Microsoft has revealed the Internet Explorer Developer Channel, a new way of allowing developers and programmers access to the latest features of the web browser. The developer version can be installed on both Windows 7 and 8.1, and happens to be a completely separate program from Internet Explorer; allowing both to run side by side.
While Microsoft’s web browser has not had the most sterling of reputations, this new plan for working with developers through the developer channel may help it along. Recent versions of Internet Explorer have made gradual improvements and aren’t as bad as previous editions. Allowing developers to test their code through the developer channel will also go some way for repairing the damaged reputation.
Interestingly enough, although the Internet Explorer Developer Channel provides updated F12 Tools, it is the inclusion of a the Gamepad API that makes this particular release something different. The idea is for web developers to use the Xbox controller in the browser based games. Essentially, this would make it easier for HTML5 or Unity games to integrate controller support; while Microsoft is also pushing additional WebGL features through for developers to use.
The Internet Explorer Developer Channel can be downloaded from the website, and a list of features can be found here.
