New reports indicate that Microsoft is in the process of building a new, lightweight browser that will replace its flagship system, the Internet Explorer.
According to ZDNet, the new browser to debut with Windows 10 is codenamed "Spartan." Sources indicate that it will bear a similar look and feel to Chrome and Firefox.
Spartan was initially believed to be an overhaul to Internet Explorer. However, it is now being reported that the web-based system will be a brand new creation to replace IE, the company's primary browser for Windows since it was launched in 1995.
Extreme Tech reports that "Spartan will reportedly look like a mix of Firefox and Chrome, with tabs above the address bar - and, perhaps most excitingly, Spartan will apparently support real browser extensions."
Additionally, sources indicate that the new system will make used of the same web technology, the Trident rendering engine and Chakra JavaScript engine but with an enhanced user interface like those of Firefox and Chrome.
News comes after Microsoft Student Partner lead and developer of modern version of VLC Thomas Nigro said over Twitter earlier this month that he heard that a brand-new browser was currently being developed by Microsoft, recalled CNet.
The site further noted that for Windows 10's desktop version, the system will ship with both Spartan as well as IE 11 for backward compatibility. Spartan will also be available for mobile and tablet devices.
According to sources, the new browser may be mentioned during the Jan. 21 event where Microsoft will reveal some new features included in Windows 10, reports Daily Mail UK.
On Jan. 21 during the event that will focus on the "Windows 10 consumer experience," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other executives will be making their presentations.
The debut of the software could be done during this time but Windows 10 won't be available until the fall so it may take some time before the browser and system's release.
Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner told Nikkei via Daily Mail UK that the new system has been delayed and pegged for release sometime "early next fall."
When asked for a comment, a spokesperson for Microsoft told Mashable that the tech firm had "nothing to share" regarding the report.
With Spartan being a codename for the alleged system, more information will probably be available within the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more.
