Microsoft have released a platform preview of their latest and greatest browser, Internet Explorer 9. The browser only runs on Vista and Windows 7, which means Windows XP users are likely to be left behind from future updates.

IE9 boasts an impressive increase in speed and vastly improved support for new and current standards for web development. Microsoft have been working with the web standards organisation, W3C to ensure their newest browser meets all the revelant standards – although there is still some way to go it seems.

Nonetheless it is a step in the right direction and can surely be a positive step for web developers looking forward to using the latest and greatest technologies for as wide an audience as possible. As the dominant browser worldwide, any new versions of Internet Explorer mark a huge impact on the industry. Microsoft’s new browser will continue to be developed over the coming months and we will be monitoring its progress.