And the sexiest browser is...

So, I often run into a Firefox ad that says 'Download the sexiest browser', and pretty often it makes me laugh - do people really fall for that kind of commercial and download Firefox? Hmmmm, don't think so... There are many good reasons why a user would download and use Firefox, but that particular one is definitely not among those. However, that ad is intriguing and makes us think about our habits and our approach to software. How do we judge the software we use? Do we require functionality, precision, fancy interface, power, simplicity...? The fact is that users want more than white letters on a black background. In fact, the focus on the interface has never been stronger than today - people don't just want their computer to do the task, they want it to look good while doing it!

Back to Firefox ad... There is a simple test to determine if Firefox is really the sexiest of them all - compare the screenshots below and give your vote. Please try to remain impartial, as we're not judging adherence to web standards or browser's functionality - just the looks (no, the brain behind that beauty is of no concern here ;). So take a good look and pick your favorite - let's see who'll win the prestigious title. Since this is a beauty contest, I dressed up the girls in the same clothes, let's see how they wear it :)


1. Firefox - This is our contestant number one. Although it possesses an undeniable appeal, I wouldn't declare it too sexy. You either love it or don't understand what others see in it. (Meg Ryan?)

2. IE7 - simple and sleek. Everything is in place, but it does leave a certain sterility impression. Cold beauty... (Nicole Kidman?)

3. Flock - lusty lips and big hips - this one makes you sigh... (Pamela Anderson?)

4. Opera - luxurious and attractive blonde. Can drive you nuts... (Marilyn Monroe?)


5. Safari - gorgeous black beauty, almost irresistible... (Halle Berry?)

6. Avant - flashy and wild... you probably wouldn't know what to do when around her... (Madonna?)

7. Maxthon - an Amazon woman in an evening dress... Be careful... (Catherine Zeta Jones?)

8. K-meleon - innocent and yet seductive... (Renee Zellweger?)

9. Hydra - I must remain impartial, remember? However I can't resist mentioning Monica Belluci here :)

Please visit http://hydrabrowser.com to take this poll (I've been trying to add a poll to this blog directly, but didn't succeed to find a decent one, sorry folks :(