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A new browser (not only) for PowerPC Macs: PowerFox released in beta | News

Continuing to use old Macs has many attractions: Software titles whose development has long been discontinued are still running here. Design concepts like aqua and brushed metal evoke nostalgic feelings, and fans of skeuomorphism are happy that iCal still looks like a calendar. Only the increasingly essential Internet access is often denied. A software project called PowerFox now wants to eliminate this shortcoming.

The browser integrates current encryption methods such as TLS in version 1.3, PowerFox also includes WebGL and a modern JavaScript version. The current beta requires a G4 or G5 processor and requires Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). For smooth video playback on the network, the processor should have a clock speed of 1 GHz or higher.

PowerFox requires a PowerPC G4 and Mac OS X 10.5, but also runs on 10.6 (and Intel).

Beta version with limitations
The developer states that JavaScript JIT (Just-In-Time) is not currently supported; Problems also occur with certain SVG graphics. But he wants to work on that soon. PowerFox itself is a very young project, but builds on the work of other developers. The origin is not, as the name suggests, in Firefox; Even Chromium or WebKit do not provide the basis. The now defunct TenFourFox project also only shares part of the name with the new development.

Base: Basilisk
Instead, PowerFox is a fork of Basilisk, which is built on the Unified XUL Platform (UXP). This originated in Mozilla, but split off from Mozilla many years ago in order to develop a long-lasting and stable browser. This makes many modern features possible, such as extensions and language packs that allow users to localize PowerFox.

Also for Intel
Users of older Intel Macs can also use PowerFox, as an Intel version of the browser (32 and 64 bit) is being developed in parallel. Both versions can be downloaded free of charge. Anyone who likes the project can show their appreciation by making a donation – or participate in its further development on GitHub.

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