Thursday, April 3,2008 @ 5:20pm
First Look: AT&T testing new 3D Pogo 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.