Microsoft and Adobe have partnered to integrate the Adobe Acrobat PDF rendering engine directly into the Edge browser, replacing the existing PDF engine.
Starting in March 2023, new versions of Microsoft Edge for Windows 10 and Windows 11 will roll out that includes this new PDF engine.
However, managed devices in the enterprise can opt-in to the new feature, allowing companies to test the new PDF integration for their business activities.
"Together, the two companies are enhancing the PDF experience and value users have come to expect in Microsoft Edge by powering the built-in PDF reader with Adobe Acrobat's PDF rendering engine," reads today's announcement from Adobe.
"This will give users a unique PDF experience that includes richer rendering for more accurate colors and graphics, improved performance, strong security for PDF handling, and greater accessibility — including better text selection and read-aloud narration."
"These capabilities will continue to be free of cost."
The announcement warns that Microsoft will retire its current Microsoft Edge PDF engine in March 2024, a year after the new integration is released.
This phased rollout will give businesses ample time to test the new rendering engine with PDF documents used in their operations.
The new features coming to Microsoft Edge with this integration are outlined in the video below.
Users who want more advanced PDF features, such as the ability to edit text and images, convert PDFs to other file formats, and combine files, can purchase an Acrobat subscription that enables these features in Microsoft edge through a browser extension.
Comments
xafase - 1 year ago
KILL PDF! THEY SUCK!
KyleAyle - 1 year ago
>strong security for PDF handling
LOL
I really just want to stay free of Adobe software on my computer.
>Users who want more advanced PDF features... can purchase an Acrobat subscription
Looking forward to MS/Adobe "reminding" me of that!
doncoyote - 1 year ago
Oh, boy! More unneeded and unwanted desktop shortcuts installed!
ThomasMann - 1 year ago
First they eliminate IE and then they SELL you this! Wonderful... what does a combination of two crappy systems promise? Right!
What does it tell us once again about M$? Right again....
And about its users? Right!
NoneRain - 1 year ago
What? IE was done a long time ago, before it's official death. It was still alive just because of the number of enterprise still relying on the legacy software, not wanting to invest in modern and securer stuff.
They don't SELL you this, they changed the render engine on Edge. It's an exchange: Edge receive the best PDF render in the market, and Adobe offer paid subscription to give you editing capabilities. It's not a bad deal for them or for the users. Users can still use PDF inside Edge as always without paying...
What does it tell us once again about M$? -> that they're an enterprise focused on selling services, like, any other enterprise?
And about its users? -> That users may be willing to pay to have more capabilities? You know, like they already do when buying Adobe Acrobat, Foxit, PDF Architect, Nitro, Nuance.....
GT500 - 1 year ago
Considering that it seems like all Adobe code has massive security holes in it, I see this as ending very badly for Windows users. Something tells me that this is somehow going to effect everyone who is using Windows and not just Microsoft Edge users, and Microsoft may not confine their Adobe partnership to just this change to Edge...
NoneRain - 1 year ago
It's bringing their engine, not the applications. You may install the extension if you have a paid Adobe subscription to use the so-called “advanced features”.
Their vuls are related to their application, and not the rendering itself.
GT500 - 1 year ago
Does it contain code written by Adobe? Yes? Then it's probably a security vulnerability riddled nightmare.
PhantomUK - 1 year ago
This is great news, looking forward to the switch over to Acrobat inside Edge.
Osiris_sirisO - 1 year ago
So many work to take flashplayer out of business from OS's, now they joint venture again with Adobe to keep profits. In the end they still have the nonsense to make users pay thousands of dollars for their suits (monthly!)!!!! Adobe: make your own OS and wait for the consumer to want them!