore (@thebookisclosed) March 17, 2023

The first screenshot is of an introductory page to the Edge wallet, with Microsoft seemingly noting that: “we encourage you to test our first Web3 wallet and provide candid feedback along the journey.”

If found to be true, it appears that the wallet will be non-custodial with Microsoft having no access to passwords and recovery keys, while it will also be “embedded in Edge” as opposed to being an installed browser extension.

The accompanying screenshots show the ability to swap, send and buy crypto assets, with crypto exchange Coinbase and Web3 infrastructure firm MoonPay displayed as integrated “platforms that help you purchase and deposit crypto to your wallet.”

In terms of NFTs, the UI simply states: “browse different marketplaces to find your first NFT, as you build your collection of NFTs, we’ll organize them here.”

The potential move from Microsoft marks another recent effort to significantly ramp up the offerings and capabilities of Edge, which has generally lagged behind competitors such as Google’s Chrome and Apple’s Safari in terms of popularity.

On Feb. 7, Microsoft announced the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search engines and chat via OpenAI’s ChatGPT as part of new upgrades to both its Bing and Edge browsers.

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Blockchain Firm Edge Launches Confidential Crypto Mastercard

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Edge announces confidential no-KYC digital currency Mastercard

June 8, 2022 Coin Telegraph

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The company said there will be a $1,000 daily spending limit, but no personal information is required.

On Wednesday, self-custody crypto exchange Edge announced a no-Know Your Customer (KYC) debit Mastercard that can be funded with Bitcoin and other digital currencies.

Without KYC verification, users would be able to spend their crypto at more than 10 million merchant terminals in the United States. Currently, one can fund the Edge Mastercard using Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC) and Dash (DASH) directly from the Edge app.

In a statement to Cointelegraph, representatives at Edge say that the card is compliant with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing regulations because of a $1,000 daily spending limit on the card (approx. $30,000 monthly). In addition, the card is only available for use at U.S. merchant terminals. Paul Puey, a co-founder of Edge, commented:

"Without compromising any personal info, and without the usual fees or delays to top up their card, the Edge Mastercard is a true breakthrough for using crypto for day-to-day payments."

Because there is no address associated with the card, users can simply enter any name and address for billing purposes when shopping online.

In addition to its confidentiality, Edge claimed that there are no fees charged on its new Mastercard. When users sell their BTC to add funds, the company uses spot exchange rates from third-party sites such as Coinmarketcap with no margin taken.

The Edge Mastercard will be issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., under license by Mastercard International, and powered by fintech company Ionia. Edge says that it has over 1.7 million accounts across 179 countries on its self-custody cryptocurrency trading platform.

Edge

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