Yesterday Microsoft officially released the latest version of their browser, Internet Explorer 8.
The reviews so far have been mixed. On the positive side of things, the browser is considered a welcomed update over Internet Explorer 7. Microsoft has added new security features and has promised that the browser is now more compatible with web standards. That means web pages that always fell apart in previous versions of Internet Explorer (but by the way, always displayed fine in all other browser’s) can now be displayed properly in version 8 as well.
On the negative side, depending upon who you ask, it’s not faster or more elegant than it’s main competitor, Firefox. Firefox has eaten a big chunk of Internet Explorer’s market share over the past few years. While Internet Explorer once enjoyed over 90% of the browser market, these days it’s “officially” reported that their market share is 70%. And beyond just casual web surfers, their market share is more around 50%.
Seth Rosenblatt of CNET has put together a video review of Internet Explorer 8. If you like to see the good and bad before deciding on whether or not to update, you can watch his review below: