More than two years ago, when Microsoft was in the final stages of testing Internet Explorer 7, Bill Gates promised more frequent browser updates, as often as every 9 to 12 months. And yet today, nearly two years after IE7’s release, the long-awaited Internet Explorer 8 has just reached the Beta 2 milestone.
IE8 Beta 2 Features
Accelerators
Accelerators let you efficiently complete your everyday browsing activities like mapping directions, translating words, emailing your friends, and more in just a few mouse clicks.
Common accelerator showing driving directions
InPrivate Browsing
Browse the web without saving your history with Internet Explorer 8’s InPrivate Browsing. Now you can shop for that special gift with confidence knowing your family won’t accidentally find out or use a shared computer without leaving a trace.
The InPrivate button on the Address Bar
Web Slices
Keep up with changes to the sites you care about most. Add a Web Slice and you won’t have to go back to the same website again and again for updates on news, stock quotes, online auctions, weather, or even sports scores. Learn more.
A common Web Slice
Search suggestions
Search smarter with detailed suggestions from your favorite search providers and browsing history. See visual previews and get suggested content topics while you type in the enhanced Instant Search Box.
A search showing visual content
SmartScreen Filter
New security features help to protect you against deceptive and malicious websites which can compromise your data, privacy and identity. 
A blocked website because reported as unsafe
