Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 RTM Details

Although Microsoft has consistently asserted in public that Windows 7 will probably only be launched in 2010, the truth is they are rushing for a December 2009 release. How close are they? Well, one of Windows 7's key components, Internet Explorer 8 is almost ready for launch!

We just received word that Microsoft is ready to release Internet Explorer 8 to manufacturing (RTM) in the next few weeks. Let's take a look at the information we managed to get our grubby little hands on!

Updates @ March 5 : Updated the article with new details on the RTM date, as well as Wave 0, Wave 1 and Wave 2 releases of Internet Explorer 8.

Updates @ March 13 : Updated the article with the confirmed RTM date of Wave 0 of Internet Explorer 8.

Updates @ April 15 : Updated the article with the release date and link of Wave 0 of Internet Explorer 8. We got it right again!!!

What Is Internet Explorer 8?

Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) is the standard Internet browser present in all versions of the upcoming Windows 7 desktop operating system. It will also be offered to Windows Vista and Windows XP users. IE8 will offer the following changes / updates over IE7 :

• Extensive improvements in the areas of performance and reliability.
• Monetization opportunities (for OEMs).
• Visual Search Suggestions, which offers the ability to configure a search provider and additional services into the IE8 search box to search for shopping, news/portal sites, social networks, sports, etc.
• Web Slices and Accelerators are additional web services within the IE8 monetization ecosystem which content providers have built specifically for IE8. These services will be used (by OEMs) to deliver brand exposure (Editor : Ads?) and content updates to the users.
• Enhanced user experience, greater user privacy, and security enhancements.

When Will It Be Released?

Microsoft has already released Internet Explorer 8 on March 19, 2009. This will be the Wave 0 release. The IE8 OEM Preinstallation Kits will be made available to OEMs within 24-48 hours following RTM. Please see the next page for the full release schedule.

When Microsoft releases IE8 to manufacturing, it will be offered to OEMs as an optional supplement to all Windows XP and Windows Vista operating system products licensed in the OEM channels. This means OEMs will be able to integrate Internet Explorer 8 into their products which are currently shipping with Windows Vista or Windows XP Downgrade pre-installed.

Current users of Windows Vista and Windows XP will also be able to upgrade to Internet Explorer 8. We were reliably informed that Internet Explorer 8 will be released to web (RTW) on the same day, March 15. However, you must download it from the Microsoft Download Center or the official IE8 page. Microsoft will only release IE8 via Windows Update a week later and schedule automatic updates at the end of April, 2009. We will have more details for you in the next page.

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