Microsoft Introduces New Interface for IE10

Microsoft has released additional details about its upcoming Internet Explorer 10 web browser. Once again, it appears users familiar with touchscreen devices are those most likely to enjoy the changes.

Microsoft has revealed that Internet Explorer 10 is designed for the new Metro interface.

Of the two different ways to use Windows 8, Metro is the one involving larger "tile" icons and a cleaner screen with less clutter, both of which are most helpful with touchscreens.

Metro also lets users install or remove new software approved by Microsoft in a simple manner, much the same as today's smartphone "app stores."

Metro will be Windows 8's default system, but users will have the option of switching to the traditional desktop setup common in all previous editions of Windows.

It should be noted, however, that numerous reports from people trying out the beta edition have said switching from Metro to the traditional setup is complicated and non-intuitive.

If true, such a problem may earn the new browser a frosty reception. (Source: nwsource.com)

Full Screen Display With Less Visual Clutter

The biggest change for Internet Explorer 10 is that the control buttons, toolbars and scrollbars will mostly be out of view when not in use.

As a result, normal web browsing in the new software will look very similar to the full screen mode (enabled by pressing F11) in current versions of Internet Explorer. (Source: msdn.com)

Another change is that users will see two sets of tiles when they first open Internet Explorer 10, instead of a blank page or a default home page.

One set of tiles will list the user's most frequently visited sites, the other set will reflect sites the user has chosen to "pin" to the start screen, much like bookmarks.

Opening up several different web pages at the same time in Internet Explorer 10 will also look different. Rather than a row of text-based tabs across the top of the screen, there will be a thumbnail image of each page at the bottom.

Users can click an image to switch to the corresponding page, or click on an "X" to close it. This approach is remarkably similar to the one used on an iPad, when simultaneously running multiple applications.

Changes in IE 10 May Not Be Popular With PC Users

All in all, Internet Explorer 10 looks to be effectively designed for web browsing on a device with a touchscreen, a small display, or both.

Experts suggest, however, that Microsoft may find a majority of its potential customers are still using conventional PCs, and may feel the new browser offers little improvement, or perhaps is less intuitive to use.