Microsoft slip shows major Internet Explorer 9 UI overhaul
updated 12:25 pm EDT, Wed August 25, 2010
MS Russia shows minimalist IE9 interface early
Microsoft Russia inadvertently gave an advance look at the Internet Explorer 9 beta with a preview (since pulled) of the full, largely finished interface. The interface is a major revamp of the browser's experience and scraps even the usual text toolbars for a minimalist look. IE9's aim is to leave "more room" for the website, Microsoft said.
The company further promises a layer of deep integration with Windows. Users will not only have the option of tear-away tabs like in Chrome, Firefox or Safari but can create direct OS shortcuts by dragging tabs into the Windows taskbar. It should take advantage of Aero Snap in Windows 7 to display two pages side-by-side without wasting desktop space.
Most details weren't mentioned, but IE9 will have a faster, more accurate web engine that honors web standards and supports some HTML5 code. GPU acceleration will improve rendering in HTML5 and other areas where the graphics card can offload some of the work.
IE9 will be in beta on September 15, but it's rumored Microsoft may not have a final version until the CES expo in early January. [via ZDNet]
