Web browser gurus, Mozilla, have recently released the first version of the long awaited mobile web browser, fittingly named Fennec. A fennec is a small creature from the Fox family and is easily distinguishable by its large ears. How this little rascal will impact on the world of website design, remains to be seen.
This initial release is still very much in the realms of beta, and will undergo further development before being rolled out across a wide range of Mobile Internet Platforms (MIPS). Currently the browser is only available for the Nokia N810, which runs on the OS2008 ‘Macmo’ operating system.
Website Design Feature List
This initial release contains many familiar Firefox features, and a whole host of new mobile browsing functionality including…
- Support for HTML 5 and CSS 3.1
- Bookmarks Functionality which also features tags in design
- Smart URL bar or ‘Awesome Bar’
- Tabbed Browsing Functionality
- URL Bar with direct integrated web search
- Quick Access to any number of Search Engines
- Maximum website viewing area by Automatically hiding Address Bar and Controls
- Zooming features for increased website design viewing
- Security features such as popup blocker, Clear Private Data and password manager
- Searchable Download Manger
The Limitations of the design so far…
Obviously, as this is an early release there is no support for the iPhone or any other Mobile Internet Device (MID), and has no plans to offer support for flash. As it stands there is currently no support for Fennec, until the first alpha release hits the shelves some time in the future.
Development Design and Website Testing
You can download a local version of Fennec available on the following platforms for the purpose of add-on development, website design testing and general community growth.
For an outline of the full features, tips and tricks and give your feedback to the developers, why not visit the Mozilla website for more information.
