14 DAY TRIAL // You know those 25 million Internet Explorer 9 downloads that Microsoft has been boasting? Well, add another 2 million on top of that. According to the latest statistics from the software giant, Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate was downloaded over 2 million times in just a few days since launch.
IE9 RC downloads went live last week, on February 10, 2011, providing users with the near-final development milestone of Internet Explorer 9.
Since then, Microsoft also switched on the automatic upgrades to IE9 RC for all Beta testers, but according to Roger Capriotti, Director, Internet Explorer Product Marketing, the 2 million downloads mark was reached before the RC bits hit Windows Update.
“Just a few days after its public availability, customers have already downloaded Internet Explorer 9 Release Candidate two million times and taken it for a spin,” Capriotti revealed.
“Current IE9 Beta users will be prompted to download RC via Windows Update this month. However, even as these prompts are starting to kick into gear, we have had two million user-initiated downloads of IE9 RC. We continue to be humbled by the enthusiasm and uptake of IE9.”
Users should hesitate to download and try IE9 RC, especially since this Build is quite close to the finished product.
IE9 RTW (Final) upgrades will also be provided via Automatic Updates to those running IE9 RC, and subsequently to all IE8 users on Windows Vista SP2 and Windows 7.
“Early testers are already experiencing the beauty of the web across their favorite websites – and enjoying one-click access to a site-centric browsing experience by pinning their sites directly to their Windows 7 taskbar. We’re encouraged by this early response and urge you to download IE9 RC today and let us know your thoughts!” Capriotti added.
Microsoft did not provide a deadline for the release to web of IE9, but representatives of the IE team told me that it will happen quite soon.
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IE9 RC Performance Superior to IE9 Beta, to All Rival Browsers
Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) Release Candidate (RC) Build 9.0.8080.16413 is available for download here.