In Windows 9 we’re also expecting the next version of Microsoft’s web browser, Internet Explorer 12, and until today we didn’t know much about what’s coming. Today a new report from Neowin is giving us a glance that Microsoft is working to make IE 12 more like Google Chrome and Firefox, and not only will it look different, but extensions much like other browsers are coming too.
The first thing we can expect in the next version of IE is a new look, and indeed, the browser will look a lot different from how it looks today. First, IE 12 will have a more flat modern design and it will look to what is described as a cross between Firefox and Chrome.
Tabs will be located in the far left of the window and each opened link will have a rectangle tab. The URL bar now will be re-located to the bottom of the tabs, unlike IE 11 that shows the address bar in the top-left side of the screen.
There will be a back, forward, and refresh button next to the address bar much like Google Chrome too. So, basically Microsoft is taking a page from Google’s playbook to make its next web browser, but of course, it have the unique Microsoft’s flat and modern look.
Finally, and perhaps the most important change is that Internet Explorer 12 will support extensions like Chrome. Internet Explorer 11 currently supports some sort of plugins, but the implementation isn’t like Google Chrome or Firefox and their stores.
Extensions support in Internet Explorer 12 is both an exciting addition, but it’s also a controversial implementation as many users fear of security risks that this involves. But in the end, in my honest opinion, extensions are necessary, they can be very useful when well implemented.
Although, Microsoft is planning to release Windows 9 Technical Preview at the end of September, it’s unlikely that Internet Explorer 12 with the new look and extension will part be of the release.
Source Neowin
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].