Microsoft: 'Internet better without plug-ins'

Microsoft has said that the internet would be better off without plug-in technology.

Internet Explorer programme manager John Hrvatin suggested that an end to the browser-based add-ons will improve security, reliability, and privacy for users and developers.

"Metro-style IE runs plug-in free to improve battery life as well as security, reliability, and privacy for consumers," he wrote in a blog post. "A plug-in free web benefits consumers and developers and we all take part in the transition."

Metro, the mobile version of Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8, is optimised to run without plug-ins to save battery life on tablet computers. Users will have the option to switch to classic Windows mode to harness the technology, though Hrvatin discouraged this.

"The desktop browsing experience and most plug-ins were not designed for smaller screens, battery constraints, and no mouse," he added. "Providing an easy way to the Windows desktop is the last resort when no comparable plug-in free fallback content exists."

Adobe's Flash, a market leader in the plug-ins sector, previously announced that it has abandoned its efforts to bring the software to Android devices. The firm is now investing its resources into the emerging HTML5 technology.