Skyfire Mobile Browser--The Ultimate iPhone Killer

[Chuong Nguyen]

The iPhone's Mobile Safari browser did revolutionize the mobile browser market with its zooming and desktop renderings of webpage. However, it was limited in that it did not handle Flash or Quicktime videos among others. WMExperts (http://www.wmexperts.com/articles/skyfire_beats_the_pants_off_th.html) is reporting that there is a new browser called Skyfire, which promises to do anything that your desktop browser can do on your WM phone.

Engadget Mobile (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/28/skyfire-browser-for-windows-mobile-is-game-changing-does-flash/) reported that the browser is coming to both Smartphone/Standard and Pocket PC/Professional editions of Windows Mobile.

From the video demonstration, this looks like a definite winner as it renders pages quickly, can play Flash and video contents, and can play YouTube files within the browser so no workarounds are needed.

<object width="425" height="373">
<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4mWUoxiLZFc&rel=1&border=1"></param>
<param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4mWUoxiLZFc&rel=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="373"></embed>
</object>

[whydidnt]

The one negative to Skyfire is that it is a server based solution. This brings with it potential security issues. Also, once millions of us PPC fans start using the service, will they be able to maintain the necessary bandwidth? Finally, since it's server based, Skyfire has to pay for all those servers and bandwidth. Will their be a subscription charge, or some other form of advertising to cover their expenses and satisfy investors?

There are already solutions for YouTube on most WM devices. I would prefer a software solution, similar to Safari, that I could use without the need to transmit my personal information to a 3rd party server every time I want to use the internet.

[Brandon Miniman]

The one negative to Skyfire is that it is a server based solution. This brings with it potential security issues. Also, once millions of us PPC fans start using the service, will they be able to maintain the necessary bandwidth? Finally, since it's server based, Skyfire has to pay for all those servers and bandwidth. Will their be a subscription charge, or some other form of advertising to cover their expenses and satisfy investors?

There are already solutions for YouTube on most WM devices. I would prefer a software solution, similar to Safari, that I could use without the need to transmit my personal information to a 3rd party server every time I want to use the internet.

Good point. I personally wouldn't worry about the company looking through my passwords or whatnot, that's really not their intention, and it's possible that pages that are HTTPS are encrypted so that they cannot read what you've entered into a web form (passwords, credit card numbers, etc).

[motionmind]

I have to wonder what device they were using for the demo to see what kind of speed hit we'd have on different devices because of both the processor and the net connection speed.

[Rainman]

I think it looks very promising. I've got myself signed up and hopefully will be able to participate in the private beta.

[Brandon Miniman]

I have to wonder what device they were using for the demo to see what kind of speed hit we'd have on different devices because of both the processor and the net connection speed.

Looks like a TyTN II.

[Jaime Rivera]

In the end of the video they show it's a Sprint Mogul conneted through EVDO. Nice!

[Pony99CA]

The one negative to Skyfire is that it is a server based solution. This brings with it potential security issues.
The Bitstream Thunderhawk browser (http://www.bitstream.com/wireless/) is (was?) server-based, too, but I don't recall reading about security problems. Of course, security is a bigger focus now....

Steve

[Jaime Rivera]

Neither have I with Opera mini and it's the same deal.