Microsoft released the latest addition to its Internet Explorer line-up on Monday. The IE9 web browser is being advertised as a quick, sleek alternative to the offerings of competitors Firefox and Chrome - the latter of which is slowly but surely gaining ground in overall market share.
Based on a report from the Washington-based company, the new iteration is off to a very strong start.
Ryan Gavin, senior director of Internet Explorer, wrote on the Exploring IE blog that IE9 was downloaded over 2.3 million times during the first day of its release.
"We want to thank everyone around the world for downloading IE9 and the enthusiastic reception," he said. According to Gavin, the IE9 official launch doubled its beta figures.
IE9 includes several new elements, some borrowed from recent innovations implemented by other browsers -- such as the Chrome-inspired web address bar that can be used as a search engine. The browser boasts enhanced HTML 5 support, too.
The release drew some criticism, however.
IE9 isn't compatible with Windows XP, forcing those eager to give the new browser a spin to buy Windows 7 or Vista. Consumer watchdog group Which? also cited a possible issue with IE9's anti-tracking security measures.
It's too early to say if this early boom will help the Internet Explorer brand hold off its competitors' encroaching efforts, but it's doubtful Microsoft is anything but thrilled so far.
Did you download IE9 this week? Share your thoughts on it in the comment section.
