It looks like those that were expecting Microsoft to deliver the actual bits of Internet Explorer 9 were right on the money. On the second day at MIX10, Microsoft has made available for download the first release of Internet Explorer 9. The
Internet Explorer 9 Platform Preview is currently up for grabs from Microsoft.
What is critical to note is the fact that the IE9 Platform Preview is not the full Internet Explorer browser. Instead, what Microsoft is offering is a lightweight frame around the IE platform. The preview is usable, but at the same time it is designed for developers and not for end users. As a dev, you will be happy to know that the IE9 Platform Preview has developer tools included by default, but not a back button for end users. Demonstrations and the actual bits were released on
IETestDrive.com.