At the present moment we find ourselves at a crossroad when we try to predict future of three upcoming browser upgrades for mobile phonesfrom well-known brands. They are Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer Mobile and Opera Mini who have presented their alpha, beta and emulator versions of the upcomings. Lets take a look and give them a piece of thought-out feedback so they all could make their browsers better.
Mozilla "Fennec" Firefox mobileRecently presented alpha version of the Mozilla's Firefox mobile browser, known under nickname "Fennec", will more likely say a complete story about its upgrades and improvements to a Mozilla Firefox desktop user. As a matter of fact, the most constructive feedback on mobile browsers that Mozilla gets, starts with: "I've been using Firefox on my PC for … and I want to say that Fennec …" Usually Fennec doesn't get some very positive notes. However, future version of the browser is up to grade down negative testimonials. To test the Fennec alpha version, install it on Nokia N810 Internet Tablet or on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. For wider compatibility we are waiting for the first beta version. Now back to the issues, first change is interface remastering, in the final version mobile Firefox will be more responsive and user friendly, will have an "awesome bar" as they in Mozilla call their URL bar. Plus Google Chrome-like integrated Web search, tabbed browsing and thumbnail images on tabs. Some probable features include full rendering of pages or at least a possibility of switching to a rendering mode, compatibility with haptic interfaces, voice control option and zooming. That is what we are told so far. What doesn't float on the surface but is closely rooted to the heart of the matter is that Fennec will not be compatible with Android in any observable future. To compare Fennec with IE Mobile and Opera Mini, we won't see any obvious advantage. We can't say that Mozilla had introduced a lot of updates to the browser but Fennec already fits well to keep serving a good part of Firefox desktop users and many others. We will see how Fennec will do in early 2009 when the official release will take place.
Internet Explorer Mobile 6Now that is about time for Microsoft to introduce a new mobile browser. Taking in consideration the fact that they have done almost nothing with their Internet Explorer Mobile for quite a time now, the upcoming version should be a complete new one. And it is. In present time IE Mobile is available in emulators only, but for more inquisitive geeks all the documentary files are also available to download. Once again we see a mobile browser that shifts its desktop experience very accurately onto the mobile version. Internet Explorer Mobile promises some very good results in improving their browser. First of all they say they are proud of how developers managed to speed up browsing no matter what pages are surfed or what plug-ins are involved in the action. This is all but for enhanced scripting and AJAX support which altogether mean that this part was taken from Internet Explorer 8. Why not if it works? Modern smartphones are usually a full flash media center so multimedia content online playback is what was given some huge attention and Adobe Flash Lite 3.1 plug-in. IE Mobile 6 has obviously taken a lesson from iPhone Safari browser – a true master of rendering. Anyway, now, after Internet Explorer Mobile 5 has been blamed for poor rendering, in seems to be one of the strong sides of the newcomer. Another one – enhanced cursor experience and pan support which includes touch and gesture control and multiple zoom in addition. As long as Internet Explorer Mobile family is bounded tight to the corporate operating system, IE Mobile 6 is expected soon on Windows Mobile 6 gadgets. To be honest, this one among all the competitors is the greatest leap forward, but it was made from far behind and now it will probably stand very closely to Fennec and Opera mobile versions.
Opera Mini 4.2Opera's Mini 4.2 beta version seems to be the most modest one between them all judging by the number of changes brought in to it. There are only four that are worthy to pay attention to, so here they are down below. The question is though - how self-confident and assured are Opera Mini developers to be so "laconic". They must be very sure that mobile browser version 4.2 after it will pass thru beta stage will have enough buzz to keep going together with its rivals for user's preferences. Or just maybe Opera is preparing something really progressive and innovative in their long-term outlook. Nobody knows, but in the meantime Opera keeps track of more than 20 million people using their software. In the end of the day the best thing a browser can do is to be stable, Opera is, and Opera Mini 4.2 will be even more stable, especially in what is connected with media files. This improvement makes more video content available for enhanced number of mobile phones. Online video playback puts internet speed in tough conditions. Future Mini 4.2 even in beta version is a true leader in what involves mobile internet speed. But for recently launched server park in the US, Opera Mini users enjoy a terrific speed growth. To make the browser more beautiful, an evolutionary step back was considered. No drama, they have just brought back visual skins from Opera Mini 3. The last update – synchronization of Notes with Opera Desktop Web browser via Bookmarks menu.
The common fact for all three above named upcoming browsers is that they all are on half of their way to consumer smartphones, so giving preferences to one of them would be inappropriate as long as it is a matter of everyone's personal experience
