The next time you’ll get a new browser from Microsoft is when you shell out money for Longhorn. Realistically, sounds like we won’t see significant uptake of Longhorn for another five years. Windows users, stuck with a browser that isn’t advancing, will look to alternatives, like Mozilla, Mozilla’s Firebird Project, or Opera. These browsers already provide better standards compatibility which makes web developers happy, and pop-up blocking, better security, and tabbed browsing which should make surfers happy.
Tim bray analyzes the situation much more in-depth in his The Door is Ajar piece.