Have been reading www.howtocreate.co.uk/acid. Interesting to note that IE 6 was the first browser to ever complete ACID 1 and that IE8 the first IE to pass ACID 2.
What is more interesting are these simple facts:
- Once the majority of current browsers pass the current ACID test a new one is created to challenge the existing browers (eg break)
- IE typically requires 2 versions to get there: IE3toIE4=beatNetscape, IE5toIE6=Acid1, IE7toIE8=ACID2.
- Safari is similar, but iterates more with around 3 versions
- Firefox is higher still around 4 versions (inc mozilla suite)
- Opera itterates to an insane degree. Opera 4 was ACID1 compliant, 9 was ACID2.
However not all is equal, IE used to iterate on a Safari/Firefox timetable, however MS stopped work when it was under investigation. So IE6to7 took AGES.
My predictions:
- IE9 will have some support for CSS3 and HTML. Odd numbered IE’s are typically ‘application’ releases that add support in a rough manner. Even are usually polish releases that make sure it hangs together tightly. IE10 will be the ACID3 release.
- Safari will benefit heavily from Apple’s trail blazing of CSS3 and the contribution from other webkit browsers (Chrome, thousands of mobile browsers)
- Firefox would continue at its own pace, but pressure from Safari and Chrome will keep it honest and in time.
- Opera will iterate like hell, will support ACID3 within a year or Saf/FF, whilst adding features no one will know they will want until they are in the other browsers 😉