Internet Explorer 9 Adds Direct2D, Improves JavaScript, Might Actually Be Good

Posted by Daniel Shain

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Even though they still have the largest market share, it has been a long time since Internet Explorer reigned supreme over other browsers in terms of speediness and productivity. Latest developments are showing that IE9 might just be the version of the browser to put it back in the conversation, and maybe stop the incessant bleeding to FireFox, Chrome, and others.

Back in the days of IE7, it was clear internet explorer needed a good kick in the teeth. Then IE8 came out, and though it was a large improvement over its predecessor, it failed to make up all the ground that had been lost in years of monopolistic complacency. It seems ol' MS has had enough time to recuperate by now though, and early tests for IE9 show drastically reduced load times for JavaScript, as well as GPU use to smooth text and video. The browser will make use of a feature called Direct2D, or D2D, which more effectively taps into your graphics acceleration hardware to simultaneously improve the browser experience and reduce strain on your overworked CPU. Not only will this affect obvious multimedia concerns like video playback, but through a process called sub-pixel positioning it will make text render noticeably smoother too.

At right, 96 point Gabriola on a Lenovo X61 ThinkPad at 100% Zoom rendered the old fashioned way, with GDI. At left, with D2D (click to really see the difference).



Sounds good to us - Windows 7 + IE9 might just be the most complete software package Microsoft has had in years. But the competition won't take it sitting down - we've already heard that a FireFox programmer figured out how to include D2D in the latest alpha build of FireFox 3.7.

The more the merrier, that's what we say.

Via ie blog

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Comments

  • By: Jane May 28, 2010 8:38 AM

    I haven't thought of this, nice work again from you guys. Cheers

  • By: Aaron Jan 07, 2010 10:42 AM

    It looks like IE might be coming around. Maybe they can compete with the other browsers now.

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  • By: JavaScript Countdown Timer Dec 01, 2009 2:34 AM

    very cool & good info, thank you very much for sharing.

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