JavaScript Browser

Windows 10's built-in browser, Edge, is powered up by an advanced rendering engine that goes by the name of EdgeHTML, available to all developers via the WebView control. Aiming to demonstrate the potential of the new web platform in the latest Windows iteration, Microsoft released the open-source JavaScript Browser.

Proof-of-concept but high-speed browser

Available only via the Windows Store and exclusively running on Windows 10, this browser is practically more of a sample app, rather than a full-featured browser. But that is what the Microsoft Edge Team intended: to show how any developer can create a functional, modern-looking UWP (Universal Windows Platform) Internet navigator based on the WebView control.
As its rather dull name suggests, the browser relies on the JavaScript technology combined with HTML and CSS to ensure high-speed navigation to webpages. Just like in the case of Microsoft's Edge, speed is its utmost feature.

Basic functionality to show Windows 10's web platform potential

As far as functionality is concerned, JavaScript Browser comes with a basic feature set that can be found in any other similar application, including Edge.
The modern-looking interface comprises an address bar, back and forward buttons for quick navigation between visited pages, a refresh/stop button, a title bar and favicon support. The address bar also includes a simple button that helps the user share the current page on Twitter.
There is a favorites section where frequently visited webpages can be stored. Fullscreen mode and keyboard shortcuts are supported, and intelligent URL recognition is included.

A demo app for the EdgeHTML engine and the WebView control

The navigation speed and the responsive design of JavaScript Browser are quite impressive, considering the very lightweight package it is packed in. And since it is not meant to be used as a permanent web browser, but to demonstrate the power of Windows 10's web platform, there are some missing key features (also mentioned by the development team). Among these, one can find tab-based navigation, right-click support, customization and security options.