Poseidon Browser

Main window from build 58
Current Version	1.0 (pre-release)
Latest Build	59
Build Stage	Alpha 2
Release date	21st April (04) 2013

Poseidon Browser (previously known by it's codename "Codename Poseidon") is a project started by a BetaArchive member DeFacto on 20th November 2011. The goal is to create a light-weight, Metro-like web browser based on the Internet Explorer layout engine (Trident). It is written in Visual Basic.NET and is currently in Alpha 2 stage (Beta 1 in development).

System requirements

Poseidon runs on any edition of Microsoft Windows Vista, 7 or 8. Windows XP is not officially supported and there are no plans to support it in the future.

There is no 64-bit compile, so 64-bit editions simply use the same 32-bit files. Windows Server is not an officially supported platform, but Poseidon Browser may still work on it. Any other Windows versions and editions are not officially supported, but Poseidon Browser may still run on them. Beware that no support is provided for such configurations.

Additionally, Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 Client Profile is required for Poseidon Browser to run properly. Internet Explorer 9 or later is highly recommended, though the program also works with IE7/8. Tests with Internet Explorer 10 (Trident 6.0) have proven to greatly improve overall experience, so users of Windows 7 are encouraged to upgrade in order to achieve the best browsing experience, while Windows 8 already includes IE10. Users of Windows Vista can upgrade to IE9, which is recommended.

Development

The project is currently maintained by DeFacto alone and he's also the project manager. A full list of contributors can be seen in the program by clicking on Credits in the About dialog. Any other members who wish to participate should contact DeFacto over PM on BetaArchive.

The first build 1.0.10.111214 from Milestone 1 was released on BetaArchive on 14th December 2011. This is the complete list of all the builds released so far:

Milestone 1

• 1.0.10.111214_x86_eng - 14th December 2011
• 1.0.12.111214_x86_eng - 21st December 2011
• 1.0.15.111214_x86_eng - 31st December 2011
  • 1.0.15.120103_x86_eng - 3rd January 2012 - a hotfix for build 15

Milestone 2

• 1.0.20.120111_x86_eng - 11th January 2012
• 1.0.23.120120_x86_eng - 20th January 2012
• 1.0.24.120204_x86_eng - 4th February 2012

Milestone 3

• 1.0.30.120212_x86_eng - 12th February 2012
• 1.0.31.120221_x86_eng - 21st February 2012
• 1.0.36.120311_x86_eng - 11th March 2012

Milestone 4

Milestone 4 was skipped in order to speed up the development.

Alpha 1

• 1.0.39.120410_x86_eng - 10th April 2012 - private Alpha 1
• 1.0.40.0.x86fre.main_alpha1.120712-1500 - 12th July 2012

Alpha 1 was shortened in order to speed up the development.

Alpha 2

• 1.0.50.0.x86fre.main_alpha2.120815-2030 - 15th August 2012
• 1.0.51.0.x86fre.main_alpha2.120816-2015 - 16th August 2012
• 1.0.52.0.x86fre.main_alpha2.121121-1730 - 21st November 2012
• 1.0.53.0.x86fre.main_alpha2.121298-1200 - 9th December 2012
• 1.0.57.0.x86fre.main_alpha2.130103-1930 - 3rd January 2013
• 1.0.57.1.x86fre.main_alpha2.130111-2230 - 11th January 2013
• 1.0.58.0.x86fre.main_alpha2.130221-1345 - 21st February 2013
• 1.0.59.0.x86fre.main_alpha2.130421-1530 - 21st April 2013 - a hotfix for build 58

The build string depends on the compile date of the build. Build 40 is the first to introduce a new type of build string, similar to that of Microsoft Windows.

The RTW/GA release date was originaly scheduled for release someday in November or December, but delays have pushed it back to Q2/Q3 2013. Build 39 was originally part of private Alpha 1 testing program and required activation with a key, but was later released to general public due to delays with build 40. Please note that most of the old builds now have serious issues due to changes in updater code. As such, they are obsolete, so no support whatsoever is provided. It is always recommended that you use the latest build.

Key Features

Poseidon features a lightweight UI (a cross between Metro and Aero) that is both simple to use and attractive as well as customizable by the user. They can set the panels to slide away after a certain ammount of time (default is 5 seconds) and their color (also shared with buttons). Another feature is the "Fusion button", an all-in-one component that acts as a refresh, stop, go and search button.

Amongst other intermediate features is the Updater (auto on start-up and on-demand) that checks for a new build and displays the changelog when updates are found. In the user content category, Poseidon features My Manager, an all-in-one manager for downloads (supports multiple downloads), favourites, history and cookies.

A new feature in Milestone 3 was Setup Assistant - a wizard that helps you configure and customize Poseidon Browser upon the first run or on-demand instead of the classic Settings dialog. Users can configure browser's main settings, which are the homepage, tray icon, update checking and browser's appearance. Also implemented is a feature that checks for installed plugins, such as Adobe Flash Player and Oracle Java.

There is also the Tray Icon which allows you to free-up screen space when the main window is not needed but the browser is working in the background. The tray icon also displays tips and notifications as they occurr. The Tray icon context menu provides a fast way to control the browser without bringing up the main window.

You can lock the browser using Session Lock; you simply set the password and voila! No one can see what page you were on or control the browser at all, they can only close it.

Poseidon Deployment System

The project also features it's own installer, named Poseidon Deployment System that was developed by DeFacto and linuxlove (as of Beta 2 by DeFacto exclusively). 4 builds were released to the public so far, Beta 1 on 23rd July 2012, Beta 2 on 23rd February 2013, Beta 2 Refresh on 2nd March 2013 and another refresh on 14th March 2013. PDS is written completely from scratch in VB.NET just like Poseidon.

As of Beta 2, the program is both, installer and uninstaller in one file. Beta 2 also introduced new options, such as creation of desktop and start menu shortcuts, and improved installation process. Release Candidate 1 will be released by the end of May and will include additional improvements and enhancements.

Hidden features/Easter eggs

There were several easter eggs in various builds, some of which were found by BetaArchive members. Early builds (up to and including 20) and build 36 don't contain such features. Several later builds (40-53) contain multiple easter eggs, but only few were found so far. Most of the time, easter eggs were demos of upcomming features and changes that were later implemented full-scale. Build 57 and later now contain only internal BA jokes. A new hidden feature is coming in build 60 (Beta 1).

Reception and feedback

Upon creating a topic for the project on BetaArchive, it recieved generally positive feedback, as well as several ideas and suggestions, many of which were already implemented. However, the use of Trident engine was criticised by some, mostly due to bad impressions of it's previous versions.

All who contributed to the project in any way are now credited in the "Credits" dialog, which was first available in build 40. Anyone can contribute by submiting a feedback, reporting a bug, suggesting a new feature or joining the development team. In later case please contact DeFacto over PM on BA, otherwise make a post in the topic. Also PM me if you want to be credited with your real name and surname.