Now we could definitely say that the browser war is heating up again. Right after Google released its Chrome browser in beta version again, here comes Microsoft announcing the release of the official version of Internet Explorer 8. And mind you just as Google promises a faster Chrome, so does Microsoft with IE8. To think that it was only a couple of weeks ago when Apple released a new version of the Safari browser.
Microsoft has been testing IE8 for quite some time now. I’ve been using IE8 RC1 on and off since it became available for download not so long ago. When I say on and off, I mean not as often as I use Firefox, and most recently Google Chrome. I don’t know since I started using Firefox, I find Internet Explorer to be relatively slower. And so from being my main browser of choice, IE became my second choice. I’m sure, you’ve had you’re share of slow days with IE, as it is the common gripes of users. So Microsoft promises that IE8 works and loads websites faster.
And so while there will be many new features in IE8, Microsoft is however marketing the new IE8 under the banner of improved browsing safety and faster loading times of web pages.
In fact the Microsoft press release claims that IE8 is the fastest browser on the market today, beating rival browsers when it comes to page loading times.
Aside from its improved speed, IE8 is also banking on improved web browsing security features hoping to get back previous IE users who turn to Firefox before. Microsoft cited a study by NSS Labs indicating that IE8 is capable of blocking two to four times as many malicious sites as its rivals.
IE8 will be ready for download by noon EDT today. While you’re still thinking whether to download the browser, you might want to check out its new features first.