Internet Explorer Skips Beta Cycle in Favor of Preview Version
September 10th, 2007
Because Microsoft hopes to revamp PCs with its long-awaited Internet Explorer 4.0, officials at the company are calling the March initial release of the new browser a platform preview instead of a more traditional beta version.
The difference, seemingly, is one of semantics. It stems from Microsoft’s vision of Explorer as the centerpiece of the Active Desktop, which means it will be integrated with the operating system, rather than stand simply as a next-generation browser.
The plan is to have a platform preview release that is very focused for developers, said group product manager Yusuf Medhi. Based on that feedback, we’ll move to a broader release that appeals more to the end-user instead of just the developer.
Key technology people should look at the new things like Dynamic HTML, Medhi added. It’s very much a developers-oriented release.
The Explorer team is still working on minor tweaks to the browser, such as a customizable toolbar, AutoComplete typing in the address box, and more ways to document navigation history. Final release of Internet Explorer for Windows 95 and Windows NT is expected in mid-summer, Medhi said.
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