One of the more high-profile App Store releases over the last several months has been Skyfire Web Browser, an alternative web browser that allows users to view Flash video on the iPhone by converting content to HTML5 on the company's own servers and sending it back to the user's device. Despite some mixed reviews regarding app performance, Skyfire Web Browser raked in nearly $1 million in its opening weekend and was so popular that the company had to quickly pull the app and bring it back for purchase in only small batches as the company upgraded its servers to handle the demand.
We've known for awhile that Skyfire has been working on an iPad version of its browser, and it now appears that the new version will be available shortly, as the application has been submitted to Apple for review. Engadget has been able to get hands-on experience with Skyfire for iPad, which features smooth performance and social network integration with links to Facebook, Twitter, and Google Reader "quick links" right in a toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
For example, when the Facebook button is pushed, you're presented with a trimmed down version of the social network. The same goes with Twitter and Google Reader. The app also features Fireplace, which allows you to view specifically the links your Facebook friends have shared, and 'Popular', which shows all the related links your friends have shared based on what website the browser parked on, and of course a dedicated 'Like' button. The Share function lends you an easy way to share links via various popular networks.
Aside from the new social features, Engadget notes that performance is much improved over the iPhone version, with smooth scrolling and pinch-to-zoom along with relatively fast page loading making for a solid user experience.
Update: Skyfire Web Browser for iPad is now available, priced at $4.99.
