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Technology Advice for Small Businesses

Goodbye Internet Explorer. Hello Spartan!

164_B_MWGoogle Chrome, Firefox, and Opera walk into a bar. Firefox orders a drink, and says, “Yo, Chrome, where’s Internet Explorer? Didn’t you tell him to Google the name of the bar?” Chrome shakes his head. “Yeah, but he’s probably still waiting for the page to load.” Sadly this is what’s become of Internet Explorer – it is the butt of bad tech jokes. But there is hope for the future of Microsoft browsers. And the name of this hope is Spartan. Microsoft’s new kid on the block has some mind-blowing features that no one is laughing at.

What is Spartan?

Spartan is Microsoft’s new web browser that will be released later this year along with Windows 10. Microsoft’s aim is to build a browser that is designed for the modern web, which creates a more personable experience when interacting with it. Here are few of the incredible changes Spartan has in store.

Web Note

Also known as inking, Web Note allows you to edit web pages directly. You can do this by either typing them or using an interactive pen that allows you to literally circle, underline, or annotate pages as you see fit. These annotations can then be shared with friends and colleagues via email or social networking. They’ll also be stored on Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage for easy collaboration.

Reading View

A web page can be a busy place, and the guys at Microsoft know that. That’s why they’ve created Reading View, which provides distraction-free reading to keep you focused on the content. Reading View eliminates ads, fancy CSS styling, sidebars and comments, creating a simple format that feels as if you’re looking at an open book.

Cortana, your new personalized assistant

More and more phones are enabling their devices with personal assistants, so why not web browsers? Cortana is designed to make your web browsing experience easier and more personalized. For example if you’re looking up a business or restaurant, Cortana can provide additional information such as opening hours, address and contact info. Another nifty feature of Cortana allows you to get a definition or content explanation without leaving your current page. Just highlight the word, right click and select Ask Cortana. She’ll provide you with the info you’re looking for, right there on your web page.

Want to learn more about Spartan or other Microsoft Windows News and tips? Call us today.