RSSNetscape Updates Browser Prototype
By Nate Mook | Published January 17, 2005, 8:30 PM
Netscape has released a minor update to its reincarnated Web browser, which debuted in prototype form at the end of November. The new release -- available to registered testers -- brings the Netscape code base up to Firefox 1.0 in order to resolve potential security issues, in addition to fixing a few bugs.
As first reported by BetaNews, the browser prototype is being developed in conjunction with Mercurial Communications and features support for switching to Microsoft's IE engine.
The original release was built atop Firefox 0.9.3; although the interface sports Netscape's traditional green, the underlying code is based on work from the Mozilla Foundation. But several potential security vulnerabilities have been discovered in Firefox releases prior to version 1.0, prompting Netscape to update the prototype.
"There won't be any new features or new design in this release, but performance and size have been greatly improved," AOL's Netscape product team wrote to testers of the browser.
Now that Netscape has been brought up to speed with Firefox 1.0, the developers promise to soon release an update with "drastic changes." One new addition may include a revamped user interface, which was proposed to testers after the initial prototype release.
It's ridiculous...
Why Netscape don't release only a plugin for Firefox to switch between the two engines (Mozilla / Internet Explorer) and a skin?
Why they do a new browser based on Firefox?
Is pointless now when Firefox has more than 20 mil. users...
Score: 0
|It's to promote the Netscape brand. That's all it is.
Score: 0
|People complain about not being able to look at the modified source code, and so they think that AOL is 'forgetting' about the MPL license, but all source code is in fact just some mouse clicks away.
However, you might run into legal problems when AOL adds their EULA (End User License Agreement)!
Score: 0
|Screenshots available here:
http://gemal.dk/blog/200...dates_browser_prototype/
Score: 0
|This seems like a pointless venture. Why release a port of an Open-Source project, unless it's to fill it with underirable content, that's potentially harmful to the end user, such as Spy/Adware
Score: 0
|People like variety. Expecting "one" group of developers (Firefox) to revolutionize web browsing would have us all in our graves before we saw any "drastic" changes. Having something "Open-Source" is "begging" for further development.
The first Prototype of the New NS looked promising. It handled tags in a way that I feel more comfortable that Firefox's and didn't have any major bugs that affected my PC (other than running the RAM a little high with a fair few tabs open; but that's expected with all browsers.)
I think I'll head on over the the forums and download it.
Score: 0
|If it came from a company other than AOL, I might share your optimism.
Score: 0
|Hi can someone post a link to the file, or atleast its version number so i can download it.. don't have a Netscape login :(
I think the old one was pretty good, but its said to have a different user interface in the final..
Score: 0
|I especially like how the entire interface is littered with icons, toolbars, graphics and flyouts.
This way we understand the true purpose of the browser, which isn't browsing like you may think.. but rather having an application that displays important information you need to know like the temperature... that is something I need to know continually througout the day.
This revolutionary interface is something I call an "Icon Circus". The interface itself is what is important, not the content.
Score: 0
|How do I become a "registered tester"?
Score: 0
|Well Mozilla should have let firefox become Netscape when it was done. They already have Mozilla browser, why does mozilla need two of them... ??
Score: 0
|Mozlla Suite is for those that want an Integrated Browser, IRC program, WYSIWYG HTML editior, as well as Email, all in one program.
Firefox is a Minimalist browser, aimed at those who use other programs for the above functions.
Score: 0
|I like the part where users overlook the customization feature where you can put whatever you want on and off the GUI.
Score: 0
|Sheesh AOL always messes up everything they touch..Netscape use to be good until AOL got their hands on it...we'll wait and see. Firefox still kicks butt.
Score: 0
|http://www.softpedia.com...ser-Download-19345.html
Score: 0
|NETSCAPE IS FIREFOX. THEY ARE ONE IN THE SAME.
Score: 0
|