Microsoft has released the latest version of their web browser, Internet Explorer 9 Beta. Microsoft is hoping that Internet Explorer 9 will be a success, as previous versions have been losing ground to Mozilla FireFox and Google Chrome.
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.
“The browser is the stage and the backdrop, but the website is the star of the show,” Microsoft general manager of Internet Explorer Dean Hachamovitch tells Wired.com. “We think the browser should totally take a back seat to the sites.”
New Features and Enhancements
Internet Explorer 9 is only available for Windows 7 and Vista at the moment, no support for Windows XP, and it now supports the HTML 5 and CS3 web standards. This is a significant step forward, as HTML5 and CSS3 are crucial for modern web development, allowing for richer, more dynamic web pages and applications. The browser also includes hardware acceleration, which leverages the power of your computer’s graphics card to render web pages faster and more efficiently. This means smoother graphics and better performance, especially for complex web applications and high-definition video.
Another notable feature is the improved JavaScript engine, known as Chakra. This engine is designed to provide faster execution of JavaScript, which is the backbone of many interactive web features. With Chakra, users can expect quicker load times and a more responsive browsing experience.
User Experience and Compatibility
We have only had a brief chance to test out Internet Explorer 9, and whilst it is still in Beta, it seems to be a great improvement over the previous version. The new user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easier for users to navigate and find what they need. The unified search and URL bar simplifies the browsing experience, allowing users to type both web addresses and search queries in the same place.
In terms of compatibility, Internet Explorer 9 aims to provide better support for web standards, which has been a point of criticism for previous versions. This means that websites designed to follow these standards should work more consistently across different browsers, reducing the need for web developers to create browser-specific code.
Additionally, Internet Explorer 9 introduces a feature called “Pinned Sites,” which allows users to pin their favorite websites directly to the Windows taskbar. This provides quick access to frequently visited sites and makes them feel more like native applications.
Security has also been a focus for Internet Explorer 9. The browser includes a new feature called “Tracking Protection,” which helps users control what information third-party websites can collect about their browsing habits. This is particularly important in an age where online privacy is a growing concern.
Overall, Internet Explorer 9 Beta shows a lot of promise. It addresses many of the issues that plagued previous versions and introduces several new features that enhance both performance and usability. While it remains to be seen how it will fare against strong competitors like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, it is clear that Microsoft is making a concerted effort to regain its footing in the browser market.
via Wired
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