Save time with Activities in Internet Explorer 8

HIGHLIGHT TEXT You’ve come across a web page with a company’s address. But where exactly is it? Select the text with your mouse, right-click it and IE8 will display a bunch of Activities – things you can do with that text. Choose Map with Live Maps for an instant display of the highlighted address.

FOUND IN TRANSLATION You’ve stumbled upon a real bargain, but it’s hard to tell for sure, as you don’t speak the right language. Right-click on an empty part of the page and select the Translate with Windows Live Activity for an immediate, full-page translation.

FIND BARGAINS We’ve added the eBay Activity, then gone browsing on Amazon. Hmm, Amy Macdonald’s ‘This is The Life’ – what would that cost on eBay? Select the product name, choose the new Activity, and IE8 will quickly display the eBay search results for that item.

TAKE CONTROL This isn’t all perfect yet (the eBay Activity searches ebay. com, not ebay.co.uk, for instance), but it’s impressive for an initial beta. And if a particular Activity doesn’t work with you, then it can easily be removed from the redesigned Manage Add-ons dialogue box.

ADD AN ACTIVITY Other Activities are designed to help you blog or send emails. Not for you? Find More Activities takes you to a page where you can locate other options, including the ability to find people on Facebook, or locate and preview eBay items.

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