Internet Explorer Overtakes Google Chrome After Mysterious Usage Spike

As Microsoft is preparing a new browser (code name “Spartan”), the current Internet Explorer browser has shown new life according to data from StatCounter. They show a massive usage spike since November in the US market. IE has thus retaken the browser lead from Chrome.

This is all about the PC given that Microsoft has such a small share of mobile device traffic.

Microsoft’s new browser will reportedly launch with Windows 10, according to several sources. It will add a range of advanced features and may make a clean break with the current Internet Explorer (IE).

Rumors and hearsay have indicated the following about the new browser, which may or may not carry the IE brand:

• It will more closely resemble Chrome and Firefox
• It will incorporate Cortana
• It will incorporate “grouped tabs”
• It will allow users to annotate websites/pages
• It will work across platforms and devices

I asked Microsoft to comment on the StatCounter data and the company declined. StatCounter is investigating. I will update this post if the company offers any new information.

I’d be very interested in your theories about why this might have happened or whether you think it’s some kind of data error.