14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is offering a new and improved version of Internet Explorer 8 optimized for two the company’s top Cloud properties, its search/decision engine and its MSN portal.
Customers can now download IE8 optimized for Bing and MSN right from the software giant.
Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) Beta might be just around the corner, but the fact of the matter is that IE8 still has a lot of life in it.
And this is actually an understatement, considering that Internet Explorer 8 is the fastest growing browser worldwide, outpacing all rivals without problems.
The Redmond company has made available a variety of optimized flavors of IE8, and also allowed third-party customers to personalize the browser via the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK).
For example, readers can download and use a Softpedia optimized version of Internet Explorer 8.
In the first half of 2009, the software giant released in the past versions of IE8 tailored to MSN and Bing. It is the IE8 optimized for MSN variant that has been upgraded.
Initially the release was offering users a custom copy of IE8 complete with MSN Homepage, MSN Toolbar, Microsoft Silverlight, and Search.
This is no longer the case. The latest release of IE8 optimized for MSN and Bing comes with Bing as the default search engine option, as well as including the Bing toolbar.
““Something you care about is happening right now. In the news. Around your neighborhood. And across the Web."
“That's why the MSN homepage has been completely redesigned to bring what's most important to you, all in one place. Stay in the know on the new MSN,” Microsoft stated.
“A decision engine that is the new generation of search. Bing goes beyond just a simple list of blue links, delivering useful search results that are visually organized so you can make faster, more informed decisions.”
“With the Bing bar you can search from anywhere online, instantly access the world of news — breaking headlines, entertainment, sports, videos and more — and check your Windows Live Hotmail from anywhere on the web,” the company added.
UPDATE: For some reason the original link I used is no longer working. I updated the article with a new one. Thanks Marcus! Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) RTW is available for download here (for 32-bit and 64-bit flavors of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008). Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) Platform Preview 4 Build 1.9.7.9.16.6000 is available for download here.