On Friday, Mozilla released the alpha version of a mobile Web browser designed for use on Android smartphones. It is called Fennec 2.0 and is built on the Gecko engine that runs Firefox 4. Fennec adopted some of the best features of Firefox, creating an excellent browser experience on an Android platform.

According to Stuart Parmenter, technical lead on the Mozilla Mobile team, Fennec uses Electrolysis, which enables the browser interface to run in a process separate from the one that renders the Web content. This prevents page loads and Javascripts from slowing responsiveness to user input. Electrolysis will eventually be able to run add-ons as a separate process.

Firefox Sync is included in Fennec 2.0 and maintains items like open tabs, bookmarks, passwords, and browser history across multiple smartphones and computers. iPhone users can access Sync through the Firefox Home app. Computer and smartphone users running previous editions of Firefox can access it through an available add-on. This is the first version of Fennec that has the Sync functionality built into it.

Smartphones like the HTC Desire, EVO Legend and 4G, Motorola Droid X and Droid 2, and Droid Incredible are compatible with Fennec 2.0. However, not all Android smartphones are, so users should check the list posted on the Mozilla Web site. If they have a compatible device, Android smartphone users can download Fennec 2.0 directly from the Mozilla mobile site.

According to notes from a recent Mozilla meeting, Sept. 7 is the deadline for code freeze regarding the Beta 1 version of the Android Fennec 2.0. However, Mozilla has not made an official commitment regarding beta or final releases of Fennec 2.0 for Android devices. With the current speed at which new technology must be released to keep up with the competition, it will hopefully be sooner rather than later.

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