This is ostensibly, punishment for past war crimes and human rights violations.

from Ars Technica

One month after Internet Explorer 8 beta 1 was released in English, Microsoft has made the Chinese (Simplified) and German beta 1 versions available.

As with the English version, the supported operating systems are as follows (final versions unless otherwise specified): Windows Vista with or without SP1, Windows XP SP2 or SP3 Build 3311 or higher, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows Server 2003 SP2, and Windows Server 2008. Those interested need to uninstall the English version of the beta if they have it installed, and ensure they are using the German or the Chinese (Simplified) version of Windows or have the corresponding language package installed.

We should remind everyone that beta 1 is aimed at web developers, and beta 2 (coming this summer) will be aimed at non-developers. Regardless of what category you fall in, Microsoft wants your feedback; report any bugs, suggestions, complaints, and/or compliments on the IE Beta Newsgroup, Microsoft Connect or by using the Report a Webpage Problem Internet Explorer 8.0 Beta Add-On. Finally, remember that a beta is a beta for a reason and, given Microsoft’s decision to default to being compliant, don’t throw a fit when IE8 breaks the web.

 

 In other words:        So keep those cards and letters coming!

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Tags: microsoft, internet explorer 8, beta, oops! there it is