Mozilla is working on its browser for iPad called Junior

[jackalz]

Sponsored Links

Mozilla developers are committed to developing an alternative browser for the iPad. By last weekend, they presented a first prototype that was named Junior.

When it comes to finding an alternative to Safari on the AppStore, there are not lack of choices. You've heard the popular Dolphin Browser, Opera Mini that compresses the information to speed up web surfing, or SkyFire that plays Flash and has even been a victim of its success to its beginnings. For Mozilla, Safari remains the best option to date even if Apple gives the impression of having just the classic user interface of the software on the iPad. By cons, the Mozilla Foundation and Firefox have no reason not to try their luck: which is now done, as the U.S. firm has submitted its prototype Junior to the press after several months of working on it. A prototype that was born of a need to create "something entirely new," according to Alex Limi, product designer at Mozilla, "we were looking for a way to reinvent the browser to shelf."

Mozilla first started this work with several concessions. "First we need to base it on WebKit. We have no choice. To be on iOS its WebKit," it is explained. Gecko, the engine-house, will not have its place on the shelf. Named Junior, this first attempt also proposes a new ergonomics. The page will be presented in full screen without address bar and without tab bar. Moreover, tabbed browsing is simply unnecessary. Other features are also implemented and evaluated, including the management of multi-user mode. A private surfing mode should also make its appearance later.

[Abbie]

This browser is based on the Webkit rendering engine used by Safari Mobile particular. Apple banned the use of compilers and interpreters on its system, what is called as Firefox's Gecko. For this reason, the flagship browser has never set foot on IOS. And thus using Webkit on iPad would be a departure from this rule in this closed environment.