Will IE 8 be a FireFox 3 killer? With Firefox releasing its version 3 later this summer aswell. Makes you wonder if Microsoft has learned their lesson and added the basic features that makes other web browsers like Opera and Firefox more attractive.
Currently in Beta 2, IE 8 is said to be noticeably faster, leaner and more intuitive to use. However you can probably count on it being the interface for Microsoft's Silverlight application, which competes against Adobe’s Flash.
First look of Beta 1 of IE 8 shows:
- The
address bar now highlights just the domain in the URL decreasing your risk from domain phishing attacks by accidentally clicking links which are fake and malicious.
- The
search box now sports the ability to display an icon for the search provider you have currently selected.
- The
Bookmarking interface has been improved as well as access to all your other bookmarks are available from the “Favorites” button.
For one, IE 8 is allegedly to have the following features by the time its released (lets hope so) :
- WC3 standards adherence and compatibility
UPDATE
“IE8 has been significantly enhanced, and was designed with great support for current Internet standards. This is evidenced by the fact that even in its first beta, IE8 correctly renders the popular test known as ‘Acid2,’ which was created by the Web community to promote real-world interoperability,” said Ray Ozzie, Microsoft chief software architect. “Our initial plan had been to use IE7-compatible behavior as the default setting for IE8, to minimize potential impact on the world’s existing Web sites. We have now decided to make our most current standards-based mode the default in IE8. - Automatic Crash Recovery
- Built-in spell checker
- Undo close tab
- Saving and restoring sessions
- Activities
- WebSlices
- Favorites Bar
- Automatic Crash Recovery
- Improved Phishing Filter
Details on these initial features from Microsoft IE8 feature list are here
Support for Web Development Tools
The new version of Internet Explorer 8 will also have better web development tools. This will enable people to access the web quicker and will also assist with building web pages which are compliant to WC3 Standards.
Pop Up Blocking Enhancements
Pop up blocking and tabbed browsing is said to be enhanced in the newer version of Internet Explorer 8 as well as the toolbar itself. With the simple pop up blocking options featured in Internet Explorer 8, one would be blocking these annoying pop ups with less hassle of 3rd party addons.
Added Security
Internet Explorer 8 is said to have an improved security framework that will allow restrictions on certain functions like parental control. This can work well with families that all have access to the same computer. Many people feel that in order to have security for their computer they need to invest in an firewall software. However, Microsoft is said to be making security easier providing protection against unwanted content.
RSS Feed (xml)
You may find this simple tip handy if you always have a web browser running on your desktop screen in maximized mode.
