Microsoft Has Surprises in Store For January Event
Could a new browser be in the works?
— -- Microsoft is gearing up for a Windows 10 event in January that could be full of surprises, including the possible launch of a new web browser that is not Internet Explorer.
The event on January 21 will be held in Redmond, Washington, and will be live streamed -- a sign that Microsoft has key news they're eager to share with the masses.
At the top of the list is the report of a new default browser that is not Internet Explorer. The news was first tweeted by Thomas Nigro, a Microsoft student partner lead.
The tweeted was corroborated by ZDNet, which cited anonymous sources saying that the tech company is building a new browser that will have a similar user experience to Mozilla's Firefox and Google's Chrome.
A new browser would be huge news for the legions of Microsoft fans who have a love-hate relationship with Internet Explorer.
Microsoft is also expected to discuss more of the consumer features for Windows 10 at the event. The latest operating system was unveiled in September and has an emphasis on increasing productivity.
Among the new features are multiple desktops, the ability to work within multiple windows without switching screens and a "task view" feature.
Many keen Microsoft observers will note that the company skipped over the No. 9 in naming the latest iteration of the software. It's something a company spokesman said signals how the operating system has evolved.
"Windows 10 carries Windows forward into a new way of doing things. It is not an incremental change, but a new Windows that will empower the next billion users," the spokesperson said.