If you’re a Google Apps user and still use Internet Explorer 8, you’re going to have to change your habits pretty soon. As recently announced by Google, November 15, 2012 will be the last day Google Apps users will be able to use IE8. After that date, you’ll have to switch to a newer version of Internet Explorer, or choose a different browser altogether.
In case you’re wondering why this is happening, it has to do with the upcoming release of IE10. Hand in hand with Windows 8, Microsoft’s new browser is set to launch on October 26, and three weeks after that, Google will cease to support IE8. This includes all editions of Google Apps, including business, education and government editions.
If you think this is not a big problem, you might not be using Windows XP. As XP users may recall, newer versions of Internet Explorer cannot be installed on Windows XP, which means Google is effectively ceasing to support Windows XP for those who use Internet Explorer.
But fear not! If you take a look at this MakeUseOf poll, you’ll find that way back 2010, our readers already voted Chrome and Firefox as the superior browsers. If you’re still using IE8, and want to continue using Gmail, Docs, Calendar and Google Talk with your Google Apps account, all you have to do is download and install the latest version of Chrome or Firefox. If you’re using Windows 7 (or plan on using Windows 8), you can also switch to a newer version of Internet Explorer.
Source: Google Apps Updates
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Good move by Google.
I agree. Everyone needs to push hard for IE9, Chrome, or Firefox.
only push for FF…
Official abbrev is Fx or fx.
Official abbrev is Fx or fx.
What about Google Chrome Frame?
I just installed Chrome Frame in my Windows XP VM running IE8, and everything seems to work okay.
I mean… what about Google Apps and IE8+GCF?
There is a reason way IE9 is out … way not updating?
i suggest to add some articals and guides taking about google applications like google apps as it is not known clearly
What exactly would you like to see? Articles about Google Apps is very general. :)
well i have to say i didnt expect this :)
If you are still using WinXP, time to consider upgrading.
Stopped using IE8 on Windows XP long time ago. Chrome or Firefox FTW.
I hate how my school still uses IE8 and an outdated version of FF. If we used Google apps we’d have to switch, but nope.
I hope it still works with my AOL 9.0 VR software.
To provide a different perspective on this, think about our public schools across the country. Most public schools have Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010, and Adobe Master Collection on their computers. But even though they have up to date business software, the browser they use is still IE8. This is because the machines themselves have i3 processors at the newest. So what Google is effectively doing is turning away a new generation of users from its apps. Good move!
What does an i3 processor have to do with IE9?
Internet Explorer 9 system requirements
Computer/Processor
Computer with a 1 gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/internet-explorer/products/ie-9/system-requirements
The system you’ve just describe can definitely run a newer browser than IE8. And upgrading will make everyone’s life easier, so it might be a good move for them.
Plain and simple it is the “plain user” that actually uses IE most of your more than average users have FF or Chrome already. I do find it kinda weird that they are stopping support although a lot of apps from Google help people to misuse IE when at school or work, I see the reasons behind it.
They’re not stopping IE support entirely, just IE8. You can still use IE9 and IE10 when it comes out.
Looks like Google is trying to kill Flash dominance and move to HTML 5 by not supporting IE8
Better to Use Firefox or Chrome.
Firefox is what i am using fully satisfied with it.
Easy,faster & reliable to use.
Just to play Devil’s advocate, what about the companies still using XP with a restrictive software policy?
I’m willing to bet a lot of companies are waiting on the XP support to end in 2014 before upgrading their OS, and more than a few will be using legacy apps which rely on IE to run.
I guess they’ll have to switch to Firefox or Chrome!
Clarification please – anyone?
What is the scope of “Google apps” does it include Gmail? The Maps API? Analytics? Google+? (when used independent of Apps)
If the answer is “No” then does it include Gmail (etc) when provided as part of Apps?
(I guess not everyone will understand the distinction between “Google Apps” and the various Google services like Gmail etc. This is a link to “Google Apps”: http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/)
Google Apps means you’re not a regular user, but have Google Apps installed on your domain. You’re a Google Apps user if you have your own domain and use Gmail for that, for example, or if your workplace provides an email which works on Gmail.
If you just use the regular, free version of Gmail (and other Google products), you are not a Google Apps user and have nothing to worry about.
Finally! Down with IE!! I don’t think Microsoft put much thought into IE. What about Safari? As far as I knew Apple was killing that off as well.
With time everything phases out so does IE8.
WOW! Nice article! ;)
I like
well done google thank god now people can move onto IE 9 or 10 and Firefox..