Microsoft has released its next-generation Web browser, Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1, which it says will adhere to the same standards as competitors' browsers such as Mozilla's Firefox, Apple's Safari and others.
The new version of the browser will support industry-standard versions of the code that tells browsers what Web pages should look like by default.
The two standout features are something called “Activities” and another known as “WebSlices.” Activities are, according to the site, “contextual services to quickly access a service from any webpage.” The example image shows a contextual menu with options to post something to Digg, share on Facebook, look up on Dictionary.com and more. Some of the options are for Microsoft web properties like Live Spaces and Live Hotmail, but there are a number of third-party options in what seems to be the default configuration.
WebSlices are another nice looking feature. They work somewhat like Apple’s customizable Dashboard clippings, except in this case the clipping lives in the browser. If there’s a part of a page you’d like to track, but you don’t care about the rest — a weather widget for example — the WebSlice would allow you to bookmark just that element. IE 8 will then track changes to that portion of the page, alerting you when new info is available.
Microsoft unveiled other features in the new browser that may appeal more to average Web users. For example, right-clicking on a Web page will give people more "to-do" options than they'd see today. Users will be able to "Send to Facebook," "Map with Live Search" or "Define with Dictionary.com" with a quick click. There is also automatic crash recovery and better phishing protection.
System requirements
Computer/Processor
Computer with a 233MHz processor or higher (Pentium processor recommended)
Operating System
Windows Vista x64 and x86
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) x64 and x86
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
Windows Server 2008 x64 and x86
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) x64 and x86
Memory
Windows Vista - 512MB
Windows Vista Service Pack (SP1) - 512MB
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) - 64 MB
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition - 128 MB
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) - 64 MB
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 ia64 - 128 MB
Windows Server 2008 – 512MB
Display
Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution monitor with 256 colors
Peripherals
Modem or Internet connection; Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse, or compatible pointing device
Details:
This beta release is available to everyone, but is primarily for Web developers and designers to test the new tools, layout engine, and programming enhancements.
File Name: IE8-WindowsXP-x86-ENU.exe
Version: 8
Language: English
Download Size: 14.4 MB
To download, click here
The two standout features are something called “Activities” and another known as “WebSlices.” Activities are, according to the site, “contextual services to quickly access a service from any webpage.” The example image shows a contextual menu with options to post something to Digg, share on Facebook, look up on Dictionary.com and more. Some of the options are for Microsoft web properties like Live Spaces and Live Hotmail, but there are a number of third-party options in what seems to be the default configuration.
WebSlices are another nice looking feature. They work somewhat like Apple’s customizable Dashboard clippings, except in this case the clipping lives in the browser. If there’s a part of a page you’d like to track, but you don’t care about the rest — a weather widget for example — the WebSlice would allow you to bookmark just that element. IE 8 will then track changes to that portion of the page, alerting you when new info is available.
Microsoft unveiled other features in the new browser that may appeal more to average Web users. For example, right-clicking on a Web page will give people more "to-do" options than they'd see today. Users will be able to "Send to Facebook," "Map with Live Search" or "Define with Dictionary.com" with a quick click. There is also automatic crash recovery and better phishing protection.
System requirements
Computer/Processor
Computer with a 233MHz processor or higher (Pentium processor recommended)
Operating System
Windows Vista x64 and x86
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) x64 and x86
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
Windows Server 2008 x64 and x86
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) x64 and x86
Memory
Windows Vista - 512MB
Windows Vista Service Pack (SP1) - 512MB
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) - 64 MB
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition - 128 MB
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) - 64 MB
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 ia64 - 128 MB
Windows Server 2008 – 512MB
Display
Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution monitor with 256 colors
Peripherals
Modem or Internet connection; Microsoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse, or compatible pointing device
Details:
This beta release is available to everyone, but is primarily for Web developers and designers to test the new tools, layout engine, and programming enhancements.
File Name: IE8-WindowsXP-x86-ENU.exe
Version: 8
Language: English
Download Size: 14.4 MB
To download, click here
