This article is more than 1 year old
Netscape launches version 8.0
'Hybrid' browser with emphasis on security
Netscape has officially launched the latest version of its browser, Netscape 8.0, according to reports. Although the browser is based on Firefox, it also supports the Internet Explorer engine, and so will be able to render more sites than will Firefox alone.
The final version also comes with a heavy emphasis on security, with built-in anti-phishing safeguards. The browser adjusts its security settings automatically, based on a regularly-updated blacklist of dangerous or malicious sites.
"The browser is like a hybrid car that combines the usability of Internet Explorer with the security of Firefox," Andrew Weinstein, a spokesman for America Online/Netscape, told Reuters.
Recently, Firefox's security message has been slightly tarnished, after a spate of vulnerabilities were identified in the open source browser. It remains to be seen whether this will have an impact on the uptake of the new offering from Netscape. ®
Related stories
Firefox loses its shine
IE-only sites 'useful as chocolate teapot'
Opera downloads reach 2m
Firefox doubles market share as IE slips
Biting the hand that feeds IT
