The Deepfish technology preview has been retired, with service being discontinued on September 31, 2008.  Thanks to all of those who enthusiastically supported Deepfish.

Project Background

What was the purpose of the Deepfish project?

When Live Labs began working on Deepfish, we didn’t set out to create a new mobile browser.  What we set out to do was to prove our theory that there was an unmet demand for a better mobile browsing experience than what was available at the time we started the project in 2006, and that a novel and simple new user experience was the best way to achieve that.  The positive reception and incredible demand for the Deepfish technical preview went a long way towards proving that.  And now, thanks in part to Deepfish, many better alternatives are emerging. 

 

What features did the technical preview of Deepfish support?

Deepfish was a very basic browser client for Windows Mobile with just the features required to demonstrate the potential of the new interface design: 

• A familiar look and feel of web pages on mobile as seen on desktop.
• Bandwidth optimized rendering for faster content delivery. 
• Intuitive zooming, panning and cue map for quick navigation and browsing.
• Support for simple link navigation and form submission.

Why did Live Labs discontinue the technology preview of Deepfish?

Mobile browsing is now advancing to the point where mobile devices rival the desktop—which is what we wanted to see.  User experience advances such as usable touch and intuitive zooming interfaces weren't widely available at the time.  Deepfish helped drive that innovation.  And now that the marketplace has caught up to where we thought it needed to go and continues to advance.

What was the user reaction to the Deepfish technology preview?

Here are just a few of the comments we received:

“I was able to play with Deepfish, and I can truly say that it's the best browser on a mobile phone, period. It can take on the iPhone's browser, though it was very beta when I messed with it. I really really want to see this released.”

“…This is a sweet app and i hope it is integrated into all future versions of win mobile products.”

“I've only had the chance to play with it for a few minutes before bed last night but I'm impressed! I have it on a Verizon Moto Q running WM5 and it runs spectacularly!”

“If you can make this browser so it can do online banking, buy off the web, and manage blogs like a full blown browser then it will be the answer to my prayers. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way too.”