Which web browser does what?
The current showcase of web presents users with many options when it comes to choosing a web browser. The top companies dominating the web browser market are Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Mozilla. Since Microsoft’s 2012 Q4 launch of Windows 8, Internet Explorer 10 has brought some fresh business to Microsoft’s persona and business model. They know they’ve fallen short over the years, which is exactly the approach they have executed. Since most of these browsers have apps for Android and iOS, the competition is flaring. This video proves that Microsoft has learned to take a few punches over the years. Before we endorse any browser, let’s talk specs.
FireFox 18
Release Date: January 7, 2013
Best Features
Firefox 18 has implemented some cool new features on the web developer side of things. A new Javascript JIT—that’s fancy talk for a website code reader— called IonMonkey will help website designers add in-site video chats. For us netizens, the release includes improved image scaling for zooming. The browser has been optimized for Retina displays, too!
Chrome 23
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Best Features
After much criticism, the latest Chrome release finally added ‘Do Not Track’ support. The Google team had been suffering from consumer flack regarding the tracking of users personal information. The browser is fully compatible with Google accounts, which allows seamless integration between Google Drive, Docs, Gmail, and more. Chrome 23 automatically updates your Flash player. Another plus—the update claims to extend battery life. Bonus.
Safari 10.8
Release Date: November 1, 2012
Best Features
Apple’s newest version of Safari put them toe-to-toe with Google, catching up to the mega company’s syncing power. Much like Chrome 23, Safari 10.8 manages to link browser tabs from device to desktop. You can pick up reading a page on your desktop where you left off on your device. Pretty sweet, eh? Apple also promises lightning fast rendering speeds through Nitro JavaScript. In perfect harmony with Mac swipe features, Safari 10.8 also has a new “tab view”. Here, you can flick through open tabs for superior navigability.
Internet Explorer 10
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Best Features
Internet Explorer has been the underdog of web browsers since Google and Apple started dominating the scene. The release paired up with Windows 8’s debut focused on rendering speed improvements and a brand new user interface. Like Chrome, the browser has Flash integration that eliminates manual updating. Compared to the established browsers above, IE 10 is still catching up, and they know it. Microsoft has taken a candid, humorous approach to their improved web browser by using the website browseryoulovedtohate.com to advertise IE 10. The consensus is at trueITpros— you’ve come a long way, baby, and we’re proud.