Windows 8 May Have Two Browsers in Internet Explorer 10

By

The Windows 8 operating system is expected to have two browsers in Internet Explorer 10, according to media reports.

One is a “metro” browser that is touch-friendly and the other is a more traditional desktop browser, news reports said.

The desktop Internet Explorer version supports Flash, according to MSNBC. But the Metro browser does not support Flash.

Also, the metro browser does not support plugins so users will have to go to the desired page via the desktop browser.

“It’s clear that Microsoft is banking on a one-size-fits-all approach with Windows 8, attempting to combine a touch-friendly front end with a traditional desktop computing experience for accommodating legacy apps,” comments MSNBC. “This is the complete opposite of Apple’s strategy, which for now has segregated its laptops and tablets by powering them with different operating systems: Mac OS X Lion and iOS 5.”

In addition, mobilebloom.com says that Windows 8 users can switch to plugins if they want something like DRM-protected media streaming.

“The desktop browser is not designed for touch inputs so the user will have to switch to keyboard and mouse or struggle with an interface that is not meant for fingers,” according to mobilebloom.com. “Switching from metro to desktop browser also seems to be discarding things like current page state and back button history.”

Plugins are not required for most applications, mobilebloom.com said. But DRM-protected video and some other apps may be difficult in HTML5, the site adds.

Windows 8 also has a “split personality” when it comes to settings.

“In Metro mode you’ll see a few options when you hit the Settings button (Network, Volume, Brightness), but to access more you’ll need to open the slick new Control Panel, which lets you tweak some but not all of your PC’s settings. Right at the bottom of that screen you’ll see an option that says More Settings that will dump you into the desktop environment and open the classic Control Panel,” MSNBC said. “Using two different apps to tweak settings feels odd.”

In other recent news, TechZone360 CTO Tom Keating notes that Windows 8 will sport the "ribbon interface" made famous in Microsoft Office.


Ed Silverstein is a TechZone360 contributor. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Rich Steeves
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]

TechZone360 Contributor

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Related Articles

Can Science Outsmart Deepfake Deceivers? Klick Labs Proposes an Emerging Solution

By: Alex Passett    3/25/2024

Researchers at Klick Labs were able to identify audio deepfakes from authentic audio recordings via new vocal biomarker technology (alongside AI model…

Read More

Top 5 Best Ways to Integrate Technology for Successful Project-Based Learning

By: Contributing Writer    3/19/2024

Project-based learning, also popularly known as the PBL curriculum, emphasizes using and integrating technology with classroom teaching. This approach…

Read More

How to Protect Your Website From LDAP Injection Attacks

By: Contributing Writer    3/12/2024

Prevent LDAP injection attacks with regular testing, limiting access privileges, sanitizing user input, and applying the proper encoding functions.

Read More

Azure Cost Optimization: 5 Things You Can Do to Save on Azure

By: Contributing Writer    3/7/2024

Azure cost optimization is the process of managing and reducing the overall cost of using Azure. It involves understanding the resources you're using,…

Read More

Massive Meta Apps and Services Outage Impacts Users Worldwide

By: Alex Passett    3/5/2024

Meta's suite of apps and services are experiencing major global outages on Super Tuesday 2024.

Read More