Iris Browser

Iris Browser

Developer(s)	Torch Mobile
Stable release	1.1.9 (July 6, 2009) [±]
Platform	Windows Mobile, Windows CE, Qt
Type	Microbrowser
License	Proprietary
Website	Torch Mobile Iris

Iris Browser was a web browser for Windows Mobile smartphones^[1] and personal digital assistants (PDAs) developed by the Torch Mobile company. The first version of Iris Browser was released in 2008.^[2] It is currently one of only three web browsers designed for portable devices which scores a 100/100 on the Acid3 test.^[3]

RIM acquired Torch Mobile on August 24, 2009^[4] and Torch Mobile spokesman George Staikos has announced that Windows Mobile development will not continue. On August 12, 2010, RIM released the first device featuring a WebKit-based browser for its BlackBerry OS, branding the mobile phone as "BlackBerry Torch".^[5]

Features

• WebKit rendering engine^[6]
• SquirrelFish Extreme
• Customizable interface
• Touch screen control
• Advanced HTML and CSS support
• Languages
• Zoom and tap Function
• Multiple windows and tabs
• Input methods
• Software mouse cursor
• Special effects
• Rotating devices
• Advanced security features
• Pop-up blockers
• Advanced mobile key navigation
• HTTP cache optimized for low disk usage
• SSL and authenticated proxy support
• Styled Form Controls
• Netscape plug-in API
• JavaScript/ECMAScript 1.5
• SVG, XPath, and XSLT support
• History Auto-Complete
• Efficient storage of bookmarks and cookies
• Bookmark editor, carrier specified list
• Favorite icons and history
• XHTML 1.x mobile profile support
• Customizable about: pages

Performance

According to independent testing, Iris 1.1.5 loads pages more slowly than its closest competitor, Opera Mobile.^[7] The UI was greatly enhanced all the way up until 1.1.9 which was released on July 6, 2009.

According to testing done by Torch Mobile, Iris 1.1.2 outperformed Access NetFront 3.5 and Opera Mobile 9.5 in the SunSpider Javascript benchmark."

References

1. Fitzpatrick, Jason (2008-12-08). "Iris Brings Desktop Browsing To Windows Mobile". Lifehacker. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
2. "Torch Mobile Launches Free Web Browser for Windows Mobile". Brighthand. 2008-02-15. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
3. Perez, Sarah (2009-02-24). "Iris: A New Browser for Windows Mobile Emerges from Beta". Channel19. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
4. Nickinson, Phil (2009-08-25). "RIM purchases Torch Mobile; Iris Browser for Windows Mobile will be discontinued". wpcentral.com. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
5. "BlackBerry Torch is official, launching August 12th on AT&T for $200". Engadget. 03-08-2010. Retrieved October 2, 2014. Check date values in: |date= (help)
6. Loganbill, Scott (2008-08-13). "Torch Fires up Webkit-Powered Windows Mobile Browser". Webmonkey. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
7. Niall, Magennis (2009-03-30). "Torch Mobile Iris Browser 1.1.5 IRIS". TrustedReviews. Retrieved April 30, 2009.