Microsoft released Internet Explorer 9 platform preview 3 today, marking the third and possibly final release prior to the beta phase.
The updated platform preview code includes support for the HTML5 video tag. Platform Preview 3 includes support for HTML5 video and audio tags, 2D graphics using the canvas tag and embedded fonts using the WOFF standard. Earlier this month Microsoft demonstrated IE9 vs Safari 5 and the company has pushed out a number of updated HTML5 tests on its test drive today.
Microsoft originally unveiled Internet Explorer 9 at PDC 2009. IE 9 will take advantage of the power of the GPU for all page rendering and developers can exploit this using CSS, DHTML and javascript. A new JS engine (codenamed Chakra) will also be built into Internet Explorer 9 with greater interoperability and standards support all round. Features such as rounded corner CSS support will be built in. In January, Neowin revealed that Microsoft is planning to enhance tabbed browsing in IE9. According to a software patent, the Quick Tabs feature in Internet Explorer is likely to be enhanced with better functionality and greater tab management options.
Microsoft is also planning broader support for HTML5 in Internet Explorer 9 through its new script engine. Microsoft recently performed W3C Web Standards tests on IE9, including HTML5, SVG 1.1 2nd edition, CSS3 media queries, CSS3 borders & backgrounds, CSS3 selectors, DOM level 3 core, DOM level 3 events and DOM level 2 style. Microsoft, with the help of W3C, performed a total of 192 tests on a variety of browsers. Internet Explorer 9 scored 100% in all eight tests, while every other browser, except Firefox in DOM level 2 style tests, didn"t score perfect in any of the test categories.
Microsoft originally began scouting for Internet Explorer 9 beta testers in March. In an email to testers, Justin Saint Clair - Program Manager of Internet Explorer invited testers to join a "select group of IE9 Tech Feedback participants." Neowin understands that Microsoft will introduce a beta of Internet Explorer 9 in August. Today"s Internet Explorer 9 Platform Preview 3 is available at Microsoft"s IE Test Drive site.
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