AOL Replaces IE with Netscape in New Beta
BetaNews | at | by Mike
After almost a year of delays, AOL has taken the much anticipated first step to make Netscape's Gecko the default browsing engine in its client, a move that could breathe new life into the now stagnant browser war. As first revealed by BetaNews, AOL began developing the browser agnostic technology dubbed Komodo last year after an agreement with Microsoft sanctioning the use of Internet Explorer expired. The company has been testing Komodo with its CompuServe client since that time, but only this week made the switch in a test version of AOL, dubbed "Talon."
But Microsoft seems unconcerned that AOL might give IE the boot. Microsoft product manager Jim Cullinan told BetaNews last year, "AOL can use any browser technology they want in their client." After rumors surfaced last summer stating Netscape would focus more on services than its browser, Cullinan remarked, "Maybe it is because the Netscape technology sucks, at least that is what the reviews have said."