Internet Explorer 6 is the bane of many a web designer’s existence. It supports CSS more in theory than practice and lingers like a herpes sore on the market (that’s not graphic enough).
Microsoft, (maybe listening?) with the release of IE8 seems to have addressed some core issues, some that were still within IE7. As a beta user of Windows 7, where IE8 is native, I see great improvements. I’ve been impressed.
I can only assume MS knows it has a decent browser on its hands, native to a vastly improved OS. In Australia, they’ve even launched an already-mocked (zoom in) promotion involving a hidden $10k.
Essentially, anyone using a browser outside of IE8 will not see the clues. Of course the site has childish messages for those that view it on anything but IE. But will it be enough to kill off the 8-year-old browser once and for all?
Firefox has been slowly eating away at MS’ market share (down to 66%) with a stronger, faster browser. Now Chrome and Safari have shrunk in size and exploded with features (FF attempts the same with add-ons). Still, IE6 is in use (between 14 and 24%).
This promotion, combined with some shady propaganda, may be enough incentive for people to finally upgrade. If Windows 7 is as popular as Vista wasn’t, adoption will be easy.
At least I hope so. Having to check against a browser created while ‘N Sync was popular is tedious at best and usually far worse.
Photo courtesy ZDnet.com
Tags: advertising, corporations, interactive design, online
anyone find it ironic that the tengrandisburriedthere site uses google maps?
just wondering.