Posts In Web Design & Development
Firefox Goes Mobile With Fennec!
.png){kind=logo}
Hi,
Mozilla Firefox is all set to launch its first ever mobile phone version – Fennec! Fennec Fox is a small nocturnal fox found in the Sahara desert. So the nomenclature is quite in line with its partner Firefox!
This news comes just after Firefox 3.5 was declared the most popular web browser. Seems like the Christmas season is really working for Firefox!
Jay Sullivan, Mozilla's vice president of mobile reported that Fennec is going through the last phase of testing and will be launched officially before the New Year!
Initially available for only Nokia's N900 phone, it will soon be made available for other handsets as well. BBC reported that versions of the application are being developed for Microsoft's Windows mobile and Google's Android operating system as well.
However, seems like iPhone users would have to wait a bit before they can take a test drive on it. This is primarily because of the different technologies used by Apple and Firefox.
Users can either download it from the Mozilla website or get it at the Nokia Ovi store
Hot Features of Fennec
Having been in development for the layer one and a half years, Fennec is not without fire! Mozilla has released a full list of features that would be available in Fennec. Here are some that I find really interesting...
Synchronization with Desktop Edition - The best thing I heard about the open-source browser is its ability to synchronize with the desktop version. This means that all the web pages that you open in your desktop browser can automatically open in the mobile version as well! This is done by storing details of your browsing session on a remote server that is accessed by both the computer and mobile, in an encrypted form to protect privacy. Its like carrying home the work after you are done with the day's work on your office PC.
Tabbed Browsing – This goes a great deal in enhancing usability and makes for a better desktop-like experience.
Address + Search Box – The address box of Fennec doubles up as a Search Box as well. Not only does it save space but also is a great help in terms of misspelled website addresses and facilitates faster information finding!
Scale to Fit – Fennec will scale the web pages to fit the mobile device and will support functions such as tapping the screen to zoom in on a page.
Add-Ons – Fennec will be the first mobile browser to have small pieces of software that support added functionality on the browser such as news readers or online games and so on. The add-ons, that will use geo-location, will allow developers to make applications that work with the browser rather than the operating system. This wold further eliminate the need to customize them for each system..
Virtual Keyboard – This lets the non-QWERTY handset users enjoy the benefits of a virtual keyboard!
Send Page/URL – No need to cut-copy-paste and juggle between web pages if you want to share some information. Fennec allows users to send page or URLs directly and saves great amount of time.
How will Fennec fare in the Mobile Browser Arena?
According to Stats Counter, an analytics firm, Opera is the most popular mobile browser as of now, followed by Safari (that comes integrated with the iPhone) and then Nokia's own browser.
When Fennec enters the mobile web browser arena, it will have to compete against them. But considering the immense popularity of Firefox, I'm sure there will be more people willing to give it a try. How many shift loyalties is something that will have to be seen though.
Maneet Puri
Professional Web Developer
Posted For: Web Design & Development
Mozilla's Christmas Gift To Users - Firefox 3.6
|
After the morning post, here's a piece of good news! |
 |
Many authors have upgraded these Add-Ons in their version. And if your favorite Add-On is still not compatible, simply download and install the Add-on Compatibility Reporter. This would be your way to send a note to the Add On author to work it up!
Features of the New Beta
Support for HTML 5 File API
The new beta version supports HTML 5 and also provides support for file API DOM available in HTML 5. This provides more flexibility to the developers to work with the <input type="file"> Now the web content can read the contents of local files from your PC.
Using the File API added to the DOM in HTML5, it's now possible for web content to ask the user to select local files, then This selection can be done by either using an HTML input element, or by drag and drop.
Increased Stability
The new version includes some major changes pertaining to how third party softwares integrates with Firefox. This means increased stability and less number of browser crashes at the same time great extensibility. Users will have much better control over the browser codes as well.
Asynchronous Running of Scripts
The new version of Firefox has the ability to run scripts asynchronously thus speeding up the page load times. This means a break from waiting for web pages to load and access to quick information. In all, a better user experience.
Personas
It has a built-in feature called Personas that is great for customizing the browser's appearance. You can also add the File interface for better file management that includes selecting what to upload, and, my personal favorite, placement of new tabs next to the ones that spawned them.
Add-On Alerts
Firefox 3.6 will alert users about out of date plugins. Old versions of plugins are often the root cause for crashes and other stability problems. Moreover, outdated plug-ins can also be a significant security risk. But with the regular alerts, you can quickly update your Add-ons and make sure your browse experience is safe and stable!
Full Screen Provisions for Videos
Say goodbye to small-screen videos. Firefox 3.6 gives you the option to view any video full screen and that too without having to restart it!
Support for the WOFF Font Format
In addition to the TrueType and OpenType fonts (that were supported by Firefox 3.5) Firefox 3.6 includes support for a new font format - WOFF (Web Open Font Format) Because these fonts, the download sizes will be much smaller as compared to the other font types. Also it has support from a large number of font creators and font foundries.
Read the official blog post for Firefox3.6 Beta5 on the Mozilla website .
Maneet Puri
Need Browser Compatible Website?
Posted For: Web Design & Development
3 Usability Flaws You Should Overcome!
Hi,
Usability is one of the key aspects of a website. And in case of e-commerce websites, usability becomes all the more important because it is what determines the ultimate sales on the website. If customers aren't able to use the website, they will not be able to make any purchases as well.
Here are some common usability flaws that you should stay clear off and remove from your website if at all it is there...
Search Box Not Prominent
The Search Box is a vital component of a website. This is what helps users search for exactly what they want and get there directly without having to browse through all the navigation categories. In fact, most users come to an e-commerce website, search for they want and get out immediately if they don't find what they are looking for. And what when they are not even able to locate the search box? That may be the last you see of the visitor then.
Therefore, make sure you lace the Search Box very prominently on your website where users can easily see it.
Crowded Search Results
While absence of Search Box leaves users feel cheated, an overdose of search results can serve to overwhelm them. When users search for something, they are looking for something specific and not a host of choices that would further confuse them. That is why you should provide them with an option to sort through the results by various parameters like price, availability, size etc. these options keep the search usable.
Less Information
The more information you provide to the users, more are the chances they will make a purchase. No one would spend their money on something they know nothing about. That is why focus on providing as much information as you can. And make sure you make the information snappy and convincing in order to attract the visitors attention!
Maneet Puri
Need A Customized Website For Your Business?
Posted For: Web Design & Development
Does My Business Really Need A Website?
Hi,
Yeah... There are still people who have this going on in their mind! We have almost entered the third generation of the Internet with Web 3.0 and this has only been because the increasing number of users who have embraced the web.
Even if you aren't selling your products online directly, the web can have a huge positive impact on your business. This is because even though you don't sell your products online, a huge population of your audience might be present on the web.
Here are some basic reasons why your business (whatever it may be) needs a website:
A 24 x 7 Salesperson!
Unlike your physical store that has a specific starting and closing time, your business website would be available 24 x 7. Your customers can come to your website any time of the day and get information about your products and services. In fact, with the increasing web consciousness, more and more people prefer to search on the Internet for products and services instead of looking through the Yellow Pages.
Audiences from Across the World
Having a website on the World Wide Web takes your business on an international level and takes with a website you can let the whole world know about your products and services. And obviously there would be more customers instead of just the ones from your local area.
Increased Accessibility
Apart from the regular web, an increasing number of people are accessing the internet through their mobile phones just think about it... if someone is just around your store and needs to find you exact address and decides to search on the web. If you have a website with your contact information, they can immediately get what they need to know and come knocking.
More Trust and Credibility
Websites allow you to have interactions with your customers and give them more information about your industry. It is an excellent way to exhibit your expertise and let them know your knowledge prowess. No doubt then, they will place increased trust in you than your competitors.
Cost Effective Advertising & Marketing
Instead of spending a bomb on TV commercials and advertising in the newspapers, a website provides you an easy way to market your products and services. Unlike other ads that only appear for a few seconds or a day probably, a website has infinite staying power.
So, shed your inhibitions today and get started with your website!
Maneet Puri
Skilled Web Developer
Posted For: Web Design & Development
