An early version of Microsoft's new Chromium-based browser got leaked throughout the weekend on a series of file sharing websites.

While the release isn't official, this seems to be an experimental build of the new browser, and users installing it can get an idea of what's o come once the preview version of the application lands.

Microsoft announced at the end of 2018 that it's giving up on EdgeHTML in Microsoft Edge, instead opting for Chromium, exactly the same engine that powers Google Chrome along with a number of other browsers.

While the software giant did not provide a target release date for that new browser, it did say that a preview version of the new Edge could be shipped in early 2019. In the last few weeks, evidence that the release only agreed to be around the corner made the rounds on several occasions, again with no official announcement from Microsoft.

However, given that the download links are now live, I expect Microsoft to publish the preview build from the Chromium browser soon, possibly now.

"The same Edge look and feel"

Originally, it was believed that the company could wait until the Build developer conference in May to ship this preview build, but all signs now appear to indicate that the release is imminent.

Microsoft promised to help keep the advantage feel and look untouched, regardless of the migration to the Chromium browser. The new Edge will support all Google Chrome extensions within the Online store, but at the same time, the company will even maintain its extension store with recommended add-ons for its users.

In addition to Windows 10, the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge will even reach other platforms, including Apple's macOS. However, the main focus right now seems to be Windows, as Microsoft really wants to switch the existing Edge version in the operating-system with the one running on Chromium as quickly as possible.