14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft keeps working on Internet Explorer, so the newly-launched Windows 8.1 OS update comes with a revamped version of the browser supposed to provide an enhanced experience in both the Modern UI and on the traditional desktop.
Statistics provided by market researcher Net Applications for the month of October 2013 show that Microsoft’s efforts seem to be paying off, as Internet Explorer remains the number one browser worldwide for the time being.
Internet Explorer 8 is currently installed on 21.75 percent of computers worldwide, followed by Internet Explorer 10 which has been found on 18.94 percent of these machines.
Firefox 24 is the only non-IE browser on the podium with a market share of 12.79 percent, while Chrome 30 comes next with 10.45 percent.
Internet Explorer 9 is fifth with 9.49 percent, while Internet Explorer 6 remains incredibly popular six months before its retirement date.
The interesting thing is that Internet Explorer 10, the default Windows 8 browser offered with both Modern and desktop versions, has started losing users, as more people worldwide are now making the move to Windows 8.1.
Microsoft’s refreshed modern platform comes by default with Internet Explorer 11, which is said to be better optimized for the touch, while also delivering a faster and more secure browsing experience to users.
“Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 8.1 brings the same hardware-accelerated pan and zoom technology to mouse, keyboard and touchpad in addition to touch. This allows sites to take advantage of the smooth panning and zooming across all input types,” Microsoft said.
“Internet Explorer 11 builds on the modern, fast, fluid experience that’s perfect for touch, even for today’s Web that isn’t necessarily designed for touch. With hardware accelerated direct manipulation, pages stick to your finger while panning and zooming for a fluid and natural experience.”
While Internet Explorer 11 is currently the default browser in Windows 8.1, Microsoft also plans to release it as an optional download for Windows 7 users before the end of the year.