14 DAY TRIAL // Few people still remember this, but Google actually offers an Internet Explorer toolbar that was originally supposed to make it easier for users to quickly search the web.
In other words, the toolbar integrated a search box, and at a time when browser didn’t come with such a feature, it goes without saying this was super-handy for users out there.
However, as Internet Explorer is slowly but surely approaching its end, Google too decided to abandon the toolbar. The whole thing happened quietly, as the company has revealed on a support page that “Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer has been discontinued.”
Instead, the Mountain View-based company tells users to install Google Chrome.
The end of Internet Explorer
Microsoft is also getting ready to abandon Internet Explorer, as the company is now betting big on Microsoft Edge, which is also the new default browser on Windows.
Internet Explorer has already been abandoned in some Microsoft products, but the software giant plans to drop support for this browser in the summer of 2022.
“Please note that the Internet Explorer (IE) 11 desktop application will end support for certain operating systems starting June 15, 2022. Customers are encouraged to move to Microsoft Edge with IE mode. IE mode enables backward compatibility and will be supported through at least 2029. Additionally, Microsoft will provide notice one year prior to retiring IE mode,” the company said.
“For supported operating systems, Internet Explorer 11 will continue receiving security updates and technical support for the lifecycle of the Windows version on which it is installed.”
Needless to say, Microsoft is now betting big on Microsoft Edge, as the browser also integrates an IE mode that allows users to run compatible apps. Microsoft Edge runs on Chromium, and it’s available not only on Windows 10 and Windows 11, but also on Windows 7 and 8.1.