Microsoft Details Metro IE10 For Windows 8

In a post today on the Building Windows 8 blog, Microsoft detailed some of the new improvements that will be introduced with Internet Explorer 10, specifically in the new Metro UI version. IE10 is expected to launch with Windows 8 later this fall and will be available in its traditional desktop version as well as in a Metro-styled version, which is designed to provide a more immersive and secure browsing experience.

A Metro-styled IE10 will offer a faster and more fluid experience for use on touch-enabled devices. Microsoft has hidden the navigation menus and tabs in Metro IE10, allowing the web page to take up the full browser screen. The navigation controls only appear when you need them by swiping in from the top or bottom of the screen, right-clicking on a mouse, or pressing Windows key+Z on the keyboard. Other features such as an improved touch keyboard, integrated spell-check, and text search are also integrated for an enhanced browsing experience.

Metro IE10 blurs the boundaries between the web and apps through Windows 8 features like snap, charms, and site pinning. Snap allows you to browse IE10 while accessing another application side-by-side. Windows 8 charms, such as Search, Share, Devices, and Settings can be quickly accessed via the IE10 browser by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, pressing Windows key+C, or moving your mouse to the bottom- or top-right corners of the screen. And with site pinning, you can personalize your Windows Start screen with the sites you visit most.

Beyond a fast, fluid, and immersive browsing experience, IE10 also focuses on security, building on IE9's SmartScreen XSS filtering, Application Reputation, InPrivate browsing, Tracking Protection, and hang detection and recovery.