Feature
Browsers Continue to Battle
The browser wars seem to have died off in recent times. While the makers tout speed and security, most users are happy with the one they currently use and there seems little incentive to switch. A new OS provides a chance for a change though and Microsoft has made a big play out of IE10 in Windows 8.
However, Windows 7 users won't be left behind as the browser is making its way to the PC's dominant OS too. It offers a united entry box for address and search entries, but that's found in rivals. SmartScreen technology is there to protect against tricky social malware and the Do Not Track option (a bit of a sticking point for advertisers) is built-in to protect your privacy.
There are some differences between the version for Windows 7 and 8 though. The W7 versions lacks built-in Flash, relying on the Adobe plugin. And there's no start screen with your favorites up front, as that was a feature for tablets and touchscreens. But you do get the faster rendering engine and improved standards support.
Learning Opportunities
Webinar
Jun
6
The Future of Social Media: Emerging Trends and How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
The impact of emerging technologies like AI on social media
Webinar
Jun
7
The Building Blocks of Personalization
This webinar will explore how personalization can create powerful ecommerce shopping experience.
Webinar
Jun
8
Attracting—and Keeping—Your High-Net-Worth Investors
Join PwC to dissect their recent survey findings on a specific customer subset — high-net-worth investors.
Webinar
Jun
13
The Future of Contact Centers with AI at the Helm
Learn how to balance human intuition and interaction with the potential uses of AI to create delightful and lasting CX
Webinar
Jun
13
Learn How to Deliver Dynamic Video Experiences at Scale
Learn how to convert existing assets into video experiences in near real-time.
Webinar
Jun
20
3 Steps to Unlock Your Customer Data and Drive Revenue
Discover how Twilio Segment’s #1 Customer Data Platform helps implement data-driven strategies.
Background Support
The trouble (in a good way) with most browsers now is they update regularly and quietly in the background. That means you're better protected and supported with the latest code. There is no need for shouting about new features, frills and so on. Mature browsers don't need them, and there is little do divert users from the business of browsing, running web services and so on.
To that end, Microsoft might struggle to replace Firefox or Chrome as the "cool" browsers to go to, but a recent tide in usability has seen recent versions of I.E. move back into second place in the browser usage charts. That surge might continue as Windows 8 takes off, but now Windows 7 is getting the browser too, at least in this preview form, and might encourage great adoption as users notice the change.
There's no word on a final release date for Windows 7 users. As for Windows XP users, Microsoft won't be offering the browser for this OS, so look elsewhere for your modern browser needs.
