Netscape Navigator 9
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Web browser |
| Predecessor | Netscape 7 |
| Founded | January 23, 2007 |
| Products | Web browser |
| Parent | AOL (Netscape Communications subdivision) |
Netscape Navigator 9 represents a now-obsolete web browser created by Netscape Communications, a subdivision of AOL, with its announcement dated January 23, 2007. As the ninth significant installment in the Netscape lineup, it was the first version developed internally since the Netscape 7 suite, following AOL's decision to outsource Netscape Browser 8 to Mercurial Communications in 2004. This release reinstated the iconic Navigator branding, which had been prominent during Netscape’s heyday from versions 1.0 through 4.08 in the 1990s. Netscape Navigator 9 was constructed atop the Mozilla Firefox 2.0 framework.
The software entered its beta phase on June 5, 2007, undergoing two subsequent beta updates during July and August before reaching its official launch on October 15, 2007.
On December 28, 2007, AOL declared its intention to cease support for Netscape Navigator 9 by February 1, 2008, later extending this deadline to March 1, 2008. The company also facilitated user transition to alternative browsers such as Flock and Mozilla Firefox. Netscape Navigator 9 ultimately became the concluding release in the Netscape browser series.
New features
During its beta stages, Netscape Navigator 9 improved newsfeed functionality and deepened integration with the Netscape.com portal, enhancing capabilities for discussion, content submission, and page voting. From beta version three onward, this connection was made optional and was completely removed in Navigator 9.0rc1 following the portal’s rebranding as Propeller.
The browser’s user interface received a refresh featuring a new theme that was subsequently offered for Mozilla Firefox users. Consistent with version 8.x, Navigator 9 utilized the Mozilla Firefox version 2.0 engine, ensuring compatibility with all Firefox add-ons and plugins, some of which were distributed directly by Netscape. Additional functionalities were introduced as Firefox extensions developed by Netscape, including Site Mail Notifier, Friends' Activity Sidebar, Digg Tracker, and the Netstripe theme.
Among its features were URL auto-correction to resolve frequent typographical errors, an enhanced interface for browsing FTP directories, and a dedicated News menu integrated with Netscape.com. A convenient "link pad" enabled users to temporarily save webpages without committing them to bookmarks. Navigator 9 reinstated cross-platform availability for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. The distinctive Netscape splash screen also made a return in the final release candidate.
Removed features
In contrast to Netscape 8, this edition did not incorporate an alternate rendering option using Internet Explorer's Trident layout engine. Additionally, Netscape Navigator omitted built-in support for newsgroups, instant messaging, and an integrated Email client, which had been included in versions 6 and 7. Nevertheless, a companion email application named Netscape Messenger 9 was confirmed to be under development to complement the browser. Until its release, users were advised to continue utilizing the Netscape 7 suite that bundled an email client alongside Navigator 9 for web browsing purposes.
Decorative features
In Netscape 9, a fresh verse 8:20 was added to the Easter egg The Book of Mozilla: "And thus the Creator looked upon the beast reborn and saw that it was good". This likely alludes to the browser’s redevelopment or pays homage to the Mozilla Foundation and its contributors.
Taking user input into account, Netscape brought back the splash screen in Navigator 9. On September 10, 2007, a design competition was announced, encouraging users to propose splash screen concepts; the chosen entry would be featured in the final version and the designer credited. Among numerous submissions, Mario Herbert’s design was ultimately selected as the official Navigator 9 splash screen.
Response
CNET Download.com highlighted that Navigator 9 included several "neat" features and handy "tricks we love," characterizing it as "more than a backup browser," despite many bundled functionalities from version 8 being omitted.
Release history
| Version | Release date | Based on Mozilla Firefox version |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0b1 | June 5, 2007 | 2.0.0.4 |
| 9.0b2 | July 12, 2007 | 2.0.0.4 |
| 9.0b3 | August 16, 2007 | 2.0.0.6 |
| 9.0rc1 | October 1, 2007 | 2.0.0.7 |
| 9.0 | October 15, 2007 | 2.0.0.7 |
| 9.0.0.1 | October 22, 2007 | 2.0.0.8 |
| 9.0.0.2 | November 1, 2007 | 2.0.0.8 |
| 9.0.0.3 | November 2, 2007 | 2.0.0.9 |
| 9.0.0.4 | November 27, 2007 | 2.0.0.10 |
| 9.0.0.5 | December 10, 2007 | 2.0.0.11 |
| 9.0.0.6 | February 20, 2008 | 2.0.0.12 |