Microsoft [MSFT] recently released Internet Explorer 9 Beta and have now announced that they have reached a total of two million downloads in just 48 hours.
Microsoft compares this to Internet Explorer 8 Beta which had a total of 1.3 million downloads in five days, although this is hardly a fair comparison, as Internet Explorer 9 is a vast improvement over IE8.
Key Features of Internet Explorer 9
Internet Explorer 9 features a stripped down user interface, there is now a minimal top bar like many other browsers, with a unified search and URL bar, and Microsoft’s Bing is the default search engine. This streamlined design is intended to provide users with a more immersive browsing experience by reducing the clutter and focusing on the content of the web pages.
One of the standout features of IE9 is its enhanced performance. The browser leverages hardware acceleration to improve the rendering of graphics and text, making web pages load faster and more smoothly. This is particularly beneficial for websites that are rich in multimedia content, such as videos and interactive graphics.
Additionally, Internet Explorer 9 introduces support for modern web standards, including HTML5 and CSS3. This allows developers to create more dynamic and visually appealing websites that can take advantage of the latest web technologies. For example, HTML5 support enables the use of advanced multimedia elements without the need for third-party plugins like Adobe Flash.
Compatibility and Market Impact
Internet Explorer 9 is only available for Windows 7 and Vista at the moment, with no support for Windows XP. This decision by Microsoft reflects a shift towards newer operating systems and encourages users to upgrade to more recent versions of Windows. However, it also means that a significant portion of users who are still on Windows XP will not be able to experience the benefits of IE9.
The release of Internet Explorer 9 Beta and its rapid adoption rate indicate a strong interest from users in trying out the new features and improvements. It will be interesting to see in the long run if Microsoft are able to claw back users from Google’s Chrome browser and Mozilla’s FireFox browser. Both of these competitors have been gaining market share due to their speed, reliability, and extensive library of extensions and add-ons.
Microsoft has also made efforts to improve security in Internet Explorer 9. The browser includes features such as SmartScreen Filter, which helps protect users from phishing attacks and malicious websites. Additionally, the Tracking Protection feature allows users to control how their information is tracked by websites, enhancing privacy and security.
The release of Internet Explorer 9 Beta marks a significant milestone for Microsoft as they strive to regain their position in the competitive browser market. With its modern design, improved performance, and support for the latest web standards, IE9 offers a compelling alternative to other popular browsers. However, the lack of support for Windows XP and the strong competition from Chrome and Firefox will pose challenges for Microsoft in their quest to win back users.
via Coated
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