Why is browser consolidation such a big problem? If the current market leader starts to fall behind, then whoever does it better will gain adoption. Isn't this how Chrome grew a following?
Browsers consolidated down to basically one and then that one just sat and didn't advance anymore. And why should it? It's not like users could go elsewhere.
For years the world was subjected to the absolute crap that ie6 ossified on and wouldn't fix.
We need viable competition to keep a fire lit under the leader to stay ahead.
Scarier is that Google controls Chrome/Blink and will continue to push "features" that make the web better for Google, not better for users. Mozilla are one of very, very few organisations that are in a position to push back against this at standards bodies - and for all the flak they get, they regularly do.
I don't think the problem with IE was necessarily consolidation as much as letting Microsoft be the only ones with the ability to modify or extend the engine. In my mind there would be nothing wrong with Mozilla joining Microsoft in basing their browser on Blink+V8. In fact it might even be a better way to ensure Google can't steer Chrome the same way Microsoft did since no matter how great they make it the competition will always be dragged along with it, there to become the better drop in option should Google decide to stop leading the push.
I was there for it, but I don't recall it being THAT bad and I jumped to Chrome as soon as it hit the scene. It was only once there was an alternative to compare it too that it was obvious how bad IE was.
Fatnino|3 years ago
Browsers consolidated down to basically one and then that one just sat and didn't advance anymore. And why should it? It's not like users could go elsewhere. For years the world was subjected to the absolute crap that ie6 ossified on and wouldn't fix.
We need viable competition to keep a fire lit under the leader to stay ahead.
solar-ice|3 years ago
zamadatix|3 years ago
doopy1|3 years ago
supertrope|3 years ago