Stuff & Nonsense Home

Where you’ll find designer, author and speaker Andy Clarke. The bastard.

Blogging And All That Malarkey

In-Depth Look at Internet Explorer 9

Microsoft’s Ted Johnson outlines Internet Explorer 9 at MIX10 (Warning: Windows Media Video), plus a complete set of videos from MIX.

Leave your comment

Rob

March 21 2010 @ 07:21pm #

Anything from Microsoft labeled “in depth” means “what we’re willing to show you” and, from what others have shown by their coverage, IE9 will be a 5-year old browser if/when it comes out next year.

Charles

March 22 2010 @ 09:14pm #

@Rob, I suggest you try the IE9 preview or at least watch the video (which really is ‘in-depth’) - you’ll be hard pressed not to be just a little bit impressed. You’ll find that IE9 feels every bit the modern competitive browser. It is focusing on web standards (HTML, CSS3 and SVG in particular), plus, in handing off graphics rendering to the GPU (via Direct2D), it improves the experience for the end user and the possibilities for the developer without a proprietary plugin or extension in sight. The support for DirectWrite is also a welcome addition for typography fans. From my initial testing, IE9 appears to be a good browser. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been as interested in a Microsoft browser since IE3. I may not personally use IE9 (although it’s good enough that it’s in with a chance, at least), but I’m very happy that it will yield an improved experience for my customers and bosses.

The only downside I’ve seen so far is a lack of canvas support. That is very disappointing, but I suspect its inclusion is not out of the question before launch. Let’s hope, eh?

I’m hoping the forthcoming Firefox 3.7, which also introduces Direct2D and DirectWrite rendering, will be equally impressive.

Charles

March 22 2010 @ 09:18pm #

Andy, there’s an MP4 version of IE9 in-depth video:

http://ecn.channel9.msdn.com/o9/mix/10/mp4/FT51.mp4

Robert Lombardi

March 24 2010 @ 08:36am #

Will Firefox or Chrome have the GPU rendering? That looks pretty good. Perhaps most desktops don’t need it; but I use a laptop most of the time.

Commenting is not available in this channel entry.
Hardboiled Web Design

Hardboiled Web Design by Andy Clarke

How the latest technologies and techniques will make your websites more creative, flexible and adaptable. Get hardboiled in all formats from Five Simple Steps. Digital formats also available at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and the iBooks store.

We’ve deconstructed this site to focus on content while we restyle. Expect wonkiness during the transition.