Backed by Netscape, the new social media-based browser "RockMelt" was launched today. The browser, developed conjointly by innovators Tim Howes and Eric Vishria (in complete secrecy), has been dubbed a "social browser" and holds the intention of "build[ing] your online connections into your Web browsing experience." As social media and the social nature of the Internet has crescendoed, Howes and Vishria noted that many users spend the vast majority of their online time interacting with sites like Facebook and Twitter. Consequentially, the browser seeks to integrate user profiles into the browsing experience.
A major concern with the browser is privacy - in order to use the browser, one must log in with his or her Facebook or Twitter account access information and give RockMelt permission to access listed information (including newsfeed, chat, friend list, profile information, photos, and more). Although the creators claim privacy is of utmost importance and that "they do not store personal information about users or track what they do online," I foresee a lot of potential users initially being turned off (even though the software is free). What do you think?
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An interesting idea. However, I wonder what need this new browser is fulfilling. Do we really need to link Facebook and Twitter to our browser? What added benefits will this provide? It sounds like connectivity for the sake of connectivity.