On the surface, this news about a new browser sounds great! With emphasis on security and speed, how can they go wrong? But I have to ask myself…how good will this be ‘really’?

Netscape on Wednesday launched a new version of its Netscape browser with a heavy focus on Web security and media features for high-speed Web surfing.

Netscape 8.0 is based on the Firefox browser, a collaboratively developed program, but also will adapt and properly present sites customized to work with Microsoft Corp.’s (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Internet Explorer browser.

“The browser is like a hybrid car that combines the usability of Internet Explorer with the security of Firefox,” said Andrew Weinstein, a spokesman for America Online/Netscape, a unit of Time Warner Inc. (TWX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) .

The new browser checks sites for security, integrates Web search and offers advanced features like RSS feeds which typically link to major news providers. [Read the rest]