web watch 2006 - is it real – or is it Microsoft?
It's either a dream come true or your worst nightmare realised.
If you're the designated toner changer in your circle of cube mates, you've no doubt heard about the browser battle between Firefox and Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
For a while, Firefox seemed to lead the way with its tabbed browsing feature. But now Microsoft's got it too with their release of IE7.
Which is better? Why bother asking when you can get the two browsers combined?
A recent press release announced that on October 24th, 2006 Microsoft Completed Acquisition of Mozilla Firefox.
The takeover allows Microsoft to integrate Firefox innovations into its Internet Explorer browser.
What's that you ask? Have the Redmond boys finally got something right this time?
The features of Microsoft Firefox 2007 are simply too numerous to mention, but here are a few site quotes:
- Unexpected is good. An exceptional streamlined browsing technology known as the Cut Away Effect™, randomly prevents 9/10 of the browser from rendering properly in order to save system resources. This is not a bug.
- Open multiple copies of Microsoft websites in one window with tabbed browsing. Opening 30 of your favorite Microsoft sites has never been easier.
- Atomatically shrinks text to abysmally small sizes, so all webpage content can fit onto a single apostrophe on your final printed page. This saves ink.
- Tired of slow image rendering? Microsoft Firefox 2007 can deliver online pornography at blazing fiery speeds. By using a proprietary dynamic algorithm, anything that remotely resembles a body part will download up to 10 times faster!
- Search the Internet directly from the browser frame using your favorite Microsoft search provider with the instant search box.
- A robust new Microsoft security architecture known as TakeOver™ helps to protect the Windows Kernel from malicious, damaging and viral software such as Symantec and McAfee products.
But seriously folks, this is a spoof. And a good one. But who's behind it?
A search of the site's registration data leads us to a blind drop: Whois Privacy Protection Service, Inc. In other words, the owners of the site are hiding.
The only obvious indication of who the brains are behind this browser baffler is a domain hosting outfit called Siteground. Their ad displays semi-prominently at bottom left.
Brilliant spoof? Failed viral marketing attempt?
Whatever the case, if you do hit the download button, you will get IE7 – so you've been warned!
Which makes you wonder, maybe the Redmond boys are behind this one after all.
If you like what you see here, be sure to visit the Web Watch services & products of interest page.