Skyfire Web Browser for iPad Review: an Expanded Browsing Experience

App Name:	Skyfire Web Browser for iPad
Platforms:	iPad
Publisher(s):	Skyfire Labs, Inc.
Version Reviewed:	2.0.0
Genre(s):	browser
Release Date:	December 22, 2010
Price:	$4.99
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Right away you’ll notice that Skyfire Labs, Inc. has gone to great lengths to make the iPad version of their browser a bigger, better interaction with the web. The changes begin with a redesigned app icon, and follow through with a lengthened menu bar and deeper social integration. We liked Skyfire in our iPhone review, but there’s no denying that Skyfire Web Browser for iPad brings more to the table. This app will probably continue to be known as the “Flash browser,” but it’s much more than that. And after spending a few days with it as my primary browser on the iPad, I see no reason to go back to Safari.

The first thing you need to know is that, by switching to Skyfire, you won’t lose any of your basic browsing functions that you enjoy with Safari. Tabs, searching, sharing, bookmarks, and history are all there as you’d expect . . . But it’s the way Skyfire has expanded browsing on the iOS platform that makes it worth the $4.99 (or $2.99 on iPhone).

If Flash video is your only concern, then rest assured that you may have found the answer. However, it remains true that not all Flash content is available just yet, though the Skyfire team tells us they’re always working hard to bring more. The same as in the iPhone version, when you navigate to a page with Flash video while using Skyfire, the icon in the browser’s bottom left can be tapped. Doing this sends the video over to Skyfire’s servers, where they’re transcoded into HTML5 and sent back to you. The whole process takes a few seconds longer than typical iOS videos, but the fact that it’s possible (and very functional) is a big step forward.

iPhone users will be familiar with everything I’ve said so far, but it’s the deeper social integration that takes the iPad version to the next level. Clearly, Facebook/Twitter are all the rage when it comes to the newest browsers, mobile or desktop. After using Skyfire for iPad, I’m reminded of Rockmelt, one of the latest desktop browser to make a wave because of it’s deep Facebook connectivity . . . Skyfire retains the Facebook and Twitter “Quickviews” that we enjoyed from the iPhone version, but they now have their own home on the toolbar, making it even easier to get a quick glance at your social network. The “Fireplace” tab will filter your Facebook feed and bring you just the links, clips, and photos being posted by your friends. We’ve experienced this in Pulse, and it works just as well in Skyfire. Using the Fireplace tab as a launch point for a browsing session turns out to be an effective way to find reading material or just enjoy browsing photos. If you’re on a new website you’re not familiar with, the “Popular” tab will pop-up a window that shows you the most shared or “liked” pages from that particular site. This serves to help you discover new content that has already been enjoyed by others.

Beyond social functions, Skyfire also brings Google integration in the form of a “reader” tab that will pop up your Gmail, Buzz, Reader, and others . . . You can also share any page to Facebook, Twitter, email, Delicious, Google Reader, Read It Later, Instapaper, and Pinboard.

The list of benefits to consider when switching to Skyfire is definitely lengthy enough to justify the cost. It’s true that we’re waiting for better coverage of the entire Internet when it comes to Flash video (and Flash animations and games would be even better), but after getting used to all of Skyfire’s other great features, I’m inclined to just be thankful for the Flash that we do get. This is browsing like we’ve never seen it on iOS, and when enjoyed on the iPad’s large screen, it’s one of the best mobile browsing experiences available.

About the Author

Devin Wieland

 

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