Windows 7: IE9 Blurring the Line between Sites and Apps via Windows 7’s UI

IE9 Blurring the Line between Sites and Apps via Windows 7’s UI


Internet Explorer 9 brings a range of interesting changes to the table, but the overall evolution of the browser is geared toward blurring the line between web apps and desktop applications.

One aspect which is truly illustrative of the work the IE team poured into making websites look and feel as Windows applications is related to the integration between IE9 and the Windows 7 user interface.



In Windows 7 users have the option to pin sites to the Taskbar, and enjoy some of the same options that the Superbar offers Windows programs, such as the mini Start Menu, also dubbed JumpLists.

Essentially, with IE9 and Windows 7, sites can be ripped from the browser, and integrated into the Windows 7 desktop.

Scott Seiber, a member of the Windows Planning and PC Ecosystem team opines that IE9 has the upper hand over its rivals when it comes down to taking the rich web-based experiences to the next level on Windows.

“Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 9 makes the user’s apps experience the best it can be whether the application was written in C/C++, .Net, Silverlight, or HTML/JavaScript. With Internet Explorer 9 you can now customize your web apps to seamlessly integrate with the Windows desktop,” Seiber said.