Access will update its embedded browser SDK (software development kit) in January, adding a popup blocker, search/translation bar, Web data manager, and predictive software keyboard. NetFront SDK 3.3 can be used to create customized browsers or browser-based interfaces for Linux-based set-top boxes, digital televisions, IP phones, and game consoles, Access says.

The NetFront SDK includes a binary providing core NetFront functionality, along with documentation and sample code for the browser's “implementation layer” and UI (user interface). According to Access, the kit can be used to port and adapt the browser to specific embedded devices, and to create UIs (user interfaces) that directly control target device functions.

Diagram of Access's currently available NetFront SDK 3.2
(Click to enlarge)
Claimed features of the new NetFront SDK 3.3 include:

• Based on most recent NetFront technology
  • Full Internet browsing on resource-constrained devices
  • Tabbed browsing
  • Supports most recent Internet standards
  • Supports various plug-ins, including Macromedia Flash
• New features
  • Pop-up blocker
  • Search/Translation bar
  • Web data manager
  • New software keyboard (supports predictive FEP)
• “Direct-Connect”
  • ECMAScript-based (Javascript) technology to control device functions from the browser
  • Enables UI development with HTML authoring tools
• Easy to oort/customize
  • Includes UI editor to edit standard browser UI
  • Includes sample implementation layers for Linux, ITRON, and Windows CE

Access shipped the 3.3 version of its NetFront browser in January. It last revised its NetFront SDK in July, of 2004, adding Flash support, XHTML+Voice, “Rapid-Renderer,” “Smart-fit rendering,” and “Dynamic Menu.”

Another embedded browser vendor, Opera Software, teamed up with Orange and France Telecom in March on a project aimed at implementing mobile phone UIs using HTML and other standard web languages. HTML interfaces leverage well-understood design skills, Opera said at the time, while positioning Web-based operator services closer to the customer.

Orange is a partner of PalmSource, a mobile Linux device software company that was recently acquired by Access.

Availability

The NetFront SDK 3.3 is expected to ship in January. Access will demonstrate the technology at Access Day, 2005, set for Nov. 22 in Tokyo.

The previous version, NetFront SDK 3.2, is available now for x86 development hosts running Red Hat 9 (gtk+-2.2.1) or MontaVista Linux 3.1 (gtk2-2.2.4).

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