Microsoft announced at the MIX conference yesterday that the new version of Internet Explorer (Internet Explorer 9) will support HTML5 standard, which will mean that it will offer developers an opening to create more interactive websites.
Similar to the same mantra used by Steve Ballmer about being 'all in' for cloud computing last week, Windows division President Steve Sinofsky said 'we're all in' for HTML5.
HTML5 development has come after developers urged Microsoft to make HTML5 as a standard allowing them to build a site only once for multiple browsers. With Microsoft holding the majority of the browser market, this would appear to be the right move especially if they want to beat off competition from Firefox.
HTML5 is designed to make a more interactive website and potentially make then run faster and effectively. Some of the features which were demonstrated by Microsoft included the ability to move files such as photos between operating systems and browser, create animation such as rotating logos and develop online games.
However, Microsoft did say that the platform preview didn't include some key HTML5 features, such as support for playing video and audio without a plug-in and drawing features called Canvas. However, in light of this Microsoft have said that they are committed to providing software upgrades to Internet Explorer 9 every 8 weeks but have said it would not be developing a version of IE9 for Windows XP computers.
Microsoft’s also made the first developer preview of Internet Explorer 9 available for download today so you can check it for yourself here.
What did you think of the test drive? Do you think Microsoft will be able to beat off competition from the likes of Firefox with this new platform development? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think…
Via Engadget