Microsoft nears IE Mobile 6 release
updated 12:30 pm EST, Wed November 12, 2008
Microsoft IE6 Mobile Nears
Microsoft at its TechEd conference has confirmed the impending launch of Internet Explorer Mobile 6, the next major version of its cellphone browser. Originally announced in February, the significantly delayed update is available to test in emulator form and has also detailed all the major changes due with the web suite. The software aims to resolve many of the often-criticized features of the legacy browser from Windows Mobile 6 and starts with an accurate HTML renderer that displays websites the way they would appear on a desktop. Users can even change their user agent to force a desktop view instead of a mobile-optimized site.
The software uses a selection box to zoom in and out on direction pad only phones but will add more advanced touchscreen support, including panning and finger-based gestures. It also carries Flash Lite 3.1 built-in for animation and videos as well as better JavaScript and deeper ties with online searches.
Microsoft hasn't committed to any more specific release date for the IE Mobile 6 update but notes that Windows Mobile phones will come preloaded with the new browser "soon." It should also be a staple feature of Windows Mobile 6.5 when it ships in the future.
The improvement to Microsoft's browser is considered an important part of Microsoft's turnaround for Windows Mobile, which is being increasingly outsold by smartphones with better web browsers, including BlackBerries and iPhones. Those relying on Windows Mobile have also taken to bundling third-party browsers in a bid to improve the browsing experience. Both the HTC Touch Diamond and Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 use Opera for web use by default.
it sucks
11/12, 12:49pm reply
and no, testudo, i havent' seen it used it or talked to anyone who has. but history repeats itself so very often...
nat
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
some leadership
11/12, 01:48pm reply
...and man walks on the moon!
I mean over a year since the iPhone released Safari mobile and Microsoft is now ready to release their solution for true HTML-rendered web pages.
It just shows you that Microsoft doesn't innovation from a hole in the ground. They're so dependent on others to create the Next Big Thing for them to try & strangle. When they do innovate, it's for a technology that nobody wants (BOB, WebTV, Tablet PC, SmartWatch, etc.).
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pairof9s
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2008
which desktop browser
11/12, 03:37pm reply
When they say it renders HTML like a desktop browser do they mean a real one or just Internet Explorer? And does it do CSS too?
bhuot
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
@bhuot:
11/13, 09:07pm reply
It's based on the IE 6 code. I'll let you come to your own conclusions on CSS and javascript support.
WiseWeasel
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999