IE Features on Windows Phone 8.1

Windows Phone 8.1 has an upgraded version of Internet Explorer, IE 11, which brings in a lot of features to help user have a better experience when browsing on the internet and interacting with websites, especially those which require upload and download. In this post we take a look at those features.

#1 The File Picker

IE even though was ok to browse pages, was limited. Starting with WP 8.1, IE now has a native File Picker which allows you to upload on websites in form of images, documents in email and so on.

Visit any website which allows you to upload an image and you should see the file picker in action. You can then choose an image to upload or access other folders in phone like music, videos, documents, downloads and ringtones. Good thing is if an app can register with IE File picker, you would be able to select a file from within an app.

If you noticed, now there is a download folder. Any file you download using IE gets stored here. You can choose a file picker to re-upload anywhere you want but there is no way to get access to it. However you may use a File Explorer app on WP 8.1 to access them directly.

#2 Data Sense Integration:

Data Sense was introduced as an app in Windows Phone 8 is now baked into the OS. The core idea of the data sense is to help users to save on mobile bandwidth, specially if you have limited data plan with your operator.

IE being no exception, has now a Data Sense setting which allows you to override the default settings by choosing standard, high, automatic or turn it off completely.

Dynamic Data Sense Control:

When you have data sense configured to save all the data you can, a small icon appears on few pages which allows you to load the blocked content. It could be images, scripts or anything making the page heavy.

#3 Saved Passwords:

IE is now capable of saving password for websites you once visit and agree to store them. This is synced across devices where you use the same Microsoft Account when you enable sync settings from phone settings.

IE > Settings > Advance Settings .> Website Passwords > Remember/ Don’t Remember / Ask Every Time.

You can delete them by using the “Delete History” by checking the box which says “Delete Saved passwords”

#4 Reading View

Always hated pages with tons of information apart from what you would want to read ? Internet Explorer now comes with Reading View mode which only displays content that you want to read and vanishes the rest of them. You may choose between bright, medium, light and dark.

#5 Browser Tabs from other devices

The sync feature now syncs tabs, password, themes and settings across devices. This means if you have visited websites or have opened tab on other devices, they will be visible on your phone.

IE > Settings > Tabs > Other.
The tabs are sorted by device name.

#6 Close All

Handy feature if you want to close all open tabs instantly.

#7 in-private Mode

Want to visit websites but don’t want to get tracked ? The in-private browsing mode is now on your Windows Phone. Using this you can even save a bit of data as all cookies, history, and other data gets deleted as soon as you quit.

#8 Re-organized menu

Favorites, Add to Favorites, Find on page and share page now has priority with switching tabs available on the left of the address bar. The stop and refresh button is now available at the end of the address bar.

#9 Live Tile for Websites

Small but interesting for users who pin websites to their start screen. Now the tiles are live and reflect what has changed on the website.

#10 Swipe Back and Forward.

Instead of hitting the back button to navigate back to the previous page, IE 11 allows you to swipe left and right to go back and forth.

My Thoughts:

Things have improved multiple times with IE 11 on Windows Phone 8.1 now. The ability to upload images, attach files, in private mode, strong data sense integration and ability to get access to your tabs from other devices is remarkable.

Do you see any new feature apart from what is listed above? Do share in comments.