Real Estate Blog - Browser Wars Continue

Home : Blogs : Ted Baker : Sound and Fury

Browser Wars Continue

IE8 logo In the beginnings of the latest episode of Browser Wars, the Microsoft Empire Strikes Back with the introduction of Internet Explorer 8. Currently in Beta 2 version, IE8 is available for download and use. Remember that this is a beta version of the program and I recommend backing up your computer before you install any beta software.

The link for information and download of IE8 is <here>

Those who, like me, use Maxthon - a front end which builds on IE for additional capabilities with IE compatibility for MLS applications - there is an upgrade available to work with the IE8 beta 2 release.

Information and download link for Maxthon <here>

Perhaps the most interesting release is the Beta version of the new Google browser - Chrome

Chrome logo I have been reading about the coming Google browser for a while and am excited to get my hands on it. This is an open source project and will change greatly over the coming months and years - but the first Beta release is interesting. I have just installed and have not had time to test extensively so I cannot address subjects like MLS compatibility yet. I will get back to you unless others post additional information that answers questions that will come up with a new product.

I will say this. Chrome appears to be the fastest browser in my stable so far. Even AR is fast. (obviously I tried it on a good day).

Additional information on Chrome from Google and free download can be found <here>

All of these products are new - all are free but all are beta versions. And finally, all are Windows based. Chrome release for Mac is coming. So if you are interested in the cutting edge in Browsers and are a bit of a techie so that beta versions do not concern you, these are the latest in Browser toys.

Enjoy

Posted by Ted Baker on 09/05/2008 05:56 AM

Comments (13)

ie8, maxthon, google chrome

Post is included in group: Gadgets, Tools, & Extras
Post is included in group: Tech Corner
Post is included in group: Technology Side of Active Rain
Post is included in group: e-PRO Internet Technology

13 Comments on Browser Wars Continue

I heard there is Gold from Yahoo and Platinum from MSN (just kidding). It is amazing how many browsers are out there now. I fear as you get more and more there will be more security risks and not as many people to plug them.

09/05/2008 06:27 PM

by Gene Allen Realtor Hampton Roads Real Estate (Resh Realty Group)

Thanks Gene for stopping by. The Google offering is interesting to me because of the possibility of enhancing the use of the various productivity applications offered by Goggle and integrating the features into the family browser. The availability of robust apps on the web could threaten the industry leading Microsoft Office suite. So this is more than just a new browser.

In addition, Chrome just seems to run faster for me than anything I have around at the moment. However I understand that the new Firefox v 3.1 (when released) will be faster - particularly on XP machines. I have not tested MLS compatibility yet (MLS systems in Florida seem to require IE7 or compatible).

enjoy.

09/05/2008 07:30 PM

by Ted Baker (Carmody and Associates LLC)

FYI: There was a great article in the Wall Street Journal this week comparing the new Google Browser and Internet Explorer 8. I don't remember what day the article came out, but you can probably google it and find it. It was a very informative article comparing the pluses and minuses of each software.

09/05/2008 07:42 PM

by Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog - Kathy Torline - Nordstrom (Prudential Professional REALTORS)

Ted, you may want to ammend your blog? There was some initial confusion but the new Chrome download from Google IS compatible with MAC!

Just thought you'd all want to know that!

09/05/2008 10:43 PM

by Garren Grup, REALTOR, GRI… Naples & Bonita Springs, FL (John R. Wood REALTORS)

Thanks Garren - the write up I had indicated it was a coming attraction. As a PC user I do not track MAC events as much as I should.

09/05/2008 11:31 PM

by Ted Baker (Carmody and Associates LLC)

Ted ~ I am sticking with Firefox for the time being. Google Chrome still makes me a little nervous and I have never been a fan of downloading IE when it is still in the beta form. Thanks for the heads up though.

09/08/2008 11:39 AM

by Ryan Martin - Bellingham Real Estate Agent (Windermere Real Estate / Whatcom Inc.)

I tried the new IE8, and when I went to my MLS program it kept freezing up, so I gave up and went back to IE7. I also tried the new Google browser, but it wouldn't even display parts of the MLS program (neither does firefox btw).

09/08/2008 12:13 PM

by Leslie Prest, Prest Realty, Payson, AZ

Leslie, in our MLS the browser platforms have to certified before they can be used. Yours is probably the same. The internal parts of the program have to be written for the new browers.

09/08/2008 12:43 PM

by Gene Allen Realtor Hampton Roads Real Estate (Resh Realty Group)

Our MLS in Central Florida has posted a note that they are not supporting IE8 in its Beta form. They will prepare an program update after the version is released in final commercial form.

09/08/2008 11:03 PM

by Ted Baker (Carmody and Associates LLC)

Ted ~ Our MLS came out with a similar statement a few months ago. In fact, our MLS only supports IE 6 and IE7.

09/09/2008 04:50 PM

by Ryan Martin - Bellingham Real Estate Agent (Windermere Real Estate / Whatcom Inc.)

Ryan - my answer to all that has been Maxthon. It is a front end to internet explorer but provides some additional capabilities that I am used to. It maintains the IE compatibility and has worked successfully for me with MFRMLS in Central Florida for several years. <link here for info or download>

I like Firefox for most of my web surfing - but won't work with MLS and is a pain in the neck with AR (inserted text loses its formatting for me)

I am hoping Chrome may become interesting - and may develope some integration with Google productivity apps. Time will tell. In the mean time, I have played with Opera, Safari, special use browsers for Flickr (Flock) and Ebay (Auction Tamer). Nothing works well enough to make me smile for all applications yet.

Thanks to all for stopping by

09/09/2008 08:51 PM

by Ted Baker (Carmody and Associates LLC)

I love Chrome -- it is fast and will continue to use it as long as my productivity is enhanced

09/10/2008 12:16 AM

by Scott Hoen, ePro, MBA (eMarketing Services)

Ted, I have since downloaded Chrome & really like it! I heard on CNBC that first Chrome wasn't Mac compatible and it would be a future realease and then they ammended their statement and said that Google had corrected them.

I downloaded it the other day and the download screen does in fact say that the MAC version is yet to be released???

09/11/2008 07:22 PM

by Garren Grup, REALTOR, GRI… Naples & Bonita Springs, FL (John R. Wood REALTORS)

This blog does not allow anonymous comments