Microsoft Tweaks IE6

UPDATE: Build 2465.3 has been released to testers, with a new 'Media Bar' replacing the highly criticized Personal Bar.

Microsoft has been working hard to tweak its next-generation Web browser, Internet Explorer 6.0, set to debut with Windows XP later this year. The company recently released a new beta build, 2463.52, which contains additional privacy features and a revamped Personal Bar. Still not meeting tester standards, Microsoft will end up removing the Personal Bar from the browser. The Contacts feature will also get the axe according to Microsoft guru Paul Thurrott. Both features can be seen in the IE6 Public Preview released last month.

The Personal Bar allowed a user to choose a variety of different Explorer bars to display on the left side of the browser. Defaulting to a Web search, news, weather, and an embedded media player, Microsoft hoped users would enjoy the ability to customize their browser's functions. Testers responded to the contrary, making it clear to the software giant that simplicity was the answer.

The Contacts function is much less intresting, merely allowing easy access to Outlook's address book.

Although IE6 is not slated to ship as a standalone product, Microsoft seems to be having a tough time keeping its recent work under wraps. Both IE and Windows betas have begun leaking to the Web, sometimes before testers see them. Even with increased anti-piracy measures, the betas are now being distributed pre-cracked, causing quite a headache for the company.

For more information on the upcoming browser, visit Microsoft's IE6 Preview Web site.