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

Posted by Daniel Shain

Comments
2
Likes
0
Dislikes
0

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

Most Popular Laptops at Pricegrabber.com

Comments

  • 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.

    cuff links | bowling amf

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

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

Add your Comment

Verification Code
Verify (type this text in the box below the image)

Newsletter Sign-Up

Most Popular Laptops & Gear

  • 1. Pavilion Dv6-2150us Notebook

    Pavilion Dv6-2150us Notebook

  • 2. Inspiron Mini 10v Netbook - Customizable

    Inspiron Mini 10v Netbook - Cu

  • 3. MacBook Notebook

    MacBook Notebook

  • 1. EOS Rebel T1i Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/...

    EOS Rebel T1i  Black SLR Digit

  • 2. D90 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit

    D90 Black SLR Digital Camera K

  • 3. D5000 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm Lens

    D5000 Black SLR Digital Camera

  • 1. iPod Touch 8GB Black MP3 Player

    iPod Touch 8GB Black MP3 Playe

  • 2. iPod Touch 64GB Black MP3 Player

    iPod Touch 64GB Black MP3 Play

  • 3. iPod Touch 32GB Black MP3 Player

    iPod Touch 32GB Black MP3 Play

  • 1. Windows 7 Professional

    Windows 7 Professional

  • 2. UN55B8000 55" LED TV

    UN55B8000 55" LED TV

  • 3. 42LH30 42" LCD TV

    42LH30 42" LCD TV

Powered by
PriceGrabber.com

Latest Updates

  • ASUS Eee PC 1000HE

    The Eee PC has a slightly faster Atom processor and a faster FSB compared to the previous models. While this is not enough for anyone to upgrade, it could certainly attract first-time netbook buyers. Read More

  • Dell Vostro A860

    When price and performance must share in compromise, few laptops on the market readily answer the call of duty. When it comes to getting high quality at an affordable price, the Dell Vostro A860... Read More

  • Dell Mini 9

    By now Dell has a full range of netbooks in sizes 9", 10", and oddly a 12" model, of which we’re looking at the smallest 9-incher here. Read More

More Reviews

More Top Lists

  • Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2009

    Yet again, Apple's professional geeks will offer up sessions and hands-on code probing and testing at Moscone West in San Francisco. The dates for 2009 are June 8-12. Read More

  • E3 Expo

    The E3 Expo - also known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo - is the one trade show to visit to get the latest news from the computer and video games industry. Read More

  • CeBIT - Hannover 3-8 March

    Unlike CES, CeBIT is open to the public, so there's no need to be a press or industry affiliate to have a look at this massive trade show, which is the largest in the world. Read More

  • International CES 2009

    Find out all you need to know about the 2009 International CES. It features 2,700 exhibitors, including companies who manufacture products or provide services for the audio, digital imaging, home... Read More

  • Mac World Conference

    Make sure to make a note about the Macworld Expo at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, January 5-9. If you're a Mac user and wish to meet equivalent people in the industry this is the place for you. Read More

More Events

More Apple

More Linux

More Microsoft

Editor's Choice

  • Weird, Extraordinary and Record-Breaking Laptops

    Here are the laptops that break one record or another, be it oldest, ugliest, cheapest or just very out of the ordinary. Read More

  • Top 10 Technologies of 2008

    Laptopical's T.J. Aaron summarizes the breakthroughs in technology of 2008. As we are nearing the end of 2008 - find out what made his Top 10 of the most successful and talked about technologies of... Read More

  • Top 10 Netbooks

    The netbook world has gotten increasingly crowded, and until the massive popularity of the form factor wanes this trend will only increase. Beyond Asus and Acer, major corporations like Dell, HP... Read More

Latest Laptopical.com tweets