Microsoft to Leave Internet Explorer Behind

After hinting at the move for months, Microsoft has finally confirmed that it will move its famed Internet Explorer browser into semi-retirement this year. An iconic piece of the Microsoft portfolio of products for nearly two decades, IE will be replaced by a new browser to be included in the Windows 10 suite, currently dubbed “Project Spartan,” that will have cross-device functionality and mobile optimization. The announcement was a long time coming, with Microsoft trying (unsuccessfully) for years to shake negative perceptions around the browser as it rapidly lost users to Firefox and Chrome. Just this past December, Microsoft’s former Internet Explorer chief left the company, which signaled the end of an era. While Internet Explorer may exist for some time due to its enterprise compatibility, “Project Spartan” will become the primary window for Microsoft PC users to browse the web.