Microsoft is working on a whole new browser that should accompany Internet Explorer in Windows 10, according to Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley on ZDNet. According to her sources Microsoft plans to launch two browsers with the release of Windows 10 that should become available in autumn next year.
One of the two browsers will be an improved version of Internet Explorer 11. The browser continues to be part of Windows 10 for backwards compatibility so e.g. old plugins continue to work.
The second browser codenamed Spartan, is allegedly developed exclusively for Windows 10. The browser should work on both desktop computers and mobile devices. More details Foley doesn't state, except that it would be light browser. Earlier rumors already indicated Microsoft is planning to split Internet Explorer.
One part would be targeted at older websites optimized for earlier versions of Internet Explorer, the second part is expected to be a lighter version targeted at newer pages without the need of being backwards compatible. The new Internet Explorer is expected to have an option that allows switching between the two variants.
Microsoft hasn't officially announced a new version of Internet Explorer for Windows 10. The company will possibly announce a new version of IE at Windows event held at the 21st of January.
During that event Microsoft will reveal more information on the consumer version of Windows 10. The Consumer Preview of Windows 10 is also expected to be released shortly after the event.
