Game-changing Internet Explorer 9 beta officially available
by Steven Mostyn - Sep 16 2010, 05:36
...and the web was never the same again. Image: Microsoft.
Tired of browsing the web with Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) but left cold by alternatives such as Mozilla's Firefox and Google's Chrome platforms? If so, then chances are you may want to ride the wave of change by taking Internet Explorer 9 for a spin.
In drumming up interest in its latest browser, Microsoft contends that current platforms only utilise around 10 percent of a host PC's capabilities – and that Internet Explorer 9 is set to arrive as the first that enables users to channel the remaining 90 percent thanks to hardware acceleration. Bold words.
According to Redmond-based Microsoft, we should prepare to be “blown away by a more beautiful web,” as the beta release of Internet Explorer 9 finally becomes available for mass download. And, if initial feedback is anything to go by, its claims amount to anything but corporate bluster.
Specifically, while the beta release is 'not quite finished' software, an initial review by USA Today's respected tech writer Edward C. Baig applauds Microsoft for delivering on its promises and creating a browsing platform that's radically different from any other.
“IE9 represents a gargantuan step forward,” enthuses Baig. “Though much of what's in it is targeted at Web developers and designers, the payback for consumers comes with a streamlined interface, simpler navigation, faster speeds, superior graphics and websites that behave more like apps that are loaded on your PC.”
Speaking of being geared towards web developers, the benefits of IE9 will become apparent when users visit one of the 70 partners Microsoft has already teamed up with to tap processing power and produce a better browsing experience. The partners currently include online giants such as Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Twitter, CNN and USA Today.
One potential downside connected to embracing IE9 emerges when considering its compatibility – or lack thereof – with existing Windows systems. Moreover, IE9 has been created to work at optimum levels alongside Windows 7. It will function at a reduced level through Windows Vista systems but is not compatible with Windows XP.
Of course, Microsoft has recently dumped update support for XP in an effort to push people toward Windows 7, but the beta's restricted compatibility with Windows 7 and Vista immediately alienates the vast majority of the software maker's user base.
That being said, there's no denying the positive feedback, with the likes of NVIDIA's David Ragones saying that “Microsoft has embraced the GPU and turbo-charged the future of the web,” while Rob Enderle of Digital Trends offers that “IE9 will change the web forever,” and Lance Ulanoff of PC Magazine labels the platform as “a real game changer.”
According to the latest browser share figures released by Net Applications, Microsoft presently holds a 60 percent share of the market. However, its dominance continues to shrink as rival platforms such as the versatile Firefox (24 percent) and speedy Chrome (seven percent) continue to gather momentum.
So, got Windows 7 or Windows Vista? Click here to download the Internet Explorer 9 beta and quite literally 'see' what all the fuss is about.
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