Chrome-alike IE9 leaked by Microsoft
The first Internet Explorer 9 beta isn’t set to begin until September 15, but we may already know what to expect after Microsoft inadvertently leaked details.
Microsoft knows it needs to do something, something big, if it’s to fight back against the rival Web browsers. Although Internet Explorer remains the most popular browser, it’s taken a bit of a kicking at the hands of Firefox, Chrome, and Safari over the last few years. There are, however, signs that the trough is now leveling out. Which should give Microsoft a boost with Internet Explorer 9 on the way.
We’ve now had four IE9 previews in six months, but none have shown much of what to expect form the all-new user interface. But we now may have more of a clue after a blog post containing a screenshot and details of several features appeared on a Microsoft Russia site. Though the post disappeared quickly, it was saved by posterity thanks to Ars Technica and the Bing cache.
The single screenshot purportedly showing IE9 as it is now is intriguing. If it’s a real representation of the new browser then it shows Microsoft embarking on a very aggressive form of minimalism which it never has before. All the excess guff and fluff has gone, replaced by simple, combined features which allow more space for the Web to breath.
The multiple toolbar menus seen in IE8 have been replaced by a single menu, with the address bar, search bar, and tabs now forming one elegant line. All of which is very reminiscent of Google Chrome. The oversized back button and tear-off tabs, meanwhile, are very reminiscent of Mozilla Firefox.
I’m not convinced this is how the finished beta will look as some things just don’t look or feel right. And although most of the features are pleasing on the eye, the majority have been… borrowed from Microsoft’s rivals. Is there such a thing as browser plagiarism?
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I haven’t used Internet Explorer in over 4 years. The fact that people still use it baffles me! I mean come on, haven’t people heard about Mozilla and Chrome yet!?