AOL released a prototype version of their new Netscape browser (0.5.6+) based on firefox 0.9.3. It appears to be available for a limited time download. I’ve installed it in order to give it a once over and I’m not at all impressed or wowed in any real way.

It has the same drab and murky looking green Netscape look. I am all for monochromatic looks but this just isn’t pleasant at all. It also functions in the same odd “java way” that plagues apps like this. The UI is cluttered and confusing and packed with information most of which I don’t want or could care less about. Overall it doesn’t have a professional look to it, and I the apps with curved edges just dont look good.

Back when I first went from linx to my first graphical browser in 1995 I used Netscape and I was a ravenous Netscape fan. When I finally and reluctantly moved to IE I could never go back. The feeling was similar to the first time you get off dialup internet and start using high-speed. Just no way to go back without something be that much better.

But I have installed and tried every browser that has come out since that time and given it my very best effort to find the good in them.

Netscape has never impressed me since the days of old. Firefox I like, and even use occasionally. I still think it’s a bit clunky and loads slow but I want to give it a chance. I have had it crash without cause and it hangs in memory with heavy use almost every time. (Also contrary to what everyone thinks firefox has security holes and issues patches as well ;) )

The coolest feature of Firefox is the RSS feed bookmarking and yet I don’t see that here in this Netscape browser.

This new Netscape is built on this mozilla firefox engine which means it utilizes the same user interface toolkit and Gecko browser engine, but it includes other features like support for switching to Microsoft’s IE engine for example.

But as much as I like Firefox I don’t like this new Netscape. They have managed to use the firefox engine and make a poor browser out of it. And what is the point to switching to the IE engine? What have I gained other than a super clunky poorly designed User Interface?

Netscape product team wrote. "As a part of our next evolutionary step, we have developed this new Browser Prototype, which could change the way the world masters the web."

Change the way the world “masters the web”? I guess cheese is a new feature of this browser.

An interesting side note but according to betanews.com AOL (in a move to compete with itself?) is also creating a browser based on IE.

Alas I will stick with IE 6.