Internet Explorer 11 debuts on Windows Phone 8.1, gets updated for desktop

The Redmond giant also announced that the Internet Explorer 11 browser has been updated for Windows 8.1 Update and Windows 7 users. The company also debuted Internet Explorer for Windows Phone 8.1.

Notably, this is the first time when the Internet Explorer 11 is arriving on Windows Phone-based smartphones since Microsoft first previewed the web browser in July 2013.

The highlight of the Internet Explorer 11 updated version is that it brings unified features on its mobile and desktops, while improving the user experience on different screen sizes and input methods, whether touch or mouse and keyboard.

The Internet Explorer 11 for Windows Phone 8.1 brings pin option for favourite websites directly to the Start Screen of the smartphone for details from the Internet at a glance. The IE11 also brings new Reading Mode that Microsoft enables to optimize the view of articles on the phone. The IE11 for Windows Phone also brings voice commands to launch favourite sites. Other features include InPrivate browsing and password caching. The IE11 for Windows Phone also brings High Savings Mode that can be used to lessen data usage by up to 60-80 percent by reducing image downloads.

On desktops, the Internet Explorer 11 brings redesigned and improved suite of in-browser developer tools for developers. You can also now control when the browser remains on-screen or hides away for full-screen browsing depending on the type of device you use. With the introduction of IE11 on Windows 8.1 Update, it brings enhanced enterprise features; backwards compatibility for specific sites; reduction of upgrade costs and extending Web app investments.

Earlier at the Build conference, Microsoft announced the Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Update operating system versions, alongside three new devices, Nokia Lumia 930, Lumia 630 and Lumia 635, which will be the platform lead devices for Windows Phone 8.1 OS version.

One of the highlight features of Windows Phone 8.1 is Cortana, which is Microsoft's voice-based virtual assistant. Microsoft also launched one of the most awaited features on Windows Phone platform, the Action Centre.