Longhorn and IE mismatch?

With Google on Microsoft's back and Longhorn on the horizon, are IE's days numbered?

With Longhorn, err.. Windows Vista's UI push and cache technology is IE really needed? This era of software is about the "experience" will IE/Firefox or any other browser evolve quick enough to give that experience?

Not sure but I think 2006 on Microsoft will cannibalize IE.

Yeah, I know I sound sadist.