A few days ago, Microsoft Edge users started noticing minor changes to the new tab page. Instead of the typical “Microsoft Start” logo (note that it has nothing to do with the “Start” menu), there’s a fairly new MSN logo. It looks like Microsoft is giving its old branding a fresh coat of paint and more attention.

Microsoft confirmed in its statement that it has acquired MSN’s news aggregation service Microsoft Start. Here’s what a company representative said:

We review our offers regularly to deliver the best value to our customers. As part of this review process, we are consolidating our MSN branded content services to better simplify our experience. This change will not affect functionality.

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In other words, the only changes for now are the branding and a new logo that looks a bit like the Windows 7 logo (waste info for you today).

It makes sense for Microsoft to retain the MSN brand, as it remains one of Microsoft’s oldest and most recognizable brands. Additionally, abandoning “Microsoft Start” may seem like the right choice for many, because it was confusing from the start when it launched in 2021. While Microsoft isn’t used to mixing things up (another example is the Windows app that replaced Remote Desktop), it’s nice to see the company making things a little clearer.