Internet Explorer 8, released by Microsoft in 2009, marked a significant improvement in web browsing experience with enhanced speed, security, and usability. It introduced features like Accelerators and Web Slices for quicker access to information and improved tab handling for multitasking. Despite its advancements, IE8 faced criticism for its lack of support for modern web standards compared to its contemporaries. Nonetheless, it remained a widely used browser during its time, shaping the browsing landscape of the late 2000s.