If you’re reading this article on Internet Explorer, the second half of the article probably hasn’t loaded yet.
I’ll give it a couple of minutes…
…
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…
Now that your page has crashed three times and finally loaded, you should probably brace yourself for some news that might just break your heart.
Your favourite web browser, it seems, will soon cease to exist.
Internet Explorer Will Officially be Retired on 15 June 2022 After More Than 25 Years in Service
In 1995, Microsoft launched Internet Explorer, a revolutionary web browser that allowed users to, well, explore the internet.
While some users have religiously stuck to the platform, most have shifted over to Google’s Chrome and Apple’s Safari which were introduced in the late 2000s.
According to Reuters, Chrome has a 65% share of the global browser market and Apple’s Safari had 18% as of April this year, with Internet Explorer’s share being a minuscule amount.
Consequently, Microsoft announced on Wednesday(19 May) that it is retiring Internet Explorer.
As of 15 June 2022, Internet Explorer will be retired and no longer be supported by the company, after more than 25 years in slow service.
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Soon after the announcement, memes unsurprisingly started popping up all over social media:
Hearing Internet Explorer will be retired officially in 2022
Godspeed… pic.twitter.com/g4KLQ6jFL3
— TRAFON(s Backup Account) (@RiseFallNickBck) May 20, 2021
bring back internet explorer memes they r so funny pic.twitter.com/HpWFTJmbWl
— herobrine 📺 (@talIyhall) May 20, 2021
Internet explorer about to die? NOT SO FAST. pic.twitter.com/VG6w12LeWp
— MaurÃcio Linhares (@mauriciojr) May 20, 2021
The retirement of the longest-running web browser doesn’t mean Microsoft is throwing in the towel, however.
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No, they now have a new browser which they believe will give them an edge over the competition.
Reader: That was a horrible pun.
Microsoft Edge, the Faster Version of Internet Explorer
The future of Internet Explorer, Microsoft said, is in Microsoft Edge.
“Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications,” Microsoft said.
Launched in 2015, it has gone on to claim just over 3% of the market.
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Fortunately for loyal Internet Explorer users, Internet Explorer-based websites and applications will work with Edge at least until 2029.
This is because many organisations still have websites based on the soon-to-be-defunct browser.
Believe it or not, Internet Explorer once enjoyed a 90% market share between 2000 and 2005.
In 2013, Microsoft was fined €561m (around S$1 billion) for failing to promote other browsers within its Windows operating system.
Changing Font as Well
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that it’s planning to change its default font, which has been Calibri for all of its products since 2007.
It invited users to vote on their favourite from five options, and the most popular will be its new default font.
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As for Internet Explorer, Microsoft encouraged users to make the switch to Edge to “start enjoying a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience.”
Goodbye Internet Explorer. It was annoying while it lasted.
Featured Image: tanuha2001/ Shutterstock.com
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