Editing Maxthon (section)

==Browser versions==
{{Prose|section|date=July 2016}}

===Version 1.x===
Maxthon version 1, which continued version 0 of MyIE2, was an [[Internet Explorer shell]] that implemented a [[Tab (GUI)|tabbed]] browser using the [[Trident (layout engine)|Trident]] [[web browser engine]] which Microsoft introduced with [[Internet Explorer 4]].<ref name="twentyfour"/> As such, version 1 was compatible with every version of Windows from [[Windows 95]] to [[Windows 7]].<ref name="twentyfive"/> Development of version 1 stopped in 2010 with the so-called Maxthon (Classic), version 1.6.7.35;<ref name="twentyfive"/> earlier releases are available from Maxthon,<ref name="twentysix"/> and version 1.6.7.35, which fixed a bug in selecting the default search engine, is still available at other download sites.<ref name="twentyseven"/><ref name="twentyeight"/>

There are many add-ons available for Maxthon Classic,<ref name="twentynine"/> and more are available through discussion forums.<ref name="thirty"/> Specific threads may provide direct download links also.<ref name="thirtyone"/>  Some add-ons are build-specific, but in that case, a clear indication of compatibility can often be found.

Maxthon 1.3.1 brought cloud-based service for online syncing bookmarks (favorites) in 2005.

===Version 2.x===
Maxthon Browser 2 is a multi-tab browser released in July 2007.<ref name="maxthontwos"/> A later modification in 2008 was the first browser on the market to offer cloud-based services for syncing bookmarks and history.<ref name="maxthonabout"/> Version 2.x also blocks malicious plug-ins to prevent pop-ups and floating ads, and supports a variety of plug-in tools and IE extensions. It also supports a wide variety of skins and is customizable. New features included:<ref name="thirtytwo"/>

*''Maxthon Passport'': once the user signs in and registers for free membership, avatar remains in that space for future visits<ref name="fortythree"/>
*''Multi Tab Manager'': right-clicking on the 'Tab menu' brings up a function intended to make browsing and other operations more efficient.
*''Mouse Gestures'': right clicking and performing gestures with the mouse allows users to trigger customizable actions.
*''Maxthon Smart Accelerator'': the built-in is intended to increase browsing speed; see icon at Maxthon status bar.
*[[Autofill]]: automatically saves content entered into [[Form (HTML)|web forms]] and fills them automatically in the future.
*''Undo list'': after closing a webpage accidentally, the Undo button and Undo can restore it. All closed pages and browsing history are recorded in Undo list.
*''Online Favorites'': registering as a Maxthon Passport member allows instant access to cloud syncing services like online favorites.
*''Super Drag and Drop'': users can [[drag and drop]] selected text for a web search in their default search engine, or a selected link or image to open in a new tab.
*''URL alias'': through 'tab right click menu,' users can assign a 'special-sticky name' to a webpage, which can be entered in the address bar to open the corresponding webpage. Naming is possible through the right click tab menu.
*''Super agent'': supports adoption of [[HTTP]], [[HTTPS]], Socks4, Socks4a, Socks5, and other internet connection proxies, and also supports proxy that require authentication. By setting the Advanced Proxy Rule, the browser can automatically switch to different proxy servers.
*''External Tools'': users can add commonly used (i.e., possibly IE compatible only){{clarify|date=October 2013}} tools and software shortcuts to their browser. The software can be set to start up and shut down with the browser.
*''Web Toolbar'': provides users with a set of commonly used small features. Among them, The Maxthon website aggregates many entertainment and social networking sites.
*''AD blocking'': through the menu "Webpage Content Block," Ad Hunter can block pop-ups, ads and malicious web harassment. Supports customizable filters.
*''URL Key'': through settings center, set an URL Key and press a function key to open one or more URLs.
*''Web Sniffer'': Web sniffer can capture [[FLV]] media files from video sites, allowing for download and saving. Users can also customize the type of files to sniff for.
*''Screen Capture'': users can arbitrarily snap a whole page, a region, a specified window and page content to the clipboard. Users can also configure the saving path and file format of the screenshot through setting options.
*''Maxthon Download'': without having to call other download programs, using the browser's built-in download can complete numbers of small download tasks. The download manager has several features.
*''[[Browser extension|Plug-ins]] (Extensions)'': plug-ins can be used or programmed and shared with other users

===Version 3.x===
Maxthon 3 was released in the fall of 2010, after a beta period of 8 months.<ref name="mx3-release" /> It has two layout engines: [[WebKit]] and [[Trident (layout engine)|Trident]]. New features included:<ref name="thirtythree"/>

*''Dual Display Engines'': Maxthon uses the Ultra Mode, powered by the WebKit web browser engine, by default. It will switch automatically to Retro Mode, powered by the Trident engine, as needed to display older-style Web pages.
*''Mouse Gesture'': allows navigating through the web by moving a mouse in patterns that tell the browser to go back, forward, refresh, or hide.
*''Super Drag & Drop'': allows drag and drop to open new pages and images or perform a web search.
*''Smart Address Bar'': allows searching by typing keywords directly into address bar
*''Magic Fill'': Maxthon securely saves names and passwords of visited websites, then fills in that information on return.
*''AD Hunter'': removes advertisements with one click and automatically blocks pop-up windows.
*''Maxthon Passport'': once a user signs in and registers for free membership, avatar remains in that space for future visits.<ref name="fortythree"/>
*''Online Favorites'': registering as a Maxthon Passport member allows instant access to cloud syncing services like online favorites.
*''Multi Search'': after selecting this, a user can input keywords in the address or search bar, and it shows what multiple search engines return for the query.

===Maxthon Cloud Browser===
Also named Maxthon Cloud, Maxthon 4 was released on December 10, 2012.<ref name="fortyone"/> At the same time it released Passport<ref name="Passport" /> and its cloud features.<ref name="infiniti"/> Maxthon Passport allowed users to sign-in and register for free membership, and their avatar remains in that space for future visits. Registering also gives users access to cloud syncing services like online favorites.<ref name="fortythree"/> New features include:<ref name="thirtyfour"/>

*''Cloud Push'': supports sending text, images, websites/links and tabs to Mac, Android and Windows operating systems.
*''Cloud Share'': supports sharing text, images, websites/links and files online.
*''Cloud Download'': supports downloading files in various formats and uploading them to [[My Cloud]] for backup on any device.
*''My Cloud Tabs'': lets users remember previous sessions, by automatically syncing tabs to Android, iOS, or Windows devices.
*''Cloud Sync'': Syncs account data (Favorites, Settings and Magic Fill data) to other devices.
*''Reader Mode'': adjusts font sizes and removes ads on articles for visibility, with a "''night mode''" option for low light.
*''Magic Fill'': Maxthon securely saves names and passwords of visited websites, then fills in that information upon return.
*''Ad Hunter'': removes advertisements with one click, and automatically blocks pop-up windows.
*''New Session'': users and gamers can simultaneously log into the same website with different accounts.
*''Source Sniffer'': extract all photos, embedded videos and audio files from a web page and download them.
*''SkyNote'': save and access text notes anywhere, and sync them across Windows and Android.
*''[[Do Not Track]]'': privacy from ad networks and beacons.
*''[[Google Safe Browsing]]'': identifies websites and warns if they are not safe and not secure before visiting.
*''[[Privacy mode]]'': disables browsing history.

=== MXNitro ===
On September 15, 2014, Maxthon released a beta version of a Windows web browser made for those with slow computers or internet connections. The browser fetched pages 3 times faster than other browsers. The browser had a clutter-free, intuitive look and feel designed expressly to make new users feel comfortable on first use. The browser never came out of beta.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/maxthon-releases-mxnitro-beta-the-fastest-pc-browser-in-the-world-275128471.html|title=Maxthon Releases MxNitro Beta, the Fastest PC Browser in the World|publisher=Maxthon USA Inc|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-24}}</ref>

=== Version 5.x ===
Maxthon 5 (also known as MX5) was released in October 2016.<ref name="maxthon.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/changelog/|title=Changelog - Maxthon 5 {{!}} Maxthon Browser|website=www.maxthon.com|access-date=2017-07-28|archive-date=2018-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141316/http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/changelog/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the 5.2.x versions, the core of the browser is updated to the Chromium 61 branch point which suggests that the core is using [[Blink (web engine)|Blink]], a fork of [[WebKit]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forum.maxthon.com/index.php?/release-notes5/|title=Records - Maxthon Community|website=Maxthon Community|language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-05}}</ref> Aside from a series of new added and improved features, Maxthon 5 also introduces a few major built in functions, such as Maxnote as "your collecting button for the web", Passkeeper as "your smart password manager", and UUMail as "the guardian of your inbox".<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/|title=Maxthon 5 Browser {{!}} Fast & Safe Web Browser {{!}} Free Download|website=Maxthon|language=en|access-date=2017-07-28|archive-date=2017-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728200935/http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Through this new version, Maxthon 5 is aiming to become an information assistant for users.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> New features included:<ref name="maxthon.com"/>
*''UUMail:'' enhances the email experience by creating unlimited virtual email IDs to keep the real email address safe and filtering out spams to make sure the inbox stays clean and organized.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/uumail/|title=UUMail - Virtual Mailbox {{!}} Maxthon 5 Cloud Browser New Features|website=Maxthon|language=en|access-date=2017-07-28|archive-date=2017-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728172206/http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/uumail/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
*''Maxnote:'' the original 'Favorites' feature upgraded to 'Maxnote'. Users can collect everything, read anywhere, and record anytime.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/maxnote/|title=Maxnote - Note Taking, Evernote Web {{!}} Maxthon 5 Cloud Browser New Features|website=Maxthon|language=en|access-date=2017-07-28|archive-date=2017-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728201147/http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/maxnote/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*''Passkeeper:'' help users remember all passwords securely and smartly. Synced users passwords to the Cloud and then accessed on all different platforms & allows people to add and edit "Accounts" and "Private Notes". It also helps users to auto-generate random complicated passwords when registering on a website so there's no need to worry about passwords being cracked anymore.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/passkeeper/|title=Passkeeper - Password Keeper {{!}} Maxthon 5 Cloud Browser New Features|website=Maxthon|language=en|access-date=2017-07-28|archive-date=2017-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728181437/http://www.maxthon.com/mx5/passkeeper/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*''Customization:'' support customization for proxy and core switch button, UEIP data feedback in setting-Privacy & Content, and auto-sync setting
*''External Tool:'' support external tool 
*''Guest Mode:'' add guest mode
*''Interception:'' add popup window interception prompt
*''New Favorite Method:'' support dragging URL in a webpage to shortcut bar and make it favorite
*''Shortcut bar:'' add "add to this folder" for a folder in shortcut bar, support dragging to manage and organize entries, and support "delete" to recycle bin
*''Traffic Calculation:'' add upload traffic calculation in Infobox-menu

=== Version 6.x ===
Maxthon 6 (MX6) was released on 30 November 2020, with regular beta updates since.<ref>{{cite web |title=Release notes: Maxthon 6 |url=https://forum.maxthon.com/index.php?/release-notes6/ |website=Maxthon |access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref> It claims to be the default browser for 670 million users. Some Maxthon 5 features are not (yet) supported. The browser has an emphasis on [[blockchain]] technologies, and offers 64-bit and 32-bit versions on Windows, as well as iOS, Android and portable versions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maxthon 6 cloud Browser |url=https://www.maxthon.com/mx6/download/ |website=Maxthon |access-date=15 January 2021 |language=en |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117125135/https://www.maxthon.com/mx6/download/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

With the official release of Version 6.1.0.2000 Maxthon moved to a Chromium base,<ref>{{cite web |title=Release notes: Maxthon V6.1.0.2000  |url=https://forum.maxthon.com/index.php?/release-notes6/v6102000-r31/ |website=Maxthon |access-date=17 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> but still support the dual Trident and Blink rendering engines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maxthon 6 browser kernel updated  |url=http://www.maxthon.com/blog/maxthon-6-browser-kernel-updated/ |website=Maxthon |date=16 August 2020 |access-date=17 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

====For Mac====
In July 2012, Maxthon Cloud Browser for [[macOS]]<ref name="two"/> was released.<ref name="thirtysix"/> It allows Mac users with a Maxthon Passport account to keep all user data in sync across different devices and operating systems.<ref name="thirtysix"/><ref name="sixteen"/> New features include:

*''Cloud Push'': supports sending text, images, websites/links and tabs to Mac, Android and Windows operating systems.
*''Cloud Share'': supports sharing text, images, websites/links and files with other people.
*''Cloud Download'': supports downloading files in various formats and uploading them to 'My Cloud' for backup on any device.
*''My Cloud Tabs'': lets users remember previous sessions, by automatically syncing tabs to Android, iOS, or Windows devices.
*''Cloud Sync'': allows syncing of bookmarks, favorites, and other content across Windows, Mac and Android devices.
*''Super Drag and Drop'': allows user to highlight a URL or webpage text, then drag and drop into the address bar to open a new page or execute a web search.
*''Mouse Gesture'': allows simple shape creation with the mouse, and trigger commands like Refresh, Close Tab, Page Top/Down and Previous/Next Tab.
*''Extension Center'': company supported feature for finding browser extensions, compatible with [[Google Chrome]] extensions.<ref name="thirtytwo"/>
*''Do Not Track'':  privacy from ad networks and beacons.
*[[Adobe Flash]] support pre-installed in software.
*Full user [[data encryption]] for security.

===Maxthon Mobile===
====For Android====
Maxthon Mobile for Android, a version for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] phones, was first released in 2010,<ref name="thirtyfive"/> followed in 2011 by a version optimized for 10 inch tablets.<ref name="fourteen"/> New features in 2012 included:

*''Cloud Push'': supports sending text, images, websites/links and tabs to Mac, Android and Windows operating systems.
*''Cloud Share'': supports sharing text, images, websites/links and files online
*''Cloud Download'': supports downloading files in various formats and uploading them to 'My Cloud' for backup on any device.
*''Cloud Tabs'': lets users remember previous sessions, by automatically syncing tabs to Android, iOS, or Windows devices.
*''Sync Bookmarks/Favorites'': sync bookmarks across Windows, iOS, and Mac devices.
*Full screen browsing
*''App Center'': function to find and group web apps and content.
*''Super Gesture:'': allows the use of gestures to create, close, switch, and restore tabs.
*''Read-Ahead'': preloads pages automatically.
*''Reader Mode'': adjusts font sizes and removes ads on articles for visibility, with a "''night mode''" option for low light

Version 6.x (2020) is also available for Android - see above.

====For iOS====
Maxthon Mobile for [[iOS]] was launched in July 2012, for [[iPhone]],<ref name="thirtynine"/> [[iPad]], and iOS universal. Maxthon Cloud Browser for iOS saves and syncs key settings, content and features for users across multiple platforms and other devices. Mouse gestures can control the opening and switching between tabs.<ref name="forty"/><ref name="three"/>
New features include:

*''Cloud Push'': supports sending text, images, websites/links and tabs to Mac, Android and Windows operating systems.
*''Cloud Share'': supports sharing text, images, websites/links and files online
*''Cloud Download'': supports downloading files in various formats and uploading them to 'My Cloud' for backup on any device.
*''Cloud Tabs'': lets users remember previous sessions, by automatically syncing tabs to Android, iOS, or Windows devices.
*''Sync Bookmarks/Favorites'': works across Windows, Mac and iOS devices.
*''Reader Mode'': adjusts font sizes and removes ads on articles for visibility, with a "night mode" option for low light
*''Brightness Control'': adjust screen brightness within the browser.
*''Portrait Orientation Lock'': supports switching the screen orientation in Maxthon Browser.
*''Privacy Protection'': allows browsing without tracking
*''New User Interface'': full-screen browsing mode.

Version 6.x (2020) is also available for iOS - see above.

====For Windows Phone====
Maxthon Mobile for Windows Phone was launched in October 2013. The features that were included in this version were:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/introducing-maxthon-cloud-browser-for-windows-phone-228636721.html|title=Introducing Maxthon Cloud Browser for Windows Phone|last=Maxthon|website=www.prnewswire.co.uk|access-date=2018-04-24}}</ref>

* ''Cloud services with multi-device support''
* ''Ease of use with (patent-pending) implementation of tabs''
* ''Favorites optimized for mobile touch screens''
* ''Live tiles in Quick Access''
* ''Pop-up address bar''