What you need to know
- A new option to limit autoplay videos is available in Microsoft Edge from the Canary and Dev channels.
- The feature uses algorithms to limit media from automatically playing.
- Microsoft states that "most popular websites will remain unaffected."
Updated July 10, 2019: It appears this feature is also available as an experimental flag on the Dev channel. The original story follows.
A new option to limit videos from autoplaying on websites is available for users running the latest version of Microsoft Edge from the Canary channel. The feature requires users to enable the feature through about:flags. MSPowerUser spotted the new feature last week.
Autoplay videos are often criticized for being annoying and getting in the way of content that users want to see. Both topical videos and ads on webpages can interfere with users reading text. Limiting autoplay videos will be welcomed by many users, though it is a bit controversial because it affects ads on the web.
Rarely have I enabled a flag so quickly pic.twitter.com/GcTSxSNhMv
— Kyle Pflug (@kylealden) July 10, 2019
Kyle Pflug from the Microsoft Edge team tweeted about the new feature and included a summary. While the feature "limits certain websites from playing media automatically" it's worth highlighting that "Most popular websites will remain unaffected."
Microsoft continues to add new features to Microsoft Edge and we'll see how limiting autoplay videos progresses in the future.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 review: A gamepad (almost) perfected
Microsoft's original Xbox Elite Controller had lofty ambitions but collapsed under the weight of some crippling flaws. The Elite Series 2 fixes most of that while piling on extra features. Here's our review.
Xbox Series X, Series S preorders: Everything you need to know
Everything you need to know about Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S preorders, and where to find stock before it runs out.
Everything we know so far about Cyberpunk 2077 on PC and Xbox One
Cyberpunk 2077 is the next massive game expected to be released by CD Projekt RED, the studio behind The Witcher series. Here's all we know about it so far.
Make the most of your Surface Pen and Slim Pen with these awesome apps
To really maximize the ability of the Surface Pen and Slim Pen, there are some essential apps you should check out. We've rounded up the best right here for a variety of purposes.