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/GcTSxSNhMvRarely have I enabled a flag so quickly pic.twitter.com/GcTSxSNhMv— Kyle Pflug (@kylealden) July 10, 2019July 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 (opens in new tab) ($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 (opens in new tab) (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 (opens in new tab) fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad (opens in new tab) ($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.
