The NetFront Browser v4.0 API application and porting layers are compatible with those of NetFront Browser v3.5, so device manufacturers using NetFront Browser v3.5 can easily upgrade to take advantage of super fast JavaScript engine in NetFront Browser v4.0, making it possible to leverage customized applications with minimal additional investment.

ACCESS will make a concept version of NetFront Browser v4.0 for Windows Mobile available for free download for a limited time. In addition to the Windows Mobile version, ACCESS also plans to provide NetFront Browser v4.0 for major mobile operating systems and Internet-enabled devices to improve Internet access and use.

“The more users and companies come to depend on cloud computing, the more important web application performance and web JavaScript execution become,” said Tomihisa Kamada, president, CEO and co-founder of ACCESS. “NetFront delivers not only an exceptionally fast mobile browsing experience, but also a mobile cloud computing experience that is fluid and truly useful. ACCESS will continue to improve and extend our technologies to bring users around the world a faster, easier and more enjoyable Internet experience.”

Widgets are mini applications displayed in small GUI windows on the screen of a handset or consumer electronic device.They can be accessed without having to open the handset’s browser, automatically acquiring and displaying the latest information from the Web. The NetFront Browser Widgets community site provides a variety of widget applications such as maps, weather forecasts and games.

“ACCESS will begin providing tools for developers to create their own widgets in the near future,” said Toru Arakawa, CEO, president and co-founder of ACCESS. “By providing a platform for interchange among users and developers, ACCESS will facilitate the development of innovative content based on NetFront Browser Widgets, as well as contribute to the ubiquity of widget culture.”

The NetFront Browser Widgets community site is available in English and Japanese at the following URL: http://www.access.co.jp/nfbwc/. A widget player for smartphones using Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Edition and Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard Edition is planned for the future.