Microsoft has officially released Internet Explorer 8, ahead of the version that will appear in Windows 7. Although the new version of the browser has already been in use due to people downloading the RC1 release candidate version.Among the innovative features included in Internet Explorer 8 are Accelerators, which let users map directions, translate words, email friends and more with just a few clicks of the mouse and without having to navigate to other websites to get things done. The Guardian reports that, users simply highlight text on any webpage, click on the Accelerator icon and choose the task they want to perform from a drop-down menu. Sites including eBay, Yahoo, Wikipedia, Amazon and Facebook have already produced Accelerators to provide rapid access to the internet.
Web Slices are also an attractive new feature included in IE8, allowing users to keep up with frequently updated websites directly from the new Favourites bar. By clicking on a Web Slice icon while visiting a page, that "slice" of the web will be kept in the favourites bar, allowing easy access to the information required.
Perhaps the most important features of the new Internet Explorer are the privacy and security measures Microsoft has included, such as InPrivate browsing that allows users to browse the web without their history being saved. In addition, the browser boasts SmartScreen security filter and running different tabs in different threads, meaning if one browser process crashes, it shouldn't bring down the whole browser.
Among IE8's security features being promoted by Microsoft are anti phishing and a cross site scripting filter. Deceptive URLs will also be weeded out by IE8's Domain Highlighting. IE8 will also offer defence against attempts at installing malware. According to Microsoft sponsored, independent research, IE8 RC1 was 69% effective at stopping malware before any damage was done, ahead of Firefox 3.07 (30%), Safari 3 (24%) and Chrome (16%).
IE8's speed is tipped to be another element of the new browser that will spark discussion. While those who have used the browser comment on its increased speed when compared to IE6 and IE7, there is concern that it may not be as fast as other browsers that don't use quite so many shiny - and not strictly necessary - features and add-ons, such as Google's Chrome and Apple's Safari.
According to the Guardian, IE 8 isn't as fast at running Javascript, but seeing as Microsoft is targeting IE8 at everyday downloads this may not be much of a problem. And Microsoft thinks it might just have the edge on Chrome 1.0 and Firefox 3.05 there.
It's clear that Internet Explorer 8 is an advance on IE6 and IE7 and, while it would seem many people are happier with those versions, the increased security measures of IE8 coupled with a better standard's compliance means it would be beneficial for the web if Internet Explorer users upgraded, but right now it isn't clear whether Microsoft plans a big push for the download. With 85% to 70% decline in IE's market share in the last few years you'd expect the technological giants to be shouting about anything that could boost its fortunes.
