Microsoft "permanently disabled" Internet Explorer on Valentine's Day, shutting down a web browser that for a long time has stood in the shadow of newer, better web browsers.
Microsoft Edge has co-existed with Internet Explorer for years, but now it will be the default browser on all Windows devices.
“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,” Sean Lyndersay, general manager of Microsoft Edge Enterprise, wrote in a 2021 blog post announcing Internet Explorer's eventual demise.
The browser launched in 1995 and for a long time was the most popular entry point to the web. Then federal regulators in 1997 sued Microsoft for requiring computer makers to use Internet Explorer as part of Windows.
The legal pressure eventually forced Microsoft to open up Windows to other browsers, which soon gained market share.
Google's Chrome now makes up 65 percent of the browser market, and Apple's Safari makes up 19 percent, according to analytics company Statcounter. As for Microsoft Edge, it currently stands at around 4 percent.
Internet Explorer's final version came out in 2013.
While more nostalgic web denizens lamented the brower's passing, others commented that it had become "bug-ridden and insecure," and noted that it was primarily used for downloading other browsers.
Nicola Mendelsohn, vice president of the global business group at the newly-christened Meta, joined Cheddar to discuss what went into the re-branding of Facebook's parent company. Regarding criticism that the name change might be a way for the company to deflect from news of its role in allegedly undermining child safety, growing political strife, and spreading vaccine disinformation, she noted that the process began even earlier. "Something like this takes a long time to pull together," Mendelsohn said.
Proptech startup Juno recently raised $20 million in a Series A funding round. The company says the funds will be used to further its mission of building sustainable and affordable apartment buildings across the United States. Juno Co-Founder and CEO Jonathan Sherr joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The CEO at Activision Blizzard Bobby Kotick apologized to employees after the company had been rocked by the public airing of sexual harassment claims that went unchecked. Kotick also asked that his compensation of more than $150 million be slashed to just over $62,000.
Stacey Stevens, President of iCAD, joins 'Cheddar Innovates' to discuss how 'Profound A.I. Risk' works as a short-term breast cancer risk estimation for women.
On this episode of 'Cheddar Innovates': President of iCAD breaks down how its technology is being used as a short-term breast cancer risk estimation for women; A look at Curiosity Stream's 'The Science of Thrills.'
