Internet Explorer 6 Released*

Internet Explorer (IE) version 6 is shipping, but is in many ways less compelling than it could have been. The most visible feature planned for this release, Smart Tags, proved controversial and was removed toward the end of the development process. Technologies supported by earlier versions of IE, notably Netscape-style plug-ins, have been removed. However, the product gives users finer security control over the circumstances in which they exchange information, and it offers some improved support for Internet standards.

Feature Deletions

Windows XP and IE 6 share a common design goal—improving the user experience. Of all the proposed new features for IE 6, Smart Tags would have had the greatest impact on the browsing experience. IE Smart Tags extended the Smart Tags technology introduced in Office XP and allowed the browser to recognize content on a Web page, such as a company name, and dynamically create a link to additional information on another Web site, such as MSN MoneyCentral.