First Look: AT&T testing new 3D Pogo browser
updated 05:20 pm EDT, Thu April 3, 2008
AT&T Pogo 3D browser
Unveiled last week, the Business Development group of AT&T is (privately) beta testing a new 3-D browser that offers a unique visual interface for browsing the Internet. Dubbed Pogo, this new browser is based on the Mozilla code base (the same as FireFox). Not only does this allow AT&T to rely on a stable foundation, but it also ensures that Pogo maintains Web page compatibility equal to other Mozilla-based browsers. As a result, whatever features Firefox 3.0 contains, Pogo will automatically inherit as well.
While traditional browsers identify and organize Web pages as text, Pogo identifies and organizes Web pages based on the concept of a “cell,” which displays a visual representation of its contents. Pogo uses cells to display thumbnail images of bookmarks, tabs, and history lists using a graphics engine that creates the 3-D visual interface.
The program includes a built-in search text box linked to Google, a privacy mode, and a snapback feature similar to Safari. Upon installation, Pogo lets you choose to install pre-built collections (bookmarks) of popular sites such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, or Yahoo!
The Pogo beta test is currently by invitation only, but will be available to the general public shortly. The program requires a 1GHz processor and a 256MB graphics card for optimum performance, although it can run on systems with a slower processor or less capable graphics card.
AT&T plans to release Pogo for free with a revenue model that partly includes advertising, premium content, and partnership with other companies. Initially Pogo is targeted to Windows users but AT&T eventually plans to release a Macintosh and Linux version based on the success and acceptance of Pogo.
Electronista has a First Look at the new Pogo browser.
omg..
04/03, 06:42pm reply
it's macosx in a browser..
coverflow rip..
dock rip..
iTunes rip..
bleh.. how g**.
Rezzz
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Joined: Jan 2006
re:omg..
04/03, 07:04pm reply
And yet, Windows only.
64stang06
Mac Elite
Joined: Aug 2007
AT&T Software?
04/03, 07:31pm reply
I find it interesting that AT&T, a telecommunications company, is working on a Web Browser.... Since when are they a software company?
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999
Oh, how drol...
04/03, 07:54pm reply
... a completely useless product, that will be rendered even more useless by integrating an advertising revenue model..
...and I would want to use this, exactly, why?
I bet they will push this on to Yahoo, where it will fit right at home with all the other advertising rammed down user's throat..
ZinkDifferent
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Joined: Jan 2005
re. AT&T Software
04/03, 08:09pm reply
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Labs
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999
Dunno,
04/04, 03:20am reply
but it's essentially about displaying tabs, history and bookmarks as images instead of as text. Omniweb already does this for tabs and we all know that the "Flip3D" concept collapses as soon as you're trying to deal with more than 5 items. So, a nice idea but not a big thing and only good for some eyecandy.
Durandalus
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Joined: Jan 2001
gecko?
04/04, 03:27am reply
I love Mozilla, it is a great browser and all... but they should've gone with WebKit. The WebKit engine is on fire right now, and is ahead of the other engines by leaps and bounds (and its crossplatform, to boot). Either way, I don't see the need for this product -- but I'm sure AT&T may have a bigger plan for this that may or may not pan out.
himself
Mac Elite
Joined: Jan 2002
and why?
04/04, 09:06am reply
What purpose does displaying information like this serve? It wouldn't make browsing any faster, unless they can have individual sites represented by images, and even then you couldn't really see much of the image.
It looks like it'll waste your time and just be chalked up as so much more eye candy. When Apple changes the interface to look better, there's an underlying concept of improving functionality and ergonomics (or whatever the offcial word is refering to software interfaces). "Pogo" strikes me as another Vista- trying to copy the look of OS X without the functionality.
If people's continuing use of Explorer is any indicator, they aren't likely to change browsers just for a better looking interface. In it's current form, I'd call this product a flop.
danviento
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if it were g**...
04/04, 10:28am reply
If it were g** as one of you mentioned it would probably be better looking.
kerryb
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Joined: Aug 2001
You know...
04/04, 12:26pm reply
AT&T created the direct ancestor of Mac OS X, back in 1969. Without AT&T, we might all be running Windows.
MatildeMatilde
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