Netscape launches next-generation web browser

America Online has announced the launch of the all-new Netscape 8.0, which automatically adjusts safety and security settings to help protect users as they explore the Web.

Based on Firefox(tm) 1.0.3, Netscape 8.0 seamlessly and automatically switches between the rendering engines used by the Firefox(tm) and Internet Explorer (IE) browsers to help ensure maximum compatibility on known/trusted sites and maximum safety on unknown or potentially dangerous sites, without the user having to do anything.

Through a simple and intuitive interface, the browser also makes it easy for users to discover and use features like tabbed browsing, integrated RSS feeds, enhanced privacy settings, groups of favorite "home tabs", multiple Web mail accounts, form fill and password managers, news and weather updates, and up to 10 customizable toolbars.

"Netscape 8.0 is designed for the millions of online users who are searching for a safer and better browser," said Netscape General Manager Jeremy Liew. "Netscape 8.0 combines the best of all worlds by automatically adjusting browser and security settings based on which sites are likely to be safe and which might be dangerous. By warning users before they visit many potentially dangerous sites, Netscape 8.0 adds an extra layer of protection to a user's computer. Netscape 8.0 also brings cutting-edge functionality right to the surface to make exploring the Web safer, easier, faster, and more entertaining."

If a user visits a Web site using Netscape 8.0, the browser automatically checks to see if the site is on a constantly-updated "black list" of thousands of suspected virus, scam, or spyware sites or a "white list" of more than 150,000 Web sites that have been certified as legitimate by VeriSign and TRUSTe. If the site appears on either list, the browser automatically adjusts its security settings and rendering engine to help protect the user from unsafe sites while offering full functionality on known and trusted sites. The browser also blocks access to suspected dangerous sites with a warning screen and disables potentially dangerous functionality on those sites.

For the millions of sites that are neither on the "white" nor "black" list, Netscape 8.0 works just like the Firefox browser. As many Web sites are optimized for IE, if the page is not rendering correctly, the user can switch to IE-style rendering with just one click. The browser also remembers each users' preferences, so they only have to make each choice once.

In addition to these advanced safety features, Netscape 8.0 includes a host of other enhancements that make it easier and more customizable. Among the features:

An easy-to-customize set of multiple home pages (or home tabs).
Easy access to multiple Web mail accounts from the browser.
Integrated search from a choice of providers, including AOL, AskJeeves, Google, and Netscape.
Customizable live news, weather and RSS information within the browser chrome.
Visible RSS notification to add popular feeds to the browser with just a couple clicks.
Enhanced shopping, maps, movie information, and other functionality.
One-click removal of online footprints.
Easily stored, encrypted and managed Web site form information and passwords.
Auto-login for favorite web sites that can be custom set for each user.
Up to 10 custom toolbars using the Multibar feature.

Netscape 8.0 has already received positive reviews from several publications that tested Beta versions of the browser. ZDNet said that Netscape 8.0 "will make life easier for millions of surfers." Forbes gave it a "Best of the Web" citation. And Information Week said that "Netscape is armor-plated for browsing on today's highly insecure Web."

AOL also recently relaunched a broadband version of the Netscape(r) portal at netcenter.netscape.com, making it the first portal designed for more experienced high speed users. Rather than a flat, static home page, the new Netscape.com portal offers users an interactive experience, with flash technology and application-like delivery of content. Hovering the mouse over a headline or the mail icon, for example, activates a preview of the story or mail waiting to be read. And clicking on the story opens a complete version in a sliding window on the same page. A broad range of tools and content are accessible via frames within the main page, eliminating the need to load multiple additional pages. The site also includes a drop-down menu for easy access to various Web tools.

The all-new Netscape 8.0 can be downloaded for free at browser.netscape.com. More detailed product information about Netscape 8.0 and the new Netscape.com portal, including downloadable screen shots and detailed descriptions, can be found at www.aolepk.com/netscapebrowser.

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