Google has launched a beta version of its Chrome browser for the Android OS, but it needs the latest version, 4.0 aka Ice Cream Sandwich.

As mobile applications running under proprietary platforms - iOS, Android, Windows, etc - proliferate the World Wide Web community has a vision to build equivalent functionality into the browser specifications so that application writers will have access to a much wider community without 'lock in' to any one platform.

HP has revealed the timetable for the release of webOS under an open source licence. Open webOS 1.0 is scheduled to appear in September.

California based Internet security specialist ThreatMetrix has acquired privately held Australian company TrustDefender, a developer of secure browsing technology designed to stop man-in-the-browser (MitB) attacks and provide malware protection.

Android devices might be outselling those running iOS, but the Apple camp is still responsible for the majority of mobile web browsing according to one web analytics firm.

Android devices might be outselling those running iOS, but the Apple camp is still responsible for the majority of mobile web browsing according to one web analytics firm.

Microsoft is preparing a scheme to automatically push the latest version of Internet Explorer to users' systems. This can be seen as Microsoft following in Google's footsteps, as part of the thinking behind Chrome was to ensure people stay on the current version.

Automatic updating has its advantages, but it can conceal feature changes.

Depending on whose stats you believe, Chrome has either become the world's number two desktop browser or it is still well back in third place.

UK-based developer, BlueG has released what it says is a third generation “technologically advanced web browser” hoping to entice web users to switch browsers.