The long awaited final version of Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 final has gone live. Before we get into detail about changes, here are the download links:
Windows XP
Windows XP 64 Bit
Windows Vista
Windows Vista 64 Bit
Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 64 Bit
Windows Server 2008
Windows Server 2008 64 Bit
Upon installation I can say that the final version is a lot more stable than the Release Candidate that was released a few months ago. No noticeable changes as of yet, as this release focuses on the core features and functionality of Internet Explorer 8.
Unfortunately there is no version for Windows 7 being released today. Moments ago Dean Hachamovitch, general manager of Internet Explorer, just announced the availability of the final version at the MIX 09 Day 2 keynote session. You can watch the keynote session live, here.
Update: To announce the release of Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft is revisiting the best and worst of the web. From the days of dial-up to dancing hamsters. From bleeding GIFS to pointless status updates. Watch it here: "The History of the Internet"
In addition to the video above, which is not able to be embeded, Microsoft has released a video detailing our exact thoughts on Internet Explorer 8"s performance. Check it out:
Update: Microsoft releases statement regarding IE8 for Windows 7 users:
"We"re sorry, but you won"t be able to download Internet Explorer 8 for Windows 7 Beta at this timeWindows 7 Beta already includes a pre-release candidate version of Internet Explorer 8 that is optimized for that release. Windows 7 enables unique features and functionality in Internet Explorer 8 including Windows Touch and Jump Lists which require additional product tests to ensure we are providing the best Windows experience for our customers. We will continue to update the version of Internet Explorer 8 running on Windows 7 as the development cycles of Windows 7 progress and plan to include the final version of Internet Explorer 8 in the release candidate version of Windows 7 later this year. "