Today’s news is a bit of a mixed bag. You know that trusty Microsoft 365 browser extension that millions of us have been using to easily access our Microsoft 365 apps and documents on the web? Well, it’s time to say ‘bye bye’ because it’s going to retire on the 15th of January.
I wish I could tell you the exact reason behind this retirement, but Microsoft hasn’t spilled the beans. They’re keeping it a bit of a mystery. But hey, at least they’ve given us a heads-up on when it’s happening.
In their own words, Microsoft said, ‘The Microsoft 365 browser extension (formerly named Office browser extension) is a free extension available on Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome that gives you access to your Microsoft 365 apps and documents on the web. This extension will reach retirement and end of support on January 15th, 2024.’
After that date, it won’t get any more security updates, bug fixes, or support. You won’t find it in the Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome web stores either. It’s a sad farewell to an old friend.
You may be wondering why they’re doing this. Microsoft could be trying to steer us towards other ways of accessing Microsoft 365. Take, for example, the Edge Sidebar, which already has a spot for Microsoft 365.
Both the Microsoft 365 browser extension and the Edge Sidebar do pretty much the same thing – quick access to Microsoft 365 apps and documents. Clicking on a document in either of them opens it in a new tab. But if you’re using Google Chrome and Microsoft 365, you might be feeling a little left out.
Oh, and there’s another cool thing to explore – the Edge Sidebar now has a Copilot icon and a shortcut to Copilot with Bing Chat (formerly known as just Bing Chat). It’s all part of Microsoft’s plan to guide us towards using Copilot, and it makes sense to direct us to the Edge Sidebar.
So, while we’re saying goodbye to the Microsoft 365 browser extension, we’re also opening the door to new possibilities. Microsoft simply wants us to have the best experience.
Will this change how you use Microsoft 365?
#Microsoft365 #NewBeginnings #BrowserExtensions
https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/office-365/microsoft-365-browser-extension-to-shut-down-despite-10-million-downloads
