Fennec leaps into beta
Is that a fox in your pocket?
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Fennec, the mobile version of Firefox, has gone to beta. Though currently only available for the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet, it appears to be functional and stable.
Firefox introduced many innovations into desktop browsing, most of which have since been emulated by the competition. On mobile phones the competition is already fierce, and Fennec will have a hard time proving its value against other browsers which already offer much of what made Firefox so compelling.
The latest beta incorporates the revoltingly-named "awesome bar", as well as TraceMonkey - a much-enhanced JavaScript engine for the fast execution of scripts which is becoming increasing important in mobile browsing. Panning and zooming are also much smoother, which is vital in providing a quality experience, as so ably demonstrated by the iPhone's implementation of Safari.
Less pleasing to content owners, but vital to most Firefox users, is a popup blocker and support for plug-ins - many of which provide new ways of removing adverts on the desktop version of Firefox.
Unique to Fennec are the ability to dial numbers from websites and a location-seeking API.
If you happen to have an N810, or are interested enough to try Fennec in an emulator, then Mozilla provides comprehensive download instructions. The rest of us will just have to be content with a video demonstration of the new browser. ®
Fennec Beta 1 walkthrough from Madhava Enros on Vimeo.
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COMMENTS
@Ideala2
For what it's worth, though, I'm fairly sure that no form of Opera or the Android browser is available for the Nokia N810, unless you want to do something like installing an alternative OS or emulator first, which I'm not sure really counts.
NO! I must object!
It isn't THAT often that something on here gets to me, BUT seriously- are you a journalist for theregister.co.uk? Are you sure?
I expect you to have done a little research. For a start, many a fanboi will tell you, the best 'Ff innovations' for the desktop were operas, but that's arguable.
This 'UNIQUELY' business however isn't. Android's browser supports both numbers and addresses, and Opera mini/mobile- which work on pretty much everything including your wristwatch if you tried it- have had the number capture capability for YEARS.
Now yes... it's pedantic, but honestly, you'd think as a journo you'd look a little into things like THE MOBILE BROWSERS AVAILABLE before writing an article comparing them.
I want one hundred lines from you by tomorrow morning- 'I will research before i write.'
That'll teach you for hurting my opera's feelings.
Yes, that -is- a fox in my pocket!
Cool novelty, I think I'm sticking with Opera Mini though.
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