TheCable

Microsoft has announced that it will soon be doing away with Internet Explorer, its iconic browser, in favour of a newer browser currently code-named Project Spartan.

According to metro.co.uk, Microsoft was changing the name of the browser to address “negative perceptions that no longer reflect reality,” owing to complaints from users who described the browser as being slow and bug-prone.

“We’re now researching what the new brand, or the new name, for our browser should be in Windows 10. We’ll continue to have Internet Explorer, but we’ll also have a new browser, which is code-named Project Spartan. We have to name the thing.” Chris Capossella, Microsoft’s marketing chief, was quoted as saying.

The new Windows 10 operating system, designed for multiple devices with small footprint for connected devices, may be coming this summer in 190 countries and 111 languages.

Aimed at powering PCs, smartphones and also connected devices such as bank machines and medical equipment, the much-anticipated Windows 10 will allow users to sign in to a device without a password by using biometrics, including facial recognition.

Microsoft is also working with fast-growing Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi to test Windows 10 on its devices. The US tech giant similarly announced partnerships with Chinese-based Tencent and Lenovo to help customers in China upgrade to Windows 10.