Internet Explorer 9: Microsoft Reveals First Details

Microsoft, with the launch of Windows 7 complete, is turning its focus towards one of its most important components: Internet Explorer. With huge pressure from Firefox and Google’s Chrome Browsers, Microsoft has revealed the first details of Internet Explorer 9 at the Microsoft Professional Developer’s Conference in Los Angeles.

The new browser is very early in the development process. It’s only been in development for three weeks, as Windows 7’s release took precedent, thus there are not many details for IE9. However, the theme seems to be that IE9 is going to adhere and even improve upon web standards (albeit “responsibly”).

Some details:

- On HTML 5: Microsoft was coy about whether it would support all of the HTML 5 standards, the next generation of HTML. The company doesn’t seem willing to commit to the standard until it is set in stone, but “wants to be responsible” about supporting it.

- On Javscript: They admit that their previous browsers don’t match the speed of Firefox (Firefox) or Chrome (Chrome). However, it appears that IE9 looks to narrow this gap. From some of the data they presented, it looks like they’re getting closer to matching the other browsers (though they don’t beat them).

- On CSS Support: It looks like IE9 will finally get better CSS support, especially for rounded corners. It’s a disappointment though, when you consider the other browsers have supported these things for years.

- On Hardware Acceleration: IE9 will utilize DirectX hardware acceleration to improve graphic and AJAX rendering. It will push more work towards the GPU. This is actually looks pretty slick from first appearances.

Most industry experts believe that Internet Explorer (Internet Explorer) is a laggard in terms of compatibility, standards, and speed. Microsoft seems to be working to change that with IE9. The browser is a long way away from its release though, so there’s no telling what it will be able to do and whether it can match Safari (Safari), Chrome, and Firefox enough to stop its descent into oblivion.

Source:

http://mashable.com/2009/11/18/internet-explorer-9/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29

Chicago Web Design Firms