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Internet Explorer claws back a bit of market share at the expense of Chrome and Firefox
It may have been on a steady decline for years (albeit still the number one web browser all along), but it looks like Internet Explorer has now once again found itself on a bit of an upswing. According to the latest numbers from Net Applications, IE (all versions included) gained a full percentage point in the past month (following a similar gain in January) to sit at a market share of 53.83 percent, its highest level since September of 2011. That growth came largely at the expense of Firefox and Chrome, which each dropped less than a percentage point to 20.55 and 18.57 percent, respectively (Safari and Opera also saw slight declines). As others have noted, Net Applications did recently tweak its method for measuring browser usage, although it's not clear if that alone accounts for the shift in IE's favor -- perhaps the new ad campaign is working? You can find the full breakdown at the source link below.
Chrome hits version 18, improves graphics performance
The big one-eight. Another few months and another version of the Google browser is now up for grabs. With GPU-accelerated Canvas 2D now enabled, you can expect to see even smoother interactions with games and other media-heavy content. WebGL also gets a look-in with a new software-based addition that should help older computers access simple 3D web content. Anyone that's already furnished with Chrome should get auto-updated to the latest version today, while anyone now left with no excuses not to sample the web browser can hit up the download at the source.
Opera Mini 7 comes to Google Play, treads lightly on your data plan
As any Opera loving Android user will tell you, good things come to those who wait -- and folks waiting for the latest version of Opera Mini to hit their devices can now relax. It's here. Like its predecessors, Opera Mini 7 promises to slash your device's data usage and speed up its browsing by compressing data on a proxy server, pushing a lightweight, reformatted page to your device. Mini 7 continues this tradition, of course, but also lets users add more favorites to their Opera home screen, upping the max from nine to "as many Speed Dial buttons as you'll ever want." Read on for the app's official press release, or hit up the source link below for its Google Play page.
Taposé brings Microsoft Courier to the iPad
Want to get a taste of what the split-screen Microsoft Courier would be like if it was released? No? Me neither, but your disinterest in the Courier shouldn't stop you from checking out Taposé from Zanther, Inc, a unique and exciting split-screen productivity app that just hit the iOS App Store. Taposé lets you split your iPad screen in half and use each side for different activities. One side can be a journal-style document editor and the other can be a web browser. You can pick any combination of journal, maps, web browser, contacts and calculator. The two sides of the app are independent, but, here's the interesting part: they can also share information if needed. For example, you can lasso an image on a web page on one side, copy it to the clipboard and then paste it in your journal on the other side. The panes are adjustable so you can tweak the size of the two sides as needed. It supports AirPrint and has a cloud component that lets you store your journals in the cloud and share them across devices. There's also a variety of smaller features and customizations that let you create eye-pleasing documents with lists, different backgrounds, various pen styles and more. Taposé debuted after a long approval process which is chronicled in a post by CNET. I've been using it since it became available and can say that it's an excellent first effort. Because it's an early product, the app has its share of flaws. The app did crash a few times and sometimes the user interface was a bit sluggish. Copying content didn't always work and page turning was a bit glitchy. Despite the bugs, I'm impressed with the concept and believe we will see more apps like this hit the iOS App Store in the future. If you're interested in checking out something new, then I wouldn't hesitate to purchase Taposé. It's worth the US$2.99 to support the developer. If you want a polished app without any glitches, then you should hold off until version 2. If you do buy it, be prepared to spend some time learning Taposé, as the user interface and feature set is slightly more complex than your average note taking app.
Good Technology debuts 'first secure browser' for enterprise Android deployments
Good Technology is touting the latest addition to its Good Mobile Access (GMA) Android software suite, a secure browser. The company's GMA offering gives corporate foot soldiers armed with a smartphone access to secure intranet resources without having to initiate a VPN session -- while simultaneously allowing IT folks to manage mobile ingress. By bringing a browser into the fold, Good's software will allow employees to access databases, resources and collaboration tools without ever having to leave the safe confines of GMA's sandbox. The software maker is targeting outfits with a bring-your-own-device policy in place (and war chests large enough to install the necessary back-end infrastructure). If you're interested in learning more, the full release awaits your review after the break.
Safari 5.1.5 update fixes issue when running in 32-bit mode
Software Update just alerted me that Safari 5.1.5 is available. As noted on the screenshot above, the only information from Apple was that the update "contains a fix for an issue that could affect website usability when running Safari in 32-bit mode. The update is small -- only 46.4 MB -- and does not require a restart.
VMware's WSX promises to bring virtualized desktops to the web browser with HTML5
It's not quite ready for widespread use just yet, but it looks like we could soon have yet another way to virtualize one computer desktop on another device. Tentatively dubbed WSX, VMware's latest option relies on HTML5 to do away with plug-ins or dedicated applications altogether (a "lightweight Web server" acts as an intermediary), which means that you'll need nothing more than a web browser to run Windows or other operating systems on any capable device. As of now that includes laptops and desktops running Firefox, Chrome, and Safari, as well as iPads, but not Android devices (though that is apparently in the works). What's more, while it's still described as experimental, it apparently offers "near-native quality and framerates" when viewing 720p YouTube videos, and VMware is already toying around with optimizing it for the new iPad's Retina display. Those interested in a sneak peak can try it out with VMware's Workstation Tech Preview for Linux, although there's no word yet on a wider release.
Microsoft PSA: Internet Explorer 9 can do more than download other browsers (video)
See that up there? It's called inertia, and it's what the crew at Microsoft is trying to overcome. For the past 17 years, Internet Explorer has been little more than meme fodder and a litmus test of whether you knew how to navigate the web -- and let's be honest, the addition of the 'Go' button in IE5.5 only reinforced the stigma. Sure, Internet Explorer 9 was a huge leap in the right direction, but it's done little to restore the product's lousy reputation or stem its dwindling user base. Fortunately, Microsoft knows how to poke fun at itself, and the company's latest ad campaign fundamentally screams: our product's no longer awful, so please use it for something other than downloading another browser. Yeah, it smacks of desperation, but now that Mammon's awoke and realized, "Lo! It was naught but a follower," we can appreciate its sense of humor. Follow the break for a good laugh, and just for the hell of it, use IE while you're at it.
Microsoft patent application details branded web browser frame
Originally filed in the halcyon days of 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has just published a web browser-centric patent application from the fine folks in Redmond. Microsoft's "Branded Browser Frame" app details a "computer-readable storage media" that can be specifically executed (presumably by surfing over to a website that's capable of handling said execution), and then used to present a varying interface based on what the underlying instructions are telling it to do. According to the independent claims put forth, we're told about a "control layout area... wherein one of the selected controls comprises a website-branded control that serves as a website's homepage button, and a navigation control that provides an input field."In lay terms, that sounds a lot like a browser function that would enable many of the typical graphical elements we see atop our URL bars today to be adjusted and dynamically tweaked based on inputs from whatever address it was currently on. We aren't putting words in the applicant's mouth, but we're envisioning a top bar in Internet Explorer that turns red and features DVDs as the forward and back buttons when surfing over to Netflix.com (perhaps a stretch, but you catch the drift). IE9 does a bit of that color changing today, but it's possible that more is in store. Naturally, it'll take some time to see if this here app is actually granted, and it's possible that it'll look / function quite differently in its final form, but there's no doubt that someone at Microsoft is dreaming about a sexier (if not more sellable) browser bar.
Mozilla outlines plans for Firefox in 2012: less emphasis on version numbers, more focus on user experience
We've already seen Firefox move to a more rapid release schedule, and it looks like we'll soon also see far less emphasis placed on those rapidly increasing version numbers (much like Google has already done with Chrome). That's one detail revealed by Mozilla in a blog post today, which recaps its activity in 2011 and outlines some of its goals for 2012. That includes silent updates in the background to counter what Mozilla calls "update fatigue," as well as a number of efforts to make web apps more integrated into Firefox (and complement the Mozilla Marketplace). More on that and some additional technical details can be found at the source link below.
Metro-styled build of Chrome in the works for Windows 8
Windows 8's impending metro/desktop split means some programs may be pulling double duty in your task manager -- one for its classic environment, and one for its fancy facade. Google, not to be outdone by Mozilla, recently told Mashable that it's building a version of Chrome optimized for Windows 8's more stylized setting. "Our goal is to be able to offer our users a speedy, simple, secure Chrome experience across all platforms, which includes both the desktop and Metro versions of Windows 8." a Google spokesperson said, "To that end we're in the process of building a Metro version of Chrome along with improving desktop Chrome in Windows 8 such as adding enhanced touch support." The representative didn't say when the Metro version of the app would be ready, but hopefully it won't too far from Windows 8's own launch day.
StatCounter: Android web browser claims biggest user share
Android's native web browser can now lay claim to being the most popular mobile browser, according to StatCounter's latest survey. Mapping use over the past year, Google's mobile internet browser has grabbed around 23 percent of all users, up from just over 14 percent back in February 2011. The phone and tablet-based browser may have soaked up BlackBerry and Nokia users on its way to the top, with the two companies dropping browser share to six and 11 percent, respectively. Opera continues to hold its own, with a stable market share of around 21 percent throughout 2011, while the iPhone's Safari isn't far behind, notching up 20 percent by the end of last month. Conspicuous by its absence, Windows Phone's Internet Explorer hasn't made the table just yet and Google is surely hoping to see its mobile version of Chrome enter the table soon -- presumably once it's available on more than one device.
Chrome now easily opens email links in Gmail, thanks to some HTML5 magic
The next time you open up Gmail in Chrome keep an eye out for the prompt above, which uses HTML5 to finally close the gap between the way Google's browser handles mailto: links and its popular email service. Our only question about the change is what took them so long? Using extensions or simply copying and pasting email addresses as Gmail blogger and software developer Michael Davidson has been doing were available workarounds, but they won't be needed any longer -- no DRM necessary. Hit the source link for more info on what it's doing and how Chrome allows site handler requests.
Chrome for Android updates: recognizes app links, boosts speed
Google slipped a bit of an upgrade into the Android Market today. The mobile version of Chrome received a seemingly minor version bump and, much to our chagrin, left no changelog behind for us to peruse. Most of the tweaks are under the hood and, in our unscientific testing, pages appeared to load much faster and the interface was more responsive. Our immediate impressions were backed up by benchmarks -- the updated version of Chrome scored a 1,846.8 on SunSpider. The most welcome addition, though, was the ability to recognize links associated with applications. For example, the initial release never offered us the opportunity to open search results in the Google Maps app, it went straight to the mobile site. That quirk hasn't been fixed completely, as YouTube vids still stream inline with no immediately apparent option to launch them in the app. Still, it's nice to see Google improving integration with the OS and working towards making Chrome an acceptable replacement for the default browser.Update: Some of you out there are reporting that the upgrade has broken the browser for rooted devices and custom ROMs. While that limitation doesn't appear to be affecting our Nexus, we've gotten enough response to believe this is a legitimate issue. So, update at your own peril.Update 2: Alas, a changelog is here! You'll find it at the more coverage link. One new feature we missed was support for Android Beam, but, with no other Nexuses around, we haven't been able to test it.
Mozilla Labs Apps set to allow developer submissions for Mozilla Marketplace at MWC
Been keeping up with Mozilla Labs' Apps project? Today the company's focused on developers, with pleasing news if you've been looking to get your app's feet wet in it. In the coming weeks at Mobile World Congress, the Firefox maker will finally open its self-titled Marketplace's doors for app submissions. If you're unfamiliar, Mozilla's been working to create an "operating system- and device-independent market," which will rely on the likes of HTML5, CSS and other open source materials -- Mozilla also plans to introduce its own APIs for apps, pending W3C approval. The end result will be the ability to use said apps without being locked down by your devices and their respective app stores. The store is set to open up for consumer consumption later in the year, so now's your chance to reserve your software's spot and name on the list. More details await in press release after the break and at source link below, while you get your code ready.
Firefox on Windows 8: Metro build is in the works
We all know that Windows 8 will have a split personality, with a Windows 7 style "Classic" desktop environment working hand-in-hand with a finger-friendly Metro UI. Given that Firefox has a significant market share in the PC web browsing market, it's only natural for Mozilla to accommodate both parts of Microsoft's new OS. According to its 2012 Strategy & Roadmap, the company has plans for a proof-of-concept Win8 Firefox release in Q2 of this year. In that document, Mozilla reveals that a "simple evolution" of its existing browser will work with the "Classic" environment, but brand new new front-end and integration code is needed for Firefox to play nice with Metro. The plan is to build a Gecko-based browser that brings full Firefox capabilities and can handle Windows 8's unique requirements like being suspended by the OS when it's not being viewed and supporting multiple "snap" states to ensure a good browsing experience when multiple apps are open. Looks like Mozilla's crew of coders has their work cut out for them, and you can peep the full to-do list at the source link below.
Chrome Beta for Android hands-on (video)
So, Google is finally making the move we've been expecting for some time now and bringing Chrome to Android. Now, you'll need a device running Ice Cream Sandwich to get the new mobile browser up and running but, thankfully, we happened to have a Galaxy Nexus on hand. As you might expect, mobile Chrome (much like its desktop sibling) is fast -- a little buggy perhaps, but fast. It isn't, however, the fastest browser for the platform. Chrome Beta holds its own, but the standard Android browser, the stable version of Firefox and Dolphin HD all edged it out in SunSpider. Numbers don't tell the whole story though, so head on past the break for more.
Google Chrome browser arrives on Android (video)
The latest step in bringing Google-based unification has arrived. The Chrome browser is here on Android. This beta version is currently only available for that elite crowd of ICS phones and tablets and like its desktop progenitor, the synced settings and bookmarks are all in tow. Expect to see a new, more natural mobile view of the tab system. It'll also remember what you were last looking at on your desktop Chrome browser, and sync it across to your mobile device -- it's like Kindle or iBook's bookmarking system, but for the web. Your autocorrect content from the desktop is similarly synced. Expect to see the reappearance of link previews, something you may recall from the results of any Google searches, offering a brief thumbnail of a link's destination. We're giving it a good play-around right now, but while we get our first impression up, check the quick intro video after the break.Update: Here's our hands-on. With video, naturally. Another more in-depth video from Google can also be found after the break.
Samsung's inTouch brings 'Apps' like Skype and a browser to your TV
If you've tasked Sammy with stalking your progeny and your house, what's another camera ontop of your TV? Samsung's inTouch is just that, running a skinned version of Android 2.3, stuffed with WiFi, HDMI and a 3 megapixel camera. The combination of which enables apps like Skype, YouTube, and a web browser to be fed to your boob tube. Controlled by a QWERTY remote, it'll be yours for $199 come March. For those interested, we've embedded PR after the break.
Internet Explorer 6 usage in the US dips below one percent, Microsoft celebrates with a t-shirt
It looks like the web browser that wouldn't die is finally on its last legs. While it's not quite dead yet (especially when you consider the worldwide usage figures), use of Internet Explorer 6 in the United States has now officially dropped below one percent for the first time, which is apparently good enough for Microsoft to do a bit of celebrating. It's now sending out shirts like the one above to select folks, who can now wear their disdain for the out-of-date browser. Those interested can find the latest worldwide numbers at the source links below.
