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Maxthon

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Maxthon
Developer(s)Maxthon International Limited
Stable release
2.0.4.5799 / September 30, 2007,
Classic: 1.6.3.80 / October 12, 2007
Preview release6.2.0.2100 (beta) (October 19, 2022; 2 years ago (2022-10-19)[1]) [±]
Operating systemWindows
TypeWeb browser
LicenseProprietary EULA
Websitemaxthon.com

Maxthon (formerly known as MyIE2, pronounced [ˈmækstən]) is a China-based freeware (more specifically donateware) web browser for Windows. From its early MyIE2 roots, Maxthon has developed a growing user base, especially in China, and in 2006 it has received commercial backing for Maxthon 2.0 [2]. It uses the Trident layout engine, just like Internet Explorer, but it can use the Gecko engine used in Mozilla Firefox as well.

Maxthon seeks to provide many rich features and a highly customizable interface, without losing any of the compatibility of Internet Explorer.

In January of 2006, Maxthon developers partnered with Microsoft in its booth at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Maxthon is reported to be the second most popular browser in China [3], and it has been downloaded more than 100 million times worldwide [4].

History

Maxthon started life as MyIE, originally created by Changyou, a Chinese man, who wanted to customize his Internet Explorer browser. Changyou posted most of the code onto his BBS, before leaving the project in 2000. Jeff Chen continued development and released a new version, MyIE2. MyIE2 grew quickly, with contributions from users around the world in areas including plugins, skins and debugging.

MyIE2 was renamed Maxthon in 2003. It received seed funding from the first Skype investor Morten Lund, and WI Harper Group in 2005. In 2006 Maxthon received further investment from the US-based venture capital firm Charles River Ventures.[5]

On April 10 2007, it was reported[6] that Google had invested at least US$1 million in Maxthon; this was denied[7] the following day by Chen. However, in an interview with Chinese portal Sina.com, he did not rule out future "co-operation" between the two businesses.[8]

Features

  • Tabbed document interface
  • Saves open tabs in case of program shutdown or system crash
  • Undo for any tabs accidentally closed
  • AD Hunter - an advert-blocking utility that blocks pop-ups, banners, and floating ads in webpages
  • Flash, Java applet and ActiveX blocker
  • Skinnable
  • Customizable tabs and interface
  • Programmable mouse gestures
  • External utility bar - toolbar that allows you to open third-party programs
  • RSS reader
  • Supports many Internet Explorer plugins as well as plugins of its own
  • Partial Gecko engine support with the use of a third-party program
  • A search toolbar with 8 different search engines (user extendable)
  • Automatic updating service
  • Groups - the ability to bookmark & open multiple pages simultaneously.
  • URL aliases - open URLs by just typing a word in the address bar.
  • Simple collector - a small notepad-like utility, used to collect any text from webpages. You can write scripts in it and run them in the current webpage.
  • Integrated web services - user extendable, but by default includes translators, Google's cached version of pages, Whois and anonymous web proxies.

Version 2.0

The release version of Maxthon 2.0 is currently ready for download on the official website. The new features (as of RC2) include [3]:

  • New layout
  • New customization options
  • New default icons
  • Maxthon Security Updates
  • Multi-user support
  • Content blocker
  • Improved Performance & Stability
  • Maxthon Smart Accelerator
  • Magic Fill
  • Link validator
  • Improved favicon support
  • Improved favorite search
  • Favorite + Feed manager
  • Automatic online favorite & feed synchronization
  • Page find tool
  • Plugin installer
  • Plugin + Skin updater
  • Improved proxy support
  • Tab manager
  • Frameless mode
  • New Configuration Interface

Full changelogs for 2.0 versions

See also

References

  1. ^ "Maxthon Release Note 6". Maxthon International. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
  2. ^ Olsen, Stefaie. Maxthon: China's hip browser. CNet News: June 22 2006
  3. ^ Hines, Matt. Maxthon Presents New Twist on IE Technology. eWeek.com: February 23 2006
  4. ^ Maxthon homepage May 8 2007
  5. ^ [1]
  6. ^ [2]
  7. ^ http://ya.iyee.cn/2007/04/maxthon-foundergoogle-dont-own-our.html
  8. ^ http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2007-04-10/17481458287.shtml
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