Next Internet Explorer on Horizon

The next Internet Explorer (IE) browser version is due in 2008 or 2009, according to a rough timetable released by Microsoft. Priorities for the version include further work on usability, security, and support for growing uses of the Web, such as blogs, as well as new client scripting APIs and better standards support for developers. However, Microsoft did not commit to a stand-alone release of “IE 8” (not yet officially named). If the next browser version is tied to the next version of the Windows Client OS, it could see significant delays.

New Web Usage, APIs a Priority

Speaking at Microsoft’s MIX ’07 conference for Web developers, IE Group Program Manager Chris Wilson laid out the following general priorities for the next IE:

Browsing usability and security. IE 8 will include general usability improvements, including better support for growing Web activities, such as blogging. Security will remain a high priority; despite significant improvements in IE 7 (such as its antiphishing features) attackers continue to find security vulnerabilities in the browser.