Hope you all follow the General forum in here ;-) If you don’t, you may not have read my latest major roundup you will definitely be interested in: the Windows Mobile Web Browsing Bible, fully updated to the latest Web browsers (DeepFish, Opera Mobile 8.65, NetFront 3.4, WM6 Internet Explorer etc.) . Make sure you don’t miss it!
See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1202096 for the Bible.
Many thanks, Menneisyys, I will have a gander now
That is a phenomenal review!
Thanks guys!
In the meantime, I've updated the article; I still haven't cross-posted it here because of the tremendous need for slicing it up; therefore, the new version is at http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=1828&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 .
If you haven't done so as yet, DO check it out, it'll answer ALL your question about Web browsing on Windows Mobile.
UPDATE (04/05/2007): Added a new row on Address bar (history / deletion / autocomplete), with a lot of screenshots; other minor changes in the chart.
In addition to yesterday's cleaning up the English & additional proofreading and today's adding a new row on the Address Bar history (deletion) / autocompletion, I've slightly modified the Opera Mobile-related information in the chart of the article, based on ResearchWizard's excellent feedback. (BTW, his Opera Mobile guide is just excellent and really worth checking out (alternative, direct link here)).
BTW, many have asked why there's neither "Verdict" nor "Most recommended" section in the Bible. The answer is very simple: while I, personally, consider Opera Mobile 8.65 the best browser closely followed by the WM6 (or, at least, WM5 AKU2+ - previous versions were 50% slower to load pages and, therefore, I wouldn't really be able to return to using them) IEM equipped with PIEPlus 2.2 if the bad JavaScript / non-existing AJAX support and the relatively high memory usage aren't a problem.
However, as you may have drastically different requirements, the above may not be the right solution for you. For example, you can ONLY use free software because, for example, you need the cheapest solution for enterprise-wide deployment, which means you'll need to cast a glance at Webby, Minimo or, probably the best free alternative, Opera Mini. Or, alternatively, you want to keep the original page layout on your low-resolution QVGA model; then, the first browser you should check out is Thunderhawk (not taking DeepFish into account).
That is, there was a reason I didn't (and still don't) provide a quick recommendation. There are a LOT of factors you need to consider when selecting your browser of your choice. You WILL want to thoroughly examine the feature / comparison chart, thoroughly compare each feature and consider whether the lack of a given feature is a showstopper for you or not. Providing a some-sentence-recommendation like ""go for Minimo if you need a free and, therefore, easily mass-deployable browser and memory consumption isn't an issue", "go for Opera Mini if you need minimal memory consumption, speed and also being free" or "stay with PIE if you don't need strong JavaScript / AJAX / CSS support and multitabs but want a free, dependable browser"" would have been an oversimplification.
I felt it useless to try to even replicate the information available in the comparison / feature chart in a Verdict section - there's simply too much information, I would have ended up pages on this "simple" subject. This is why I’ve left it out altogether – you’ll need to consult the chart so that you can make an educated, informed decision..
Updated the chart with Thunderhawk-related information. This means there are no question marks in the Thunderhawk-specific column any more. I've also provided several screenshots of Thunderhawk in action. Thanks to the Bitstream folks for providing me access to their service!
BTW, the article has been frontpaged by Pocket PC Thoughts in the meantime.
I’ve just posted a brand new Radar article, with a lot of new screenshots, to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1209974
PPCT frontpage; Just Another Mobile Monday frontpage
Finally, I can not stress and emphasize enough: if you have a specific need but lack the time to fully scrutinize the chart, use in-page searching (Ctrl-F) to quickly find the compatibility information you need. For example, if you want to know Flash, AJAX or JavaScript compliance, just use the word in question (for example "Flash") as the search expression and you'll really quickly find out which chart row discusses the given question.
WM Web Browser Bible updated with Picsel Browser-related info!
Thanks to HowardForums user diadjika, I had the opportunity to thoroughly test Picsel’s famous Web (and document) browser for Windows Mobile and accordingly update the Windows Mobile Web Browser Bible.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
The browser is WM5+ only (no WM2003(SE) support, sorry) and is NOT available for download officially; it’s shipped with some Windows Mobile models as is the case on other mobile platforms (for example, Palm OS).
It’s a direct (non central server-based) Web browser with REALLY excellent dynamic zooming / panning capabilities (regarding them, it’s the best of all Windows Mobile browsers) and built-in PDF, MS Excel / MS Word / MS PowerPoint and text reader. That is, it’s pretty much understandable why Palm OS users praise it so much.
Unfortunately, it also has its shortcomings; for example, the lack of a multi-tabbed architecture (as is the case with DeepFish / Thunderhawk and, of course, PIE without a third-party add-on), lack of file up/download capabilities, total lack of local caching, Ajax / Flash / Java / decent JavaScript support etc. In addition, sometimes it’s just painfully slow to download stuff, particularly with Yahoo Mail and for example the AximSite forums. That is, if you can’t stand its lack speed (with some pages – with other pages, it has no problems at all), you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Make sure you thoroughly check out the brand new column in the comparison chart of the Windows Mobile Web Browser Bible for more information to see how it compares to the alternate browsers. The chart contains a LOT of screenshots showing the Picsel browser in action.
Some additional menu screenshots (see the chart for more!)
Normal / Reflowed layout
Bookmark view
Folder view (2)
UPDATE (08/31/2007) : Opera Mini 4 beta 2 out; the FULL review has been posted to these forums: PPCT, AximSite, XDA-Developers - 1, XDA-Developers - 2 FirstLoox, BrightHand, HowardForums, SPT, MoDaCo, Opera Mini forums.
UPDATE (10/20/2007): I've published a review of Opera Mobile 8.65 Final (PPC/SP), Picsel 1.0.5 (PPC/SP) and the brand new Spb Pocket Plus 4.0 (PPC). A new version of jb5 (PPC/SP) has been released and a brand new, albeit very simple IEM add-in Web Viewer for WM5 (PPC). Also, I’ve linked in some of my recent reviews of some new (not very important) Web browsers: TeaShark (PPC/SP) and UCWEB (PPC/SP). Finally, I've published some genuine, never-before-published tips and tricks on utilizing the Pocket PC hardware application buttons to control Opera Mini and Opera Mobile. It's a MUST for any serious Pocket PC user - you'll LOVE my new tips & tricks. See THIS. Cross-posted to: PPCT, AximSite, XDA-Developers - 1, XDA-Developers - 2, FirstLoox, BrightHand, HowardForums, SPT, MoDaCo.
Total newbie question but I have been browsing everywhere. is pie plus something I have to purchase or is there an addon that I can use from the xda developers crew. My reason for asking is I just went to wm6 on my mda pro, but I can no longer hit download links on certain sites.
cheers if any one can help.
Hocus said:
Total newbie question but I have been browsing everywhere. is pie plus something I have to purchase or is there an addon that I can use from the xda developers crew. My reason for asking is I just went to wm6 on my mda pro, but I can no longer hit download links on certain sites.
cheers if any one can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no free add-ons from XDA-Dev people. PIEPlus, however, won't help with these problems.
Can you give me an exact URL so that I can check why it doesn't work?
UPDATE (11/12/2007): the final version of Opera Mini 4 has been released. I've written a VERY thorough tutorial on installing and using it; it's available HERE; cross-posted to PPCT, AximSite, XDA-Developers -1, XDA-Developers -2, FirstLoox, BrightHand, HowardForums - 1, HowardForums - 2, SPT, MoDaCo, official Opera Mini forum. Note that it also links in my brand new MIDlet Bible, which will be a god-send anyone wanting to run this EXCELLENT browser on his or her handset.
UPDATE (02/01/2008):
[*]I, after more than a week’s waiting (see my previous post HERE), still haven’t received any feedback from the Strategy Analytics Inc. folks regarding the lack of Opera Mini in their 5-Star Safari Leads Mobile Browsing Experience, which, in many Windows Mobile users’ (including me) opinion, is the most useful / quickest Web browser for the Windows Mobile platform. And, for other mobile platforms too – on my Symbian Nokia N95 and BlackBerry 8800, I almost exclusively use this browser to access the Web. Not including it in the test makes the entire report pretty hard to depend on – it’s like completely ignoring, for example, Ferrari (a top-performing car) when evaluating the cars of Formula-1.
And, of course, I’ve already elaborated on the bad ranking of Nokia Web (running on Symbian S60 3rd edition devices – that is, NOT on Windows Mobile) and, particularly, Opera Mobile (running on all major mobile platforms). Again and again, if you do learn the dialpad shortcuts and/or, with Opera Mobile running on a dialpad-less Pocket PC, use a third-party tool to assign its key functionalities (accessing favorites, current tabs, back etc.) to Pocket PC hardware buttons, they both become quicker and easier to operate than Internet Explorer. It’s clearly at this point (in addition to the lack of Opera Mini) that Strategy Analytics Inc.’s report severely lacks – it’s evident the test folks didn’t really make an attempt at learning the dialpad shortcuts / configure Opera Mobile for easy and much quicker access / use.
[*]Still as far as Windows Mobile and Symbian are concerned, a brand-new Web browser, Skyfire has been released. See some of the related threads HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE (a preview) and HERE. I, as I’m located in Europe, still haven’t had the choice to test it (it's, currently, only available for US residents).
Based on the first reports, it’s based on a similar architecture than Microsoft’s, for the time being, discontinued DeepFish (RIP!) and Thunderhawk’s Java applet emulation. That is, it, in practice, generates an image of the page on the server and transfers this to the client – there isn’t local HTML (?) / Flash parsing / execution on the client side at all. This has both pros and cons, as has already been explained in my Web Browsing Bible.
I REALLY hope Skyfire is WAY better implemented than DeepFish (or Thunderhawk's applet emulation). DeepFish was really slow – not only because its beta servers were, generally, really overloaded, but also because it was implemented using the slowish Compact Framework, as opposed to the much faster Win32 API. Unfortunately, Thunderhawk’s (remote, image transfer-based) Java applet emulation isn’t really capable of emulating running it on the local mobile either. Therefore, I seriously doubt you’ll be able to, say, play fast Flash action games under Skyfire – you’ll still need a local Flash interpreter (only available Opera Mobile or Internet Explorer - and, also, NetFront, but the latter has a pretty buggy and definitely less compatible Flash engine) for that.
I’ll meet the Skyfire folks at Barcelona; hope I’ll be able to play with their browser a bit so that I can quickly test its usability, small screen-friendliness (for example, does it have the same, excellent text boundary recognition engine than that of Opera Mini in full layout mode) and Web standards compliance.
UDPATE (05/11/2008): see my latest User-Agent related article & updates HERE. Cross-posted to: PPCT, AximSite, XDA-Developers, BrightHand, HowardForums, MoDaCo.
UPDATE (05/23/2008): SkyFire 0.60 review posted to http://www.pocketpcmag.com/cms/node/6203; cross-posted to:
PPCT,
AximSite,
XDA-Developers,
BrightHand,
HowardForums,
MoDaCo.
I’ve just published my last roundup, sporting the latest Web browsers available:
Iris 1.0.16 (1.1.0 b3)
Opera Mobile 9.5b2 / b15233 (!)
Opera Mini 4.2.13337
SkyFire 0.85.0.8184
PIE, along with Spb Pocket Plus 4.0.2
Internet Explorer Mobile 6 (IEM6) (!)
NetFront 3.5.009 b729
… and compared all these to the Safari running on the iPhone with firmware v2.2.
The new roundup is available at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3130648
UPDATE (21/02/2009) : My latest, related article has just been posted to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3360125
HELP – Regarding real time streaming stock quotes in web browser (HTC Athena-Advantage)
Iam having a problem with running streaming java applets in internet explorer and opera mobile on my PPC. I have a dopod u 1000 pocket pc with wm6. I have a online trading account where I can view streaming stock quotes in real time. From a desktop this page is accessable and the quote applets are visible but not from my pocket pc which also has a fast internet connection. The web page loads, but the streaming applets are not visible. The website says that Microsoft virtual machine must be enabled in internet browser. I have installed all available jvm’s on my ppc but the applets are still not visible. With jeode java virtual machine in PIE I get an error saying that the applet has failed to load. With crme-me 411, I get the message that the applet is being downloaded but nothing happens after that.
I have tried all jvm’s and internet browsers for pocket pc such as, multiIE, PIE plus, opera mobile 8.65 and opera mini 4 beta 3, Netfront 3.4, thunderhawk (incompatible), minimo, webby, and also my saifu jvm, ibm j9, sun personal java, superwaba jvm, ewe jvm and others like intent midlet manager and esmertec jbed but I haven’t been able to figure out a way to view the applets. Please help me as to how to view these real time streaming stock quotes and I would be really grateful. Thanks in advance
The web page iam trying to access has the url , -https://newtrade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/Login.jsp and it is followed by this page where the applets are supposed to be seen, - https://newtrade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/index.jsp
An error log created on the ppc shows these details, -
++COJscp:CreateVm) hr=0x80004005
NSIcom Ltd., CrEme(tm) Evaluation VersionEBCI(TM) Interpreter V1.00,
Copyright 1998-2002 by Bytecodes, Inc.
g_pServer->memLimit 0, jsVconfMem.memLimit=57933824
m_Width=600 height=293
++++++++++++++++ mdStartEmbedded mdResetMemory=0xd815e4
CreateNewApplet Code=<StreamingApplet.RTApplet.class>, Archive= <>, CodeBase= <https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/> Url=https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/applet.jsp?UID=211034/, left=7 top=15, width=600 Height=293
main.err.badurl:https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/ Error=unknown protocol: https
OnDestroy : Closed Applet window: 5618736c
Closed Applet
**** error ExceptionCheck = 1
m_Width=608 height=296
++++++++++++++++ mdStartEmbedded mdResetMemory=0xd815e4
CreateNewApplet Code=<StreamingApplet.RTApplet.class>, Archive= <>, CodeBase= <https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/> Url=https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/applet.jsp?UID=211034/, left=5 top=15, width=608 Height=296
main.err.badurl:https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/ Error=unknown protocol: https
OnDestroy : Closed Applet window: 563144cc
Closed Applet
**** error ExceptionCheck = 1
m_Width=608 height=296
++++++++++++++++ mdStartEmbedded mdResetMemory=0xd815e4
CreateNewApplet Code=<StreamingApplet.RTApplet.class>, Archive= <>, CodeBase= <https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/> Url=https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/applet.jsp?UID=211034/, left=5 top=15, width=608 Height=296
main.err.badurl:https://strade.sharekhan.com/rmmweb/applet/ Error=unknown protocol: https
OnDestroy : Closed Applet window: 5631482c
Closed Applet
It isn't just Niki specific but the touch friendly NetFront v.3.5 is available for download
http://www.access-company.com/products/netfrontmobile/browser/35_wm_tp.html
So far it looks very nice
Arnon
I've had a quick look at this - a few issues but shows promise: http://randomelements.me.uk/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=631
been testing this out and so far this works really well, but only just started playing......
heres the page u gotta fillin BEFORE it lets u dload
https://www.access.co.jp/english/nfppc/form.php?type=4
readme txt
=======================================================================
= May/07/08 =
= NetFront Browser v3.5 for Windows Mobile Concept Version =
= =
= readme_e.txt =
= =
=======================================================================
----------------
1. Introduction
----------------
Experience faster and smoother browsing with NetFront Browser v3.5
for Windows Mobile Concept Version. Leveraging the latest NetFront
Browser core available for the Windows Mobile platform, NetFront
Browser v3.5 for Windows Mobile Concept Version features improved
key operation, stylus pen functionality and overall usability.
The browser also features improvements in speed including first
draw time, zooming speed and rendering mode selection.
-------------------------------
2. Main Feature Specifications
-------------------------------
The following are the main features:
- HTML 4.01
- XHTML 1.1
- cHTML (Compact HTML)
- XHTML Basic (XHTML subset: W3C Recommendation)
- WML1.3
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) 1, 2 (partial)
- ECMAScript 3rd Edition (JavaScript 1.5 equivalent)
- DOM (Document Object Model) 1, 2 (partial)
- Image format: GIF, Animation GIF, PNG, JPEG, BMP
- HTTP/1.1
- SSL (Secure Socket Layer) 2.0/3.0, TLS (Transport Layer Security) 1.0
- Multi-windows (function for displaying up to 5 tabbed windows by switching them)
- Cookie
- Bookmark, Page Memo
- Helper (starts external applications)
- Internet search
- Smart-Fit Rendering
- Browsing mode (Full Browsing, Text Browsing, Simple Browsing, Rapid-Render)
- Certificate Manager
- Japanese domain support
- RSS?AAtom Feed
- Pop-up Block
- Rendering on a virtual-size screen (Virtual Canvas)
- Visual Bookmark
- Swift Navi.
- Animated zoom
- PageMap
- Column Rendering
- Virtual Pointer
-----------------------
3. System Requirements
-----------------------
- CPU: XScale/ARM compatible
- OS: Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC
- For data storage: Approx. 5.8MB
- For program execution: Approx. 6.0MB
-------------------
4.Verified Devices
-------------------
- WILLCOM W-ZERO3 (WS003SH, WS004SH)
- WILLCOM W-ZERO3[es] (WS007SH)
- SoftBank X01HT
- DELL Axim X51v
------------------
5. File Structure
------------------
- NFB35EN_WMPRO_RxxxCV.CAB ... Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Installer
Remarks: Release number is assigned to "xxx" for CAB in proper release
----------------
6. Installation
----------------
1.Copy the Cab file to Windows Mobile device
2.From Windows Mobile explorer, find the copied Cab file and run it to start installation
------------------
7. Uninstallation
------------------
1. On Windows Mobile, select [Setting] from [Start]
2. Open [Remove Programs] on the [System] tab
3. Select [ACCESS NetFront Browser v3.5] and tap the [Remove] button
---------------
8. New Features
---------------
(1). Speed Improvements
The speed of first draw time and content viewing are dramatically
improved enabling fast scrolling in any direction.
(2). Swift Navi
Scrolling is significantly smoother.
(3). Animated Zoom
Select and zoom areas on a web page quickly and smoothly.
[How to operate]
1. Double-tap the screen to zoom the whole area of virtual canvas
2. Move a frame with the cursor key/navigation pad
3. By pressing the enter key or tapping the navigation pad,
the selected part of the page is enlarged
(4). PageMap
PageMap thumbnail preview facilitates navigation.
This
[How to operate]
1. Hold the up or down part of the cursor key/navigation pad to show the pagemap
(5). Column Rendering
When viewing content in the previous desktop mode, text
often exceeded the screen width, requiring repeated use
of the scroll bar. This issue has been resolved,
and functionality has been dramatically improved.
(6) Virtual Pointer
Virtual Pointer is a UI for moving the pointer, and for performing operations
such as clicking, using the cursor keys and the Enter key.
Focus Assist
Function that supports automatically moving to, and selecting, an anchor or
input form in the direction of the pointer when the pointer is close to it.
[How to operate]
1. Press the enter button to show the pointer
2. Move the pointer with the cursor key
3. By pressing the enter key, click operation is performed
4. After waiting a bit without operation, the pointer is hidden
----------------------------------
9. Verified External Applications
----------------------------------
- Microsoft Pocket Excel
- Microsoft Pocket Word
- Windows Media Player for Pocket PC
-----------------
10. Restrictions
-----------------
(1) This concept version has the following restrictions:
- The trial period for this software expires on August 31, 2008
- Plug-in is not supported
- No technical support is available for this concept version
- If NetFront is installed in external storage, the behavior becomes unstable
when the device is turned on or off
- Integrated Windows Authentication for IIS is not supported
------------
11. Support
------------
No technical support is available for this concept version.
If you have any bug report, comments, and suggestions,
please visit our web site (http://nfppc.access.co.jp/english) and fill in the form.
---------------------------------
12. Intellectual Property Rights
---------------------------------
* The copyrights relating to this product belong to ACCESS CO., LTD.
If the copyright notices are included separately in a program or
document, the copyright is the property of the copyright holder.
Copyright (C) 1996-2008 ACCESS CO., LTD.
* NetFront is a trademark or a registered trademark of ACCESS CO., LTD.
in Japan and other countries.
* ACCESS is a registered trademark of ACCESS CO., LTD. in Japan.
* Java, all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
* All other trademarks, logos and trade names mentioned in the document
are the property of their respective owners.
* No one may delete or in any manner alter the copyright, trademark or
other proprietary right notices of ACCESS CO., LTD. or any other third
party appearing on or within this product; and no one may add any mark
or indication to this product which is similar to, or may be confused
with, the copyright or other proprietary marks or notices of
ACCESS CO., LTD. or any third party.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for share, I like use it more than opera, because netfront use a few of memory than opera.
Hi there,
Is there a way to use smartfit view as default viewing when launching a website with netfront?
Thanx
I'm putting a new homepage together for my HD and was wondering what your favourite sites are to browse on the HD?
I enjoyed knocking up a little homepage for my HD, and I've saved it to my storage card in case I change my ROM (some of these are UK-based sites).
Off the top of my head:
iMDb - there's a couple of forums I like to read (Arrested Development, 24 etc)
XDA - of course
Daily Mail UK (I work there)
My webmail (although I never use it as my mail comes to the phone anyway)
A bittorrent site (sometimes, if I'm abroad, I can download Divx's straight to phone if e.g. a hotel/place has WiFi)
www.tvcatchup.com (UK) - theoretically I can watch any UK Freeview channel here on SilverLight (or whatever that browser's called - only tested once tho)
BBC iPlayer
Google Calendar (although I use OggSync to sync with HD)
A couple of Tech News sites e.g.The Register
Also, all I did was edit the original Opera homepage, so I've still got the Google searchbar at the top (I lifted it to the top of the page and shrunk the HTC logo), followed by all the links in a row, seperated by little white | lines
Great bittorrent site fr getting to the top torrent sites on the net! Sorry if off-topic
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