Flock (web browser)
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Flock is a web browser that specializes in providing social networking and other Web 2.0 features built into its interface. The browser is built on Mozilla’s Firefox codebase.[1]
The Flock browser is available as a free download, and supports Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms.
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[edit] Features
Flock 1.1 integrates social networking and media services including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, Blogger, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.[2] When logging into any of the supported social services, Flock automatically activates these services within its features:
- Flock can indicate when friends have updated their profile, uploaded photos or other things.
- Flock has internal features that allow simpler sharing for text, links, photos or even entire videos.[3]
- Flock has its own system allowing quick preview of online videos and photos, and subscription to video feeds.[4]
- Flock's Feed Reader organizes Atom and RSS feeds.[5]
- Flock's Blog Editor allows direct posting into a designated blog, along with being a blog reader.[6]
- Flock also allows for third-party add-ons, including a number of Firefox extensions.[7]
[edit] Reception
In December of 2007, Flock won the Mashable Open Web Awards for Applications and Widgets[8] and in March of 2008, Flock won the South By Southwest[9] Web Award for Community.[10]
Flock 1.0 was reviewed by CNet as "Best Mac Software of 2007."[11] PC World's Harry McCracken reviewed Flock as his "New Favorite Web Browser."[12]
In February of 2008, AOL announced that it would discontinue support for the Netscape browser, and recommended Flock and Firefox as alternative browsers to its userbase of Netscape 9 users.[13] For the Netscape 8 userbase, AOL recommended only the Flock browser to its users.[14] In March 2008, Flock announced that they had seen "nearly 3 million downloads" and a 135% percent increase in active users in the first two months of 2008. They also announced "more than 70 percent of Flock users making it their default browser of choice."[15]
In May 2008, Flock won the Social Networking category of the Webby Awards.[16][17] Flock was nominated for this award along with Facebook, Bebo and Ning.
[edit] Company
Flock is the successor to Round Two who raised money from Bessemer Venture Partners, Catamount Ventures, Shasta Ventures, and other angel investors. Bart Decrem and Geoffrey Arone cofounded the company.[18]
[edit] Recent Funding
Flock raised $15 million in a fourth round of funding led by Fidelity Ventures on May 22, 2008. The company's previous investors, Bessemer Venture Partners, Catamount Ventures, and Shasta Ventures, also participated in the round. The company plans to use the funds to expand its research and development, marketing, and global expansion efforts. To date, the company has raised an estimated $30 million.[19]
[edit] Awards
Upon exiting beta Flock has won a number of awards:[20]
- Webby Award in social networking, 2008
- SXSW community Award, 2008"
- Download.com top rated, 5 out of 5
- Open Web Award for Applications and Widgets, 2007
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Flock Browser - Built on Mozilla's Firefox
- ^ 2.4 Bring Your Social Network Together. User guides. Flock. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
- ^ 2.5 Share Pictures, Text and Video. User guides. Flock. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
- ^ 2.3 Preview and Access Media with the Media Bar. User guides. Flock. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
- ^ 2.7 Track Feeds. User guides. Flock. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
- ^ 2.6 Activate and Manage Blogs. User guides. Flock. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
- ^ 2.8 Get or Build Add-ons for Flock. User guides. Flock. Retrieved on 2008-05-09.
- ^ Open Web Awards Winners
- ^ Web Awards
- ^ Oh wait! SXSWi had Web Awards, too
- ^ Best Mac Software of 2007
- ^ I Have A New Favorite Web Browser: Flock
- ^ Netscape 9 Users: Time to Flock or Firefox
- ^ Netscape 8 Update Forthcoming: You Can Flock Too!
- ^ Flock Browser Use Growing Dramatically
- ^ 2008 Webby Award Winners
- ^ Flock Wins a Webby Award for Best in Social Networking
- ^ Flock Browser - Company Info
- ^ Flock draws $15 million for social browsing. CNET. Retrieved on 2008-05-23.
- ^ Flock's press.
[edit] External links
- Flock homepage
- Flock Community
- Flock Developer Wiki
- Unofficial Flock screenshots
- List of Flock Extensions
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