Firefox 3.5 is just around the corner

I have checked on the new version (RC) of the browser during the last few days – and I’m really impressed. Even the performance of complex and (java-script) heavy-weight web sites is formidable. Beside this increase in real user experience (driven by speed), the following technical characteristics are worth to mention:

• HTML 5.0 support - which includes offline data storages & access (I got still my security concerns.), video and audio support which makes plug-ins obsolete (sure, it needs the supported format/codecs) and other features
• A new JavaScript Engine – which is one reason for the significant increase in performance
• Privacy Support – it helps to limit the data you leave behind when browsing around; the private browsing mode allows this (no cookies, no history, no caching, no auto-filled stuff)
• Enhanced Search Capabilities – added to the existing URL bar capabilities that are manifold and fast
• Geo-awareness – web apps that need this information can fetch the data from Firefox 3.5 (sure, this needs your okay to do so)
• Many other changes and enhancements that make browsing the web more fu

If you like Firefox, go ahead and upgrade to version 3.5. The new version should be available by the end of the day.

Silverlight 3 at Mix09 / Las Vegas

The most important fact is that Silverlight 3 Applications (basically a subset of WPF) can be deployed and executed outside the browser in a sandbox. Beside this deployment scenario, advanced video features (H.264) and an updated version of Blend are the most remarkable renewals for the smart client ecosystem.