Microsoft released a second test version of Internet Explorer 8 (IE8), delivering a feature-complete upgrade to the world’s most widely used Web browser. IE8 comes with new features to enhance privacy, ease-of-use, and security.

Microsoft first released its beta 1 version in March, but that was aimed at letting Web developers take a first look at the new browser. This latest version is aimed at a broader consumer audience.

Microsoft has not disclosed when it planned to officially launch IE8.  Internet Explorer 7 was released in October 2006. Microsoft has pledged to deliver more regular updates of Internet Explorer.

The latest version of Internet Explorer replicates features found in Firefox 3 including a “smart” address bar that remembers and redirects user to website addresses they have visited before.  IE8 also offers a mode called “InPrivate Browsing,” which ensures that history, temporary Internet files and cookies are not recorded on a user’s PC.

There is also a security feature that allows a user to block content coming from third-parties trying to track and aggregate the user’s online behavior.

Microsoft also updated features such as “Activities,” which allows a user to use information found on one page, such as an address, in conjunction with an online service such as mapping without leaving the original site.

Download: Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2