Reports are surfacing about an upcoming Internet browser from Microsoft that's not an update to the super common default browser, Internet Explorer. According to sources, there's a project in the works, codenamed "Spartan," which just might be the new Internet browser for Windows 10.

ZdNet's Mary Jo Foley broke the news in a recent report and said that the Redmond-headquartered tech titan is working on a lightweight browser.

She makes it a point to say that techies should not expect this rumored software to be the next version of Internet Explorer, but a totally new standalone browser. However it's going to be based on IE's rendering engine, so there's a chance users will notice some subtle similarities.

On that note, the report goes on to say that there's a chance that the new Internet browser will come with Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 10 when it releases officially.

Stepping back, TechCrunch hints that "Spartan" comes timely as Internet Explorer has long stretched past its prime. Their report reads, "Internet Explorer has had a ribald history, growing from zero market share, to market-dominating heights, to slow decline in the face of Firefox, to faster decline in the face of Chrome."

Evidently, Windows 10 is going to need default Internet browsing software, and whether that's going to be Internet Explorer, or possibly "Spartan," remains unconfirmed.

TechCrunch goes on to say that if Microsoft is looking to stretch Windows 10 across various platforms- tablets, smartphones, computers, laptops- a new browsing software might just be the right thing to focus on.

According to TC, "If Microsoft wants Windows 10 to function across all platforms and wants developers to be able to develop once and deploy everywhere, then creating a new browsing experience that is built to handle all sorts of inputs. ... would be a decent idea."

As it stands, Microsoft has yet to confirm or deny any word about codename "Spartan," but that does not mean it's not on its way. If Microsoft decides to release new Internet browsing software coupled with Windows 10, it might just boost the hype and anticipation for the new operating system.