History Repeating
I understand the author's argument that, because Internet Explorer 9 and up do not operate on XP, the XP user base will largely be unable to take advantage of new web standards. But whereas IE 9 will not run on XP, Chrome and Firefox will.
So why not use previous methods to direct users to newer technologies? In the past, web sites would offer tips at the very top of their home pages, "For your best experience with this site, use" such and such browser or app. Rather than slow innovation, build those amazing HTML 5.0 sites and put the onus on the user. Those who chose to stick with an older OS will have to suffer the inconvenience of changing browsers to stay current with Web technologies.
