Internet Explorer will not arrive before 2009. Image: Microsoft.Expectant Internet Explorer fans looking forward to the official eighth incarnation of the popular Web browser will have to extend their anticipation for a little longer after Microsoft Corp. revealed that the final version of Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) won't be available before the end of 2008. More pointedly, Internet Explorer general manager Dean Hachamovitch has this week confirmed that one more public beta (release candidate) edition of IE8 is scheduled for release during the first quarter of 2009, after which Microsoft will add its final alterations before then issuing the final browser for download. Hachamovitch's news will likely disappoint those Internet Explorer users eager to get their hands on Microsoft's latest browsing platform; though that's not to say dedicated online wanderers cannot sample IE8. Initially unveiled in March of this year, Internet Explorer 8 is currently available for general use via its existing second beta test release, which was offered up by Microsoft in August. Writing on the IE blog, Hachamovitch explained that the delay is simply a case of Microsoft exercising a cautionary approach with the browser in terms of striving to ensure its final quality. This quality should be forthcoming by allowing beta testers more time to comprehensively put the platform through its paces before Microsoft then duly assess and incorporates any resulting user feedback. According to Hachamovitch, Microsoft took stock of considerable feedback regarding how it transitioned from the IE7 beta releases through to the final version of IE7, which has resulted in the Redmond-based software company wanting to be absolutely clear on its plans for the official arrival of IE8. “We will be selective about what changes we make between the next update and final release,” said Hachamovitch. “We will act on the most critical issues,” he added. “We will be super clear about product changes we make between the update and the final release.”
Internet Explorer will not arrive before 2009. Image: Microsoft.
Expectant Internet Explorer fans looking forward to the official eighth incarnation of the popular Web browser will have to extend their anticipation for a little longer after Microsoft Corp. revealed that the final version of Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) won't be available before the end of 2008.
More pointedly, Internet Explorer general manager Dean Hachamovitch has this week confirmed that one more public beta (release candidate) edition of IE8 is scheduled for release during the first quarter of 2009, after which Microsoft will add its final alterations before then issuing the final browser for download.
Hachamovitch's news will likely disappoint those Internet Explorer users eager to get their hands on Microsoft's latest browsing platform; though that's not to say dedicated online wanderers cannot sample IE8. Initially unveiled in March of this year, Internet Explorer 8 is currently available for general use via its existing second beta test release, which was offered up by Microsoft in August.
Writing on the IE blog, Hachamovitch explained that the delay is simply a case of Microsoft exercising a cautionary approach with the browser in terms of striving to ensure its final quality. This quality should be forthcoming by allowing beta testers more time to comprehensively put the platform through its paces before Microsoft then duly assess and incorporates any resulting user feedback.
According to Hachamovitch, Microsoft took stock of considerable feedback regarding how it transitioned from the IE7 beta releases through to the final version of IE7, which has resulted in the Redmond-based software company wanting to be absolutely clear on its plans for the official arrival of IE8.
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Clearly keen on amassing as much user feedback as humanly possible, Hachamovitch also urged Windows users to download the existing second beta of IE8 in order to help Microsoft hone the browser yet further.
Once it does finally make its official entrance, IE8 is expected to provide enhanced levels of both security and privacy, enabling users to decide whether the browser is allowed to store cookie information and/or browsing history, while the new Web Slices feature will provide users with selected subscription content directly to specific parts of Web pages.
While the release candidate for IE8 is expected before the close of 2009's first quarter, Microsoft has not yet outlined a final release date.
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