Confused Future of Mobile Browser Development - HD2 General

Hi, I noticed some articles over at betanews and ITProPortal regarding the cessation of development for Firefox for both Winmo 6.5 and Windows Phone 7 Series. I thought that they may be of interest.
Here area couple of links.
http://www.betanews.com/article/Wit...ozilla-cancels-Fennec-for-WM6-also/1269360388
http://www.itproportal.com/oss/news...ng-firefox-mobile-windows-phone-7-series/#17?
Regards.

And nothing of value was lost. Fennec was never a contender on any mobile platform - it was always Webkit or Opera.

mazzarin said:
And nothing of value was lost. Fennec was never a contender on any mobile platform - it was always Webkit or Opera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed but betanews suggests that "The absence of Firefox on WP7S will also very likely mean the absence of Opera on that platform as well." This is after they say that the lack of Firefox development "... may be good news for Opera". As my title suggests, at least some people are confused
Regards.

Opera's revenue streams come from mobile browsing, you can bet that they'll figure something out in Silverlight

mazzarin said:
Opera's revenue streams come from mobile browsing, you can bet that they'll figure something out in Silverlight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, I agree.

Actually, IIRC, OEMs will get a native SDK so they can preload their own apps. What's stopping them from contracting Opera to dev an alternative browser? Then XDA rips it and distributes it to all as usual! Hoorah!

mazzarin said:
Opera's revenue streams come from mobile browsing, you can bet that they'll figure something out in Silverlight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do they get revenue anyway?

Related

Opera Mobile 9.5 announced - Flash... yes and no

I figured this would be up on the board by now...
Opera has announced Opera Mobile 9.5. It will support Flash, if the OEM chooses to include Flash Lite 3.0.
I figure someone on here will incorporate it in about 9.5 hours.
Official specs:
http://www.opera.com/b2b/file/Opera_Mobile_Product_Sheet.pdf
There is no Flash lite 3 on Windows Mobile for anyone to implement. There isn't even a Developers' edition.
i guess im still holding out for skyfire....with the way it renders pages, isnt it supposed to do full flash, java and everything as we see it on our desktops?
Seems pretty fast to me:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/05/video-opera-mobile-9-5-redesign-is-lickity-quick-slick/
Makes PIE look like complete rubbish, which it is.
touchlasvegas said:
i guess im still holding out for skyfire....with the way it renders pages, isnt it supposed to do full flash, java and everything as we see it on our desktops?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
9.5 will have full flash on symbian s60 only at the moment as this the only os with fl3.0. already available on some devices
leoni1980 said:
9.5 will have full flash on symbian s60 only at the moment as this the only os with fl3.0. already available on some devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You quoted me Leoni, but I wasnt referring to Opera, I was referring to the new beta Skyfire browser that will be out pretty soon hopefully. They demoed it and were streaming youtube videos from the full pc version of youtube on the demo phone.
leoni1980 said:
There is no Flash lite 3 on Windows Mobile for anyone to implement. There isn't even a Developers' edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I emphasized in my post, it will be there if the OEM chooses, and others here beat me to saying the Nokia already has it.
No dev edition? Get it here: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashlite3/
I downloaded it 2 months ago. Edit: I expect it to be WinMo ready soon if Opera says it will be a feature in OM 9.5.... for WinMo.
techntrek said:
Like I emphasized in my post, it will be there if the OEM chooses, and others here beat me to saying the Nokia already has it.
No dev edition? Get it here: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashlite3/
I downloaded it 2 months ago. Edit: I expect it to be WinMo ready soon if Opera says it will be a feature in OM 9.5.... for WinMo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its only for Symbian OS v3 and Windows XP. It can be ported to run on linux.
See FAQ here
http://www.adobe.com/products/flashlite/faq/ Look at the 6th and 7th questions.
Therefore, no FL3 for winmo platform, and this has been clarified by an Adobe representative.
The faq just says that Symbian and XP are the reference platforms. Nothing says it won't be ported to WinMo, just that it won't be a reference platform (certified by Adobe so comparison tests can be run against other platforms). The pdf I linked to above clearly says that OM 9.5 will be available on WinMo (upper right corner of 2nd page), and that it will support FL 3.0 (lower left of 2nd page).
Do you have a reference to the clarification from Adobe?
techntrek said:
The faq just says that Symbian and XP are the reference platforms. Nothing says it won't be ported to WinMo, just that it won't be a reference platform (certified by Adobe so comparison tests can be run against other platforms). The pdf I linked to above clearly says that OM 9.5 will be available on WinMo (upper right corner of 2nd page), and that it will support FL 3.0 (lower left of 2nd page).
Do you have a reference to the clarification from Adobe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had posted a link for Adobe's clarification before,but that link is broken now.
Opera 9.5 is capable of having FL3, but only if the OEM integrates them. HTC device running winmo does not have FL3 to do so AFAIK,
Which brings us back to my first post - its possible, HTC could do it with future devices (or someone else will come out with FL 3 on WinMo) and then someone on this board will port it for us.
My bet is the next Athena will be WinMo 6.1 w/Opera 9.x and FL 3.
Skyfire does look appealing and will be released soon. It uses a proxy server (like opera mini) to render not only the page itself but also the java/flash content. This makes me worry about whether the possible popularity of the application - which is being released on both Winmo AND Symbian - might cause slowness and unreliablity owing to the enormous bandwidth required. I think i'd sooner have an embedded flash plugin and a normal browser (like Opera Mini), but i'll give them both a whirl!
leoni1980 said:
Skyfire does look appealing and will be released soon. It uses a proxy server (like opera mini) to render not only the page itself but also the java/flash content. This makes me worry about whether the possible popularity of the application - which is being released on both Winmo AND Symbian - might cause slowness and unreliablity owing to the enormous bandwidth required. I think i'd sooner have an embedded flash plugin and a normal browser (like Opera Mini), but i'll give them both a whirl!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd have some concern if it uses proxy server. I won't want to do internet banking or online shopping with it. I'd rather see all rendering to be done on the device itself. Also, I'm not sure if a proxy server set up would end up attracting subscription fee in the long run. Surely someone has to pay for the server side expenditure.
hi!
when will it come out? looking foward to test it!
deiota
Deiota said:
hi!
when will it come out? looking foward to test it!
deiota
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Unveiled" on February 11-14. Don't know when it is available to the public though. However, I think it should not be too long after that.
http://www.mobilehornet.com/archives/983
I can't wait to try!
Hi everyone!
I just got off the phone with nice gentleman named Tom Ford from Opera. He is closely involved in the 9.5 project. He want us to know that a numbers of issues such as pricing
and upgrading from the current version have yet to be decided. I expressed our excitement over the opportunity to be involved in the beta testing which he seemed to find really encouraging. He's going to keep us closely informed in the process leadinq up to the beta release. I gave him my email address and I'll share with everyone any information he sends me. This is all I have right now. He may decide to post the info himself but if not, when he emails me I would gladly pass on any questions you might have
-David
Welcome to the forums David - nice first post, keep us informed of aany further news, I'd certainly be interested if they need beta testers!
If Opera 9.5 on the desktop (see demo here http://cybernetnews.com/2007/09/03/cybernotes-exclusive-opera-95-features-video/ and the software here http://www.opera.com/download/index.dml?ver=9.50b) is an indication of what we could expect from the PPC version, then I'd be estatic! The speed is incredible. I've just installed desktop 9.5 on my PC and I cannot believe how fast it could be as compared to internet explorer on my Vista notebook, or the earlier version of desktop opera.
I also like the new features such as speed dial and ability to recover closed opera windows from the trashcan. This is a hugh improvement over the earlier version of desktop opera.
So, I'm looking forward to that hugh leap improvement on the window mobile too.
Ill have to give the desktop version a try.

Microsoft finally licenses Flash Lite for WM

One way or another, it looks like we'll finally have Flash on our devices soon...
http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/17/microsoft-bites-bullet-licenses-adobes-flash-lite-for-windows/
Finally,this issue is resolved. I wonder what's going to happen to silverlight if FL3 makes it to WM platform.
Anyway, I have all my hopes in Opera 9.5 and Skyfire...seems that they could provide a relief sooner..
eaglesteve said:
Finally,this issue is resolved. I wonder what's going to happen to silverlight if FL3 makes it to WM platform.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read the many other posts regarding ms and adobe agreement, MS will continue to develop silverlight, but thought they needed something now. And will add silverlight to WM as they entice more developers to use their technology. In either case, competition is good to entice micro$oft to continue their development of Windows mobile. It is a great app, but faster development or more current technology would not hurt MS future development of WM.
I also read they wanted to license Adobe Reader, and Adobe forced Flash Lite on them as part of the deal.
Unfortunately FL only supports older Flash implementations so we'll still find web sites (or parts of sites) that we can't use.
techntrek said:
I also read they wanted to license Adobe Reader, and Adobe forced Flash Lite on them as part of the deal.
Unfortunately FL only supports older Flash implementations so we'll still find web sites (or parts of sites) that we can't use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean it's not going to be FL3?
A quote from the original source.
" Think of Flash Lite as a slightly older version of Flash; the most current version of Flash Lite can't properly display Web sites created with the newest version of Flash, Flash 9, but it works with sites created using older versions of the technology."

Google Chrome Browser on Diamond?

I see a viral marketing campaign has just begun. Sounds like it may develop into an excellent alternative to whats out there. Some speculation that it may ultimately be suitable for use on PDAs and Phones. Here's hoping - Because so far none of the current PPC browser appeal to me much.
Does anyone else think or know if this might be a goer on the Diamond?
Here are a couple of links in case you haven't tripped over it yet.
Wikipedia Google Chrome
"..Google could be planning on mobile domination.."
Googles Chrome Blog
Chrome Comic Book
I dont think there is a WM version of Chrome yet is there?
timn2087 said:
I dont think there is a WM version of Chrome yet is there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there isn't. It's hard to think that an evergrowing company like Google wont create a browser for WM or at least (most definitely) Android when it's out.
kareem9nba said:
No, there isn't. It's hard to think that an evergrowing company like Google wont create a browser for WM or at least (most definitely) Android when it's out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember reading on engadget that they plan to send out a version of chrome for Android So maybe also for WM, if they don't see it as to much of a competitor.
i read somewhere on engadget that chrome is in moble development along side andriod but not directly integrated. but heard nothing of WM.
Google are going spend money developing Chrome on WM so that users won't have to upgrade to an Android phone to get it .... er, yeah, that sounds plausible, thanks Google for helping extend the life of Microsoft OS phones.
Blazeitup123 said:
i read somewhere on engadget that chrome is in moble development along side andriod but not directly integrated. but heard nothing of WM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup thats what read as wel..only an Anroid development software at the moment, Not sure it will come to WM

Opera Mobile 10 is now on Android!

Just saw this:
http://www.mobiletechworld.com/2009/12/10/opera-mobile-10-on-android-video/
Hopefully it will be out soon!
been waiting for this for a long time, mainly because of the plugin-free flash support (and HTML 5 isn't coming fast enough). If what I gathered from the video is right, it looks like they're deploying to OEMs and carriers first to see if they want to use those on their devices. That means T-Mobile US is not interested (they put out roms as vanilla as they get, not that that's a bad thing). I wonder about widespread availability.
Also, with HTC's track record on WinMo, I'm pretty sure Opera Mobile will replace their browser later on for a newer version of hero (HTC Bravo with stock Opera Mobile? YES PLEASE!!!)
YEAHH!!! Finally Iv been waiting for this since they announced they will support Android.
jubeh said:
been waiting for this for a long time, mainly because of the plugin-free flash support (and HTML 5 isn't coming fast enough). If what I gathered from the video is right, it looks like they're deploying to OEMs and carriers first to see if they want to use those on their devices. That means T-Mobile US is not interested (they put out roms as vanilla as they get, not that that's a bad thing). I wonder about widespread availability.
Also, with HTC's track record on WinMo, I'm pretty sure Opera Mobile will replace their browser later on for a newer version of hero (HTC Bravo with stock Opera Mobile? YES PLEASE!!!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they'd go with fennec (when it's released), rather than Opera for the stock browser. Just seems like mozilla has built a reputation that developers can't deny. Either one would be awesome though.
rp1783 said:
I think they'd go with fennec (when it's released), rather than Opera for the stock browser. Just seems like mozilla has built a reputation that developers can't deny. Either one would be awesome though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so much mozilla but webkit. I think there'd be a problem with the licensing though. HTC DOES seem pretty intent on protecting their IP and with Opera Mobile they can keep whatever changes they make to the app to themselves.
Mozilla browsers (as opposed to what most might thing) are really only a tiny fragment of the market.

Opera Mobile Discontinued

What now?
http://www.favbrowser.com/opera-mobile-for-windows-mobile-discontinued/
Maybe this: http://www.uzard.com/en/solutions/uzardweb_p.asp
Windows Mobile is more dead with every day... Skyfire, Opera Mobile turned back from WM, who is next?
raven_raven said:
Windows Mobile is more dead with every day... Skyfire, Opera Mobile turned back from WM, who is next?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not dead. It's in a bit of stasis. People are still developing for it. XDA developers in particular are doing a great job.
Some people still like WM. It works for me just fine. Opera is the killer app for me on the HD2.
To be honest, I am not surprised. Opera 9.7 is still the best web browser for me. I wish they would continue to support it and integrate a new flash compatibility pack/cab.
The money though is with Android and Apple hence why the non support. I wish though they could provide a source code for us developers to continue to support it with modifications.

Categories

Resources