If only…
Microsoft considers adopting WebKit for Internet Explorer
I have no idea if this is true or not, but I can say that Microsoft has to get the JavaScript performance up to speed (pun intended) for the next generation of IE or risk becoming totally irrelevant.
People will spend thousands of dollars to buy a new computer so they can run the latest software that is important to them. They are far more willing to switch to a free brwoser to get the best experience for their web-based software. You would be surprised how quickly people will switch browsers for apps.
Apps !== content sites. The rules have changed.
