YouTube, Microsoft, Firefox show off latest wares
YouTube teases a new offline feature, while the browser wars intensify as Microsoft and FireFox showcase their latest wares.
YouTube for smartphones to offer offline viewing
In future the YouTube app for smartphones and tablets will allow users to view videos posted on the website even without the internet.
It’ll be possible to download clips to devices to view for short periods while an internet connection is unavailable, for example while commuting to work on the subway.
The new feature will arrive via an update in November, according to the developers of the video platform.
Microsoft releases preview version of IE 11
Microsoft has released a preview version of its new Internet Explorer 11 browser for Windows 7. The pre-release browser is available now as a download from Microsoft’s website.
Microsoft will use feedback on the preview version to improve the final product. The company points out that the browser is not yet complete and so errors may occur. IE 11 will offer higher performance and better protection of users’ privacy and their computers, Microsoft says.
The new browser will be included in the update to the Windows 8 operating system due on October 18 (Windows 8.1). When the final version for Windows 7 will be published is still unclear.
Firefox 24 for PC and Android now available
The newest version of the Firefox browser, Firefox 24, is now available for computers and Android devices, bringing a range of new features, especially for mobile devices.
For example there’s night mode which reverses the usual black text on a white screen mode, making it easier to read in low light conditions.
There’s also the ability to share open tabs between NFC-enabled phones and there’s support for WebRTC which will allow browser-to-browser applications for voice calling, video chat and peer-to-peer file sharing without the need for additional plug-ins.
Both the desktop and mobile versions also plug a number of security vulnerabilities, developer Mozilla says.
More on browsers
FireFox OS takes aim at iOS, Android
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