Microsoft has finally pushed Internet Explorer 9 out from its public preview state, talking up its newly-minted browser at a special bash held at South by South West Interactive.

The new-look effort, which was released as a public preview last year, boasts hardware acceleration, meaning it can use a PC’s graphics grunt as well as its regular processor. What’s more, it’s better at detecting viruses in dodgy downloads and comes rocking HTML5 skills.

However, the Big M says it won’t work with Windows XP, as it looks to close the door on its ageing but still ubiquitous operating system. Microsoft says it wants to concentrate on, “…pushing the web forward.” With Firefox, Chrome and Safari all snapping at its heels, that’s hardly a surprise.

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