Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 is yet another step closer to the next iteration of IE for Microsoft. Made available for download on August 27, only to start being served to Windows XP and Windows Server 2008 machines featuring Beta 1 the subsequent day, IE8 Beta 2 is making its way at fast pace towards a reported final delivery date set for November 2008, but unconfirmed by Microsoft. Also available for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, IE8 Beta 2 is now upgraded automatically through WU for the latest versions of the Windows server and client operating systems, as it is the case for their precursors. And just in case end users need additional convincing when it comes down to grabbing a copy of the browser and test driving it, Microsoft has made available a set of IE Beta 2 videos set up to highlight the major features, capabilities, and functionality of the browser in this development milestone.

 

"IE8 Beta 2 has shipped, and I have to be honest, it’s a big improvement on IE8 Beta 1. That’s not to say that Beta 1 was naff, it’s just, well, you could tell it was Beta. This release is much closer to the real deal now, both in terms of features, and in terms of performance. It’s the little things I’ve noticed since installing last night, such as the coloured tabbed browsing, visual search, and more intelligent address bar," revealed Matt McSpirit, Microsoft UK Partner Technology Specialist.

 

The 10 video fragments embedded at the bottom of this article will offer an insight into Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2, from a general overview down to the "history" of slices. Microsoft has touted IE8 as a comprehensive evolution compared to its predecessor, not only in terms of standards support and the underlining rendering engine, but also in regard to security, web slices, web accelerators, and private browsing. "I’m really happy about the progress that’s been made so far. And so, the IE8 B2 has been released for public browsing pleasure somewhere around 6 AM this morning. The supported languages so far are English, German, Simplified Chinese and Japanese," added Miel Van Opstal, Microsoft Evangelist.

 

Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) Beta 2 is available for download here.

 
Internet Explorer 8 Overview from ie8videos on Vimeo.


How To: Security in Internet Explorer 8 from ie8videos on Vimeo.


How To: Internet Explorer 8 Web Slices from ie8videos on Vimeo.


How To: Internet Explorer 8 Web Accelerators from ie8videos on Vimeo.


The Techno Critic Unboxes Internet Explorer 8 from ie8videos on Vimeo.


Staying on top of personal finances with Internet Explorer 8 from ie8videos on Vimeo.


Music and Entertainment with Internet Explorer 8 from ie8videos on Vimeo.


Keeping up with the election using Internet Explorer 8 from ie8videos on Vimeo.


Connect with your friends using Internet Explorer 8 from ie8videos on Vimeo.


The History of Slices from ie8videos on Vimeo.