Navigator beta 6.1 previewed

 

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Posted on 14 Jun 2001 at 10:26

Netscape Communications has released a beta of version 6.1 of its browser.

The firm, now part of AOL Time Warner, hasn't released a major upgrade to Netscape Navigator since version 6 came out over a year ago. That release was widely criticised for being unstable and full of bugs.

The release features a new cache for improved performance, a mail client, a search engine and auto complete for forms. "Netscape 6.1 Preview Release 1" is a free download and is accompanied by extensive documentation.

Many observers have been predicting the demise of Netscape Navigator for two reasons. Firstly, Microsoft's Internet Explorer has nearly wiped out Navigator's presence on consumer PCs, and secondly, Netscape's merger with AOL Time Warner has caused fears that the increasingly unprofitable browser side of the business may be dropped.

The company says that although the browser will be retained, the emphasis will shift to other services. "Netscape has evolved from more than just a browser company to also become a provider of a range of tools and services including Web mail, search, IM calendar, Netscape radio and a host of others," said Netscape representative Catherine Core.

Author: Caroline Gilmour