Internet Explorer 8

If you have not tried Internet Explorer 8 Final yet I strongly urge you to do so, the new feature packed browser is considerably faster then earlier versions rendering pages perfectly, while every IE8 user knows about new features like InPrivate browsing, webslices etc. very few know about InPrivate Filters a smart content blocking functionality which can be used to block advertisements in Internet Explorer 8, Once activated from statusbar or shortcut key - CTRL+SHIFT+F smart InPrivate Filter automatically learns, detects and blocks common repeated-content from ad-servers appearing on websites you visit.

The best thing about InPrivate Filter is that you can easily manage the block list and even import filtering patterns similar to ad-blocker.

Two days ago we posted about release of Internet Explorer 8 Beta to Microsoft Connect users for private testing, now it is being reported that Microsoft is pushing the private Beta to public according to an internal mail, pointing out that the release is “focused on the developer community”.

Internet Explorer 8 focuses on web standards compliance, better security and improved user interface, With Firefox 3 already in Beta 3 with pretty impressive overall improvement better IE keep up with its schedule.

Users on several Windows forums and websites are reporting to have received an email from Microsoft Connect to download Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 for testing purposes.

The email said to have sent by Microsoft Internet Explorer Team:

Greetings from the Internet Explorer Team! We are nearing the launch of Windows Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 and we will be making it available for the general public to download and test. IE8 Beta 1 is focused on the developer community, with the goal of gaining valuable feedback to improve Internet Explorer 8 during the development process. We have identified you as a qualified beta tester and we would like to offer an opportunity to join our limited technical beta program for Windows Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1. Participation in the Technical Beta will enable you to evaluate a common release of Windows Internet Explorer 8, the ability to submit feedback, post bug reports, download software answer surveys on product quality as well as vote on top bugs filed by others from the technical beta program. This is a very exclusive program, by invitation only. The only way to submit feedback is to enroll in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Technical Beta program. As such, we would be happy to have your participation. To accept this invitation and to apply to become a member of this program, follow this link: http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=2038 (If this link does not work for you, copy the full link and paste it into the Web browser address bar.) Follow the steps shown to you by that program to apply to become an active participant. You may be asked to take a survey, or submit other preliminary information. To report a problem or to ask a question, visit the Contact Us page (found at the bottom of every page). We hope to see you in the technical beta!

Best regards.
The Internet Explorer Team

If the email is not fake, and IE8 Beta 1 is made available for download, then soon it should leak on bitorrent portals and other file-sharing sites as happened in past.