According to Russian publication Wzor, Microsoft finalised Internet Explorer 8 on February 21st.
The final build that was prepared and passed to internal staff and partners is 8.0.6001.18691. Microsoft is reportedly readying this build for distribution via TechNet/MSDN and Connect before a general release to web.
The software giant released a final test build (RC1) last month before readying the RTM last week. According to Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 includes the following enhancements:
- Faster Internet Explorer 8 is more responsive with new pages and tabs, opening up fast and reliably. You can now get to the information you care about most, in fewer steps; one click access to your webmail, favorite news sites or other online services.
- Easier Reduce the steps to accomplish many common tasks, and automate your access to real time information updates. You can keep track of your favorite sports team, news, weather with a single click.
- More Private Helps protect your privacy and confidential information where ever you go on the web.
- More Secure Helps protect and stop malicious software from reaching your PC, and makes it easier to detect when a website is an imposter.