Internet Explorer 9 launched to some fanfare this week, but just how far has Microsoft come since its very first attempt at a browser? And all the other IEs in between? One intrepid YouTuber decided to find out. Say what you will about old gal—she's sure gotten easier on the eyes. [Andy's Tech Blog]

Internet Exploder, an excellent browser? With Internet Explorer 9, it's possible! Microsoft's made a very pretty browser that feels like it's a part of Windows 7, loaded with HTML5 compatibility and unmatched graphics hardware acceleration for whizzy, whizzy web apps.

Microsoft has yet to reveal IE9's interface—not set to debut until next month. But ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley says she caught a glimpse of IE9's new minimalist look via a slip-up on Microsoft's Russian press site.

Supposedly these images are screenshots of Internet Explorer 9 and they look surprisingly good. Is Microsoft finally redesigning its browser for the better or are these just mockups of someone's dreams? We don't know Update: What a cruel joke.

The most interesting parts of Microsoft's Mix conference have come to a close, leaving us with two steaming news lumps: One for Windows Phone 7, and one for Internet Explorer 9. Here's what's in them!

If this morning's news of Internet Explorer 9's support for HTML5 and video acceleration got you excited, and you happen to run Windows XP, prepare to get unexcited: You won't be able to install it on your OS. Sorry! [IE9]

Ninth time's the charm, sometimes! At least that's Microsoft's hope with IE9, which they've just announced at Mix, brings new HTML5 support (including HTML5 video!), hardware-accelerated 2D graphics, and a totally new JavaScript engine—and no XP support.

I know Microsoft has only recently broken ground on Internet Explorer 9, but why would you ever release a graph in which you were the admitted worst at a task?