Not sure where you read that, but it's mostly untrue.
Unless you're talking about this, Browser Choice Screen.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-8-1-RTM-Gets-Browser-Choice-Screen-388026.shtml
IE11 will be included in Windows 8.1, as well as Skype which replaces the Messaging app.
http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/15/4623780/skype-built-into-windows-8-1-microsoft-confirms