Windows 10 Rumors: Browser Spartan will Feature Cotana, Group Tabbing

With the highly anticipated Windows 10 preview date drawing near, the frenzy around the new browser that Microsoft is said to include is gaining momentum. New leaks have surfaced which show the browser, code named Spartan, featuring virtual assistant Cortana.

According to CNET, Spartan would not replace Internet Explorer but would be available as an alternative in the form of an app. Unlike IE which is shipped with Windows, an app-form of browser would receive frequent updates. That apart, Spartan may also feature digital inking or a facility to use stylus for text annotation from a web page.

Another notable feature that is being talked about is group tabbing, The Verge reports. Users can open multiple web pages and group tabs any which way. The new browser is expected to be light on resources like chrome and can run extensions. Plans to introduce themes have reportedly been dropped.

BGR which posted a picture supposedly of one of Spartan's earlier designs reported that the virtual audio assistant Cortana would be extremely handy. Users could simply let Cortana know which site to open with commands like 'Open Facebook' for an entirely new browsing experience.Chinese site CN Beta published images of the browser and also showed Windows 10 theme.

Additionally, rumors about Spartan being able to run other browsers inside it, are also doing the rounds. That apart, the annotation and stylus feature which Microsoft is likely to introduce will allow text to be stored on the cloud which any browser can access. As January 21 (Windows 10 preview date) draws near, expect more from Microsoft's stable.