One of the most significant parts of the iPhone experience is the Safari browser. It is truly a very well down browser, based on the WebKit engine. While it lacks flash it renders pages quickly and accurately. With multitouch, zooming in and out is easy and almost fun. The only thing Mobile Safari doesn’t do well (other than that flash thingy I mentioned) is text reflowing; in other words automatically having the text on a page fit the screen based on it’s zoom level.

Actually, the just announced HTC Hero running the Android OS also has a WebKit based browser but it does what the iPhone doesn’t. HTC has made some wonderful modifications and the Hero’s browser will have both flash support and text reflow. But, like Mike I still have a hard time liking that “chin” on HTC’s Android devices. Lose it already! It isn’t a distinctive feature that adds…anything good to the phone!

Sorry, lost my head there.

It seems that, just like on the desktop Microsoft has a hard time making good browsers for Windows Mobile. One of the nice things about WinMo is that you can add browsers on the device and pick one you like. The bad part is that you have to bother doing this. There are going to be many casual users that take their Windows Mobile device out of the box and add little or no additional programs, including a new browser. They are left assuming that Windows Mobile just can’t do what the iPhone can.

BTW, let me just say it here; I think a great browser should be solely Microsoft’s responsibility. I hope they aren’t waiting for someone to get it right, cause that just hasn’t happened yet and it may not.

The Others:
There are actually some nice choices in mobile browsers on the market; Skyfire, Opera Mobile…ummm… Well, there are some other choices such as the NetFront Browser (surprisingly good), the Iris Browser (Webkit based but needs a ton of work) and the ever illusive Fennec browser, which isn’t actually usuable yet but may one day. Lots of choices, but no one browser does it all quite right.

My own feeling is that Microsoft should bite the bullet and use a WebKit browser, at least until they have a good one to offer.

What makes a good browser?
Faster rendering, even if it is a desktop based page that hasn’t been optimized for a smartphone.
Text reflow based on the area you double tap on (ignore that grammatical error: I am)
Flash support: its just not an option to leave it out.
Tabbed browsing!!! I understand memory becomes an issue with multiple tabs, but heck, limit the number of tabs…just not to one.
Faster rendering. I know, I know, but it needs to be fast!

Microsoft has Windows Mobile 6.5 coming out on devices soon which will help the UI become more finger friendly but if the browser isn’t significantly better than it is now, its a bit of a waste. If Microsoft had a browser that brings it at the very least on par with the iPhone or, better yet, with the HTC Hero, they will turn a LOT more heads their way.

Come on Microsoft, lets have a GREAT browsing experience: roll out a new mobile browser that shows off the years of experience that should be putting you ahead in this area!