When it comes to connectivity, speed is everything. The rise of mobile devices and data plans with limits force web developers to optimize their code to the maximum, and one of the main resources at their disposal is AMP, short for Accelerated Mobile Pages. Google created this technology with smartphones and tablets in mind, but with the right environment it can also be used on desktop systems. The AMP Browser delivers exactly that.
The Web Performance Problem
The Web has several problems, and performance is one of the most important. JavaScript may be wonderful for those who use it frequently, but its impact is felt, especially on low-end devices and modest computers. In an attempt to fix this, Facebook launched its Instant Articles feature, which helps participating portals publish and distribute content much faster. Shortly after, Google presented its own solution in the form of Accelerated Mobile Pages or AMP, an optimized format for smartphones and tablets. Both technologies have received harsh criticism (they are accused of "closing" the Web and rejecting standards in favor of modified versions), but the truth is that there are already many compatible news sites. Although the priority is on mobile browsing, technically nothing is preventing us from accessing AMP sites from the desktop.
AMP Browser: Bringing AMP to the Desktop
All we need is a copy of AMP Browser, a portable browser based on Chromium. Its support for Accelerated Mobile Pages depends on an extension that already available on the Chrome Web Store, and that anyone can download to experiment with other browsers. To tell the truth, AMP is not something the user actively seeks or identifies: If the page we enter is compatible, the extension icon will turn blue and we will receive the AMP variant of the content, which loads almost instantly. If the local connection is slow or we struggle with a very restricted data plan, AMP Browser can make a significant difference.
Is AMP Browser Worth It?
Now, is it worth downloading a whole desktop browser just to view Accelerated Mobile Pages? The final answer will depend on each user. Personally, I believe the extension has a better future, and a good development should ensure its presence beyond Windows.
