Microsoft improves search for IE8
Microsoft has added a number of enhanced search features to its forthcoming Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) browser.
Unveiling the launch of IE8 Beta 2, the company said on its IE blog that the new browser offers a new smart address bar, visual search capabilities and search suggestions.
Other features include a private web browsing mode, improved security, enhanced tabbing and a unique Web Slices option that allows users to take parts of web pages to other sites.
The private browsing mode has caused some disquiet in the online community, however, as fears have been raised that the feature - which deletes cookies and other private data during a specified session - could hinder the advertising operations of organisations like Google that depend on cookies to target their ads.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Ovum information technology analyst David Mitchell said: "If the hype around privacy gains more credibility, more people will hit the private button. There is a potential threat here to click-through [display] advertising."
