-
Bowser is currently the only WebRTC browser on iOS.
-
OpenWebRTC is a flexible cross-platform WebRTC client framework that can be used to build both native WebRTC apps and browser back-ends
Ericsson Research has today announced that it is releasing its web browser Bowser and the underlying framework OpenWebRTC as free and open source. The intention is to further quicken the pace of innovation in the WebRTC community by providing developers with more choice and flexibility.
WebRTC provides a very simple way to build real-time voice, video and data applications. It consists of a set of API’s and protocols that are being standardized within the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
OpenWebRTC is built on the belief that the WebRTC standard will transcend the pure browser environment and that native apps, implementing the same protocols and API’s, will become an important part of the WebRTC ecosystem. This is especially true on mobile platforms where native app distribution is often preferred over pure web apps.
Stefan Ålund, Research Manager at Ericsson Research, says: “Ever since releasing Bowser to the public in 2012 we have been asked to share our implementation. Today, we are not only releasing Bowser but also the underlying cross-platform WebRTC framework that we have developed and used internally at Ericsson Research over the last few years. “
Ericsson Research is heavily involved in the standardization of WebRTC, and has been developing prototype implementations of the standard ever since its inception. Having at least two independent, interoperable implementations of a standard is that both IETF and W3C requires as part of the standards process.
Ålund continues: “The WebRTC standard is still evolving and developers are finding news ways of using the technology every day. Our engineers have built OpenWebRTC in a way that makes it super-simple to modify and extend, leaving room for even more experimentation with API’s and new features.”
Bowser is not only released as Open Source, but has also been submitted to the Apple App Store and will be available as a free download. Future versions of Bowser will be developed in the open – incorporating changes made by the community.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Public websites:
OpenWebRTC introduction web site:
Code:
https://github.com/EricssonResearch/OpenWebRTC and https://github.com/EricssonResearch/Bowser
New blog posts on Ericsson Research Blog
Earlier blog posts
-
Field Service Support with Google Glass and WebRTC (June 24, 2014)
-
Bowser – The World’s First WebRTC – Enabled Mobile Browser (Oct 19, 2012)
Pictures and videos
Picture of quoted spokesperson Stefan Ålund
OpenWebRTC icon
: 
Bowser icon
Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press
Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society – a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, businesses and societies to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.
Our services, software and infrastructure – especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud – are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.
With more than 110,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world’s mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions – and our customers – stay in front.
Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2013 were SEK 227.4 billion (USD 34.9 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.
www.ericsson.com
www.ericsson.com/news
www.twitter.com/ericssonpress
www.facebook.com/ericsson
www.youtube.com/ericsson
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com
Ericsson Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 00 00
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com
PR Archives: Latest, By Company, By Date