Microsoft unveils anime character symbolising the new Internet Explorer 11

SINGAPORE — In conjunction with the launch of Internet Explorer (IE) 11, Microsoft Singapore introduced today (Nov 6) Inori Aizawa, an original anime character whose backstory symbolises the browser’s transformation.

Created by local art enthusiast group Collateral Damage Studios (CDS), Inori will make her animation debut at Anime Festival Asia (AFA) 2013, held at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre, from Friday.

The animation will show Inori’s transformation from “a ragtag past to an modern, attractive and powerful young lady” — which is meant to mirror how the Internet Explorer browser had matured over the years.

An early version of Inori Aizawa’s character was posted online by CDS to their Facebook page earlier this year and quickly became popular among fans. This success led to an extended partnership with Microsoft Singapore and the adoption of the character as a mascot for Internet Explorer.

Visitors to AFA 2013 will be able to meet and greet Inori at Microsoft’s experiential booth. An anime version of IE11 featuring Inori will be available for download at www.InternetExplorerTan.com starting from today.