Cruz browser: a new fun way for cruzin' the web

I've been dying to say that, since way back then when Tom Cruise was still hanging out with the beautiful Penelope Cruz. Tabloids were often making jokes about their names, which rhyme when said but different when written. But wait, I'm here not to talk about them! ;-)

What I wanted to talk about is Cruz, the new web browser for Mac OS X. The creative mind behind Cruz is none other than Todd Ditchendorf; the developer of Fluid app. Although Cruz browser is still in its early birth, it has features that have been long sought after by avid web cruisers.

For a start; Cruz has the capability to show multiple panes altogether, enable you to do side by side web browsing at once. Secondly, Cruz is able to set up any web app you like as a sidebar. For instance, you can use FriendFeed and set it in that panel to act as an iPhone when visiting websites; this way you can view the page faster because using the stripped-down page meant for mobile browsers (if the website provides).

Another notable feature is found by Bob Rudis from theAppleBlog when he tested Cruz with his own configurations; "When you move your mouse near the top of either pane, you will see that you have full navigation controls that allow you to reset the pane back to the primary page or wander off to other sites for further investigation (i.e. do quick Google search). Cruz will also remember your settings and currently displayed sites when you quit, letting you come back right where you started."

You'll gonna have to try the Cruz browser for yourself, to see what it has in store for you. Who knows, perhaps you'll like it better than Safari browser; because Cruz uses the same source: the WebKit framework.

But what's up with the name? What is the original intention of Cruz in the tight web browser competition? And most importantly, will it stays free or will be offered with hefty price tag? Lucky for us, Giles Turnbull from Cult of Mac has contacted Todd himself and asked those intriguing questions:

• What's up with the 'Cruz' name? --- “It’s extremely difficult to name software projects, as most of the obvious names are already taken by existing projects – and then there’s the difficulty of finding an available domain name. Finally one night, I decided to run a sort of informal poll on Twitter. After a couple of hours of hilarious suggestions from my Twitter pals, I finally got the idea for ‘Cruz’ when I asked my Mom for advice.”


• So why make it? --- “Why Cruz? I found that many Fluid users didn’t realize that a Fluid SSB is actually a very full-featured browser, and that it’s easy to use an SSB as such. By releasing Cruz, I’m lowering the conceptual barrier to entry, and making it clear that Cruz is a capable standalone web browser."


• What’s the purpose? --- "It’s not intended to be a money-making exercise, though. Cruz will always remain freeware. My current goal with Cruz is just to have fun. To have fun developing it, sharing it, and using it. Browsing should fun."

Bravo Todd, and I lift my hat for you. We all are wishing the best of luck in the future for your brainchild, Cruz. And for you, my dear readers; don't forget to watch the video demo that I've embedded just below this post. Enjoy!

Sources are from New York Times & Cult of Mac. #Update: added another source from theAppleBlog.



[blogged with my Treo 750v]