Internet Explorer 11 for Windows Phone 8.1 teased in hands-on video

Windows Phone 8.1 is an upcoming update from Microsoft for the mobile platform. The release itself is billed as a major improvement for Windows Phone owners, also addressing many complaints from consumers who have yet to pick up a device. Internet Explorer 11 is the next step for Microsoft's popular web browser, introducing numerous new features.

A video has been published with some hands-on footage of IE11 in action.

One of the first things you'll notice in the footage is the inclusion of both the 'stop' and 'refresh' buttons within the address bar. If you're familiar with the reader mode in Safari for iOS, you'll welcome a similar addition to Internet Explorer for Windows Phone. This feature enables users to read through content on websites without additional clutter.

It's possible to configure the Reader settings and alter both text size and reading views - choices include bright, light, medium and dark.

Password management is something that's also absent from the current version of Internet Explorer for Windows Phone. According to UnleashThePhones, this will be included in IE11. A setting for websites to remember passwords can be viewed in both the video and screenshots below.

"It just seems faster."

We're familiar with the above saying when it comes to Windows Phone and app updates, but we're certain the IE11 upgrade will be a much improved experience over what consumers are currently enjoying. So far, everything looks like Microsoft is moving in the right direction.

Here are some other highlights from what we know about IE11:

  • JavaScript and HTML for app development
  • Upload files through Internet Explorer 11
  • Tabs now show up individually in multi-task window
  • WebGL and Normal mapping support
  • YouTube Player including HTML5 video support

Are you excited for Internet Explorer 11 in Windows Phone 8.1, or do you feel as though the web browser still lacks some extra magic? Let us know your thoughts, as well as what you'd like Microsoft to add to IE.

Source: UnleashThePhones

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.