Archive for January, 2011
Browser Wars
When Firefox 3 was launched on 17 June, the free web browser generated 8,002,530 unique downloads in a day. It?s a hugely impressive figure that constituted a new Guinness world record, albeit in a category that didn?t previously exist.
For the Mozilla Foundation, the non-profit organisation behind Firefox, successfully encouraging so many users to download the new browser on day one was a canny way to grab headlines. But the release of Firefox 3 also marked the moment in which the cultural shift away from Microsoft?s browser Internet Explorer finally went mainstream.
Internet Explorer (IE) has been bundled with Windows since 1995. By 1999, it had become the world?s most widely used web browser, a position it has held ever since. At its peak in early 2003, IE achieved a staggering 95% usage share, leaving its onetime bitter rival Netscape Navigator as nothing more than a forgotten cyber-casualty.
But since July 2003, the level of IE?s dominance has steadily declined. Figures for June 2008 indicate that its market share is now at 73%, compared to 19% for Firefox and 6% for Safari, which is the native browser on Apple Macs and the iPhone (all other browsers have a share of less than 1% each).
Microsoft had become complacent. The first iteration of IE6 was launched in August 2001 and wasn?t replaced by a full IE release for over five years. The debut of the much-hyped IE7 in October 2006 failed to have an impact on IE?s overall market share. Indeed, by that point, Firefox – which was first released in November 2004 – had highlighted just how archaic IE?s interface was.
With its inclusion of tabbed browsing, integrated search box and – thanks to its open source architecture – the option for users to customise it with over 5000 third-party add-ons, Firefox quickly became the technophile?s browser of choice.
In contrast, the muted response that met the release of IE7 offers some clues as to why IE no longer enjoys the ubiquity it once had. Beyond incorporating some of the features that were the catalyst for many users switching to Firefox in the first place, IE7 offered little innovation.
Curiously, IE did have the opportunity to introduce tabbed browsing years before Safari and Firefox popularised it. NetCaptor, an alternative IE interface that was first released in January 1998, incorporated tabs at the bottom of the browser.
If a user wanted to have multiple pages open at once, they were able to use this neat solution as opposed to having to open numerous windows. It was, and remains, an elegant solution but one that IE belatedly embraced only after other browsers highlighted its usefulness.
But IE7?s limitations are more than just anecdotal. Its lack of standards compliancy means that it fails the Web Standards Project?s Acid2 test, which identifies flaws in web browsers: any browser that follows the World Wide Web Consortium HTML and CSS 2.0 specifications will pass. The test is based on whether a somewhat startled-looking smiley face is displayed correctly.
In October 2005, Apple?s Safari was the first browser to make the grade, something that Firefox, Opera and others have also since done. IE remains the only major browser that?s not Acid2 compliant, forcing web developers to insert conditional code to compensate for the differences between IE and other browsers.
Internet Explorer 8, which has been available to download in Beta since March and is expected to be officially released in 2009, comes at a critical moment in IE?s history. Microsoft?s IE development team have already confirmed that it is Acid2 compliant. It also has integrated developer tools, meaning that HTML, CSS and JavaScript debugging can take place directly from the browser.
A feature called Activities assists copying and pasting between web pages, while WebSlices will allow users to subscribe to a specific element of a web page, which can then be viewed from the Favourites bar (think Mac OS X?s Dashboard).
There are some well considered security touches, from safer mash-ups to domain highlighting, which automatically highlights a site?s owning domain to help users identify attempts at phishing. Handily, IE8 will also offer a Firefox-style crash recovery mechanism: if the browser crashes, any web pages being viewed will be salvaged when the browser is restarted.
But, given Microsoft?s closed-source approach to software development, what IE8 won?t do is reflect the open and adaptable nature of Firefox, which users are able to pimp with everything from blog editors to PicLens? 3D wall.
IE remains couched in old web thinking. As long as that continues to be the case, it?ll risk losing yet more users to Firefox, whose market share has increased from 14% to 21% over the last two years. What began as a cool alternative for in-the-know webheads may be on its way to beating one of the world?s largest corporations at its own game.
To read the original article, visit the Zeta Blog.
Originally published here.
Zeta Editorial
Firefox 4 Add-On Takes Browsing Outside the Browser
A new, experimental add-on from Mozilla Labs’ Prospector project removes the standard browser interface from Firefox 4 and instead gives full priority to Web content.
Published Jan 31, 2011.
Read more: PC World via Yahoo! News
Nokia N900 Unlocked Phone/Mobile Computer with 3.5-Inch Touchscreen, QWERTY, 5 MP Camera, Maemo Browser, 32 GB–U.S. Version with Full Warranty
Enjoy fast application processing and multitasking on a live Dashboard. ARM Cortex-A8 600MHz and total available application memory up to 1GB (256MB RAM + 768 MB virtual memory) Experience the full web with Maemo browser. Browser powered by Mozilla technology, full flash 9.4 and AJAX support. Personalize your own panorama desktop on the 3.5 Inch 800×480 pixel touch screen. Fast wireless broadband. WiFi and HSPA data 10/2.0 Mbps. Chat with voice calls, internet calls, instant messages and SMS. Merge your phone book, Skype contacts and other contacts into an all-in-one address book. Share your status, location and mood with your friends. Keep multiple IM and SMS conversations going and move easily between them. Email on the go with rich HTML and full QWERTY keyboard, Pre-installed Nokia Messaging that mobilizes up to 10 personal email accounts. Take high quality photos and wide screen videos using the 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics. Tag photos with keyword cloud to best describe the moment and find them easily later on. See where photos were taken with the automatic geotagging. Share to Ovi Share & Flickr or store in the massive 32 GB internal storage.
Update your Nokia N900 with the latest software.
Combining a mobile computer, cell phone, high-quality camera, and portable media player into a single device, the Nokia N900 unlocked cell phone offers fast 3G connectivity, global roaming capabilities, and a wealth of messaging capabilities to keep you in touch with family, friends, and business associates wherever you roam. It runs the new Linux-based Maemo operating system, which brings the benefits of your PC to your mobile world. Enjoy fast application processing and multitasking on the N900’s live dashboard–a panoramic home screen that can be fully personalized with favorite shortcuts, widgets, and applications–and experience the full web with the Maemo browser and high-speed wireless broadband connectivity. It’s all accessed via the N900’s 3.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen as well as the device’s slide-out full QWERTY keyboard.
The Nokia N900 mobile computer/cell phone features a 3.5-inch touchscreen as well as slide-out full QWERTY keyboard. Learn about all the N900’s features in this Nokia Demo Guide PDF. |
Take high-quality photos and widescreen videos using the 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics. You’ll also be able to tag photos with keywords and browse them using the tag cloud, geotag images with the location data of where they were shot, share online via Ovi Share or Flickr, or store for mobile viewing on the N900’s 32 GB internal memory–which can also be expanded via optional microSD memory cards.
The quad-band Nokia N900 GSM/EDGE phone makes it easy to roam globally and stay in touch with voice and text messaging, and this model is also ready to run on 3G networks both in the US and internationally (900/1700/2100 MHz HSPA), enabling fast downloads and streaming multimedia while on the go. It also includes integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) for accessing open networks at work, home, and on the road from a variety of wireless hotspots. You’ll also be able to connect to a wide variety of peripherals–including stereo headphones–with the Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) capabilities.
With the integrated A-GPS sensor, the device intuitively understands where it is, giving you the ability to search maps for addresses and points of interest using the Ovi Maps application and route a path to your destination.
Learn about all the N900’s features in this Nokia Demo Guide PDF.
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Unlocked Phone
This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider. It does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider. This phone comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty.
When paired with a compatible 3G network, you’ll enjoy a high-speed connection offering a variety of feature-rich wireless services–from data connectivity to your office to multimedia streaming–and be able to take advantage of simultaneous voice and data services. In areas not served by a 3G network, you’ll continue to receive data service via EDGE network (depending on network compatibility).
Note that the downloading of maps, games, music and videos, and uploading of images and videos involves transferring large amounts of data. Your service provider may charge for the data transmission, and the availability of particular services and features may vary by carrier.
Taking its cues from the world of desktop computing, the open source, Linux-based Maemo software delivers a PC-like experience on a handset-sized device. |
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Key Features
- Fast 3G connectivity with broadband-like speeds via 900/1700/2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA.
- Integrated assisted GPS (A-GPS) receiver for navigation using the Ovi Maps application as well as for geotagging photos and accessing location services used by popular social networking sites. Switch between rich 3D, satellite and hybrid map views.
- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with built-in accelerometer and 800 x 480-pixel resolution. (Learn more)
- Slide-out full QWERTY keyboard as well as virtual onscreen keyboard. Speed your typing up further with smart on-screen features and word completion.
- Maemo 5 software and user interface with direct touch logic, 3D accelerated graphics, and multi-window multitasking menu logic. (Learn more)
- 5-megapixel Carl Zeiss autofocus camera with dual LED flash and sliding lens cover for protection and camera activation. (Learn more)
- Capture WVGA 16:9 video in higher than DVD resolution.
- Digital audio and video playback with multi-format compatibilities plus TV output (cable included) and FM radio.
- Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits. (Learn more)
- Wi-Fi networking for accessing the Internet from home, corporate and hotspot networks (802.11b/g); includes WEP, WPA, WPA2 security protocols.
- 32 GB internal memory expandable up to 48 GB via optional microSD cards (up to 16 GB in size).
- Full messaging capabilities including SMS, mobile instant messaging (with presence-enhanced contacts), personal and corporate email (with support for Exchange and viewing attachments).
- Easily set up multiple email accounts with support for popular email providers.
- Keep multiple SMS & IM conversations going and move easily between them.
- Mozilla-powered full HTML browser with support for Adobe Flash player and ability to keep multiple web windows open.
- Organizer tools including calendar, clock, notes, calculator, and sketch
- Full range of applications including Ovi Maps, PDF reader, and RSS reader
- Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off.
Vital Statistics
The Nokia N900 weighs 6.38 ounces (with 1320 mAh lithium-ion battery) and measures 4.37 x 2.35 x 0.77 inches. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as the 900/1700/2100 MHz HSPA 3G frequencies.
Learn More
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Touchscreen and Full QWERTY Keyboard
Large and gorgeously colorful, the Nokia N900’s 3.5-inch touch display offers an 800 x 480-pixel resolution. The resistive touch screen includes haptic feedback so you know when you’ve pressed a key or onscreen menu, brightness control, an ambient light detector, and an orientation sensor that effortlessly switches from portrait to landscape viewing. The desktop can be personalized with up to four different views. You can also use a stylus for onscreen input.
When you’re ready to start typing email or text/instant messages, just flip the N900 on its left side and slide the face up to reveal the full QWERTY keyboard with predictive typing capabilities. The display pivots to an angle that makes it easy to read the screen while you’re typing. The N900 also includes a kickstand that enables you to place the device on a desk or airplane’s seatback table to watch videos.
The Nokia N900 has 32 GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 48 GB via optional microSD cards (up to 16 GB in size).
Powerful Computing
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Running on the new Maemo 5 software, the Nokia N900 enables you to have dozens of application windows open and running simultaneously while taking full advantage of the cellular features, touch screen, and QWERTY keyboard. Designed for computer-grade performance in a compact size, Maemo complements Nokia’s other software platforms, such as Symbian, which powers Nokia’s smartphones.
The Nokia N900 packs a powerful ARM Cortex-A8 processor, with up to 1GB of application memory and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration. The result is PC-like multitasking, allowing many applications to run simultaneously. Switching between applications is simple, as all running content is constantly available through the dashboard. The panoramic home screen can be fully personalized with favorite shortcuts, widgets, and applications. Thanks to the browser powered by Mozilla technology, web sites look the way they would on any computer. Online videos and interactive applications are vivid with full Adobe Flash 9.4 support. Maemo software updates happen automatically over the Internet.
Powerful 5-Megapixel Carl Zeiss Optics
With the Carl Zeiss optics on the 5-megapixel camera, you can capture print quality photos and DVD-like quality video clips. Carl Zeiss, a world leader in high quality camera lenses, brings an award-winning legacy to the Nokia N900 with state-of-the-art optics for mobile photography and mobile video. The Zeiss name has been associated with cameras from Hasselblad, Rollei, Yashica, Sony, and Nikon.
Tag photos with keywords to easily find them later on with a keyword cloud display, and see where your images were taken with the automatic geotagging. The camera offers an auto-focus Carl Zeiss lens with two-stage capture key, dual LED flash, and JPEG/EXIF still image file format. Other features include a full-screen viewfinder, dedicated camera key, sliding lens cover for protection and camera activation, and a photo editor. Upload your photos and videos to Ovi Share and share them online with friends and family.
The N900 can also capture videos in a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio at 800 x 480 pixels and 30 frames per second (fps). Additionally, the N900 includes a VGA camera on the front for use of video calling services (dependent upon carrier; additional charges applicable).
After shooting photos and videos, you can connect the N900 to an external monitor or TV (NTSC/PAL) using the included cable, and control playback via UPNP (WLAN supported).
Stay Connected via email
The Nokia N900 supports email accounts from more than a thousand internet service providers (ISPs) around the world (SMTP, IMAP4, POP3), as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail, and Hotmail. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded (an Exchange email account is required and your Exchange Administrator must have enabled your account for synchronization). You’ll enjoy reliable real-time access to your email, calendar, contacts, and tasks, as well as be able to download attachments like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files directly to the device.
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Wireless Freedom with Bluetooth
In addition to the integrated hands-free speakerphone, this phone provides the latest version of Bluetooth connectivity–version 2.1 + EDR–which makes pairing with an optional headset, as well as other Bluetooth-enabled devices, a snap. It includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and phonebook access. And with the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
Bluetooth profiles include: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures)
Technical Specifications
- Up to 32 GB internal storage
- Total available application memory up to 1 GB (256 MB RAM, 768 MB virtual memory)
- Supported protocols: Mail for Exchange, IMAP, POP3, SMTP
- SMS and instant messages organized as conversations
- Support for Nokia Messaging service
- Instant messaging and Presence-enhanced contacts
- Multiple number, email, and Instant Messaging details per contact, and contacts with images
- Integrated hands-free stereo speakers
- Logging of dialed, received, and missed calls
- Speed dialing via contact widget
- Ring tones: .wav, .mp3, .AAC, .eAAC, .wma
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) with WEP, WPA, WPA2 security; designed for continuous TCP/IP connectivity
- Capability to serve as data modem via USB connection
- Music playback file formats: .mp3, .wma, .aac, .m4a, .wav
- Video playback file formats: .mp4, .avi, .wmv, .3gp; codecs: H.264, MPEG-4, Xvid, WMV, H.263
- Video streaming: H.264, MPEG-4, Xvid, WMV, H.263 in .avi, .mp4, .wmv, .asf, and .3gp containers
- TV out (NTSC/PAL) with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, included)
- FM radio (requires headset to be attached) and FM transmitter
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