Sprint Updates Its Mobile Web Browser

Sprint has rolled out a new mobile Web browser that it said will make it easier for users to get the content they want while surfing the Internet from a mobile handset.

The new browser, dubbed Sprint Web, has an adaptive homepage that can deliver content based on the customer's previous usage. For example, if the customer frequently visits sports sites, the user will be greeted with sports stories on their home page.

Additionally, Sprint Web has a Google search bar on the home page to lets customers get Internet results quickly. As part of the larger Clearwire deal, the search giant became Sprint's default provider of Web and local search services.

"Sprint Web automatically learns what content the customer likes and puts it on their home page, along with Google search of the full Internet," said Kevin Packingham, Sprint's senior VP of product and technology development, in a statement. "This allows customers to get the most of the Internet on their phones even faster, when and where they want to."

The new browser is now available on more than 40 Sprint-powered handsets, including the Palm Centro smartphone, and the LG Rumor. Sprint customers with compatible handsets automatically have access to Sprint Web with no additional actions.

The rollout of Sprint's new browser comes as more and more users are surfing the Web from their cell phones. But, many mobile browsers still offer a stripped-down version of Web pages that doesn't replicate the experience from a desktop.

While vendor-specific browsers like Sprint Web and the iPhone's mobile Safari will be how many users access the Web on the go, there is a growing market for commercial mobile browsers that cross platforms. Opera Software, Skyfire, and Mozilla all have mobile browsers that are vying to dominate this space.