Recently, the Firefox bookmark synchronization extension Foxmarks has been updated to version 3.0.2. Simultaneously, we have made a surprising discovery: this extension is no longer called Foxmarks; it has been renamed Xmarks. The new name sounds even more mysterious. Additionally, the extension's icon has changed from:
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Charge: What is Foxmarks?
Upon logging into the Xmarks homepage at http://www.xmarks.com/, existing Foxmarks accounts can still be used normally, and previously synchronized bookmarks can still be accessed without issue. Support for Chinese characters also remains intact. Meanwhile, on the Foxmarks website (http://www.foxmarks.com/), there is a prominent notice stating "Foxmarks is becoming Xmarks!"
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In addition, the official Foxmarks blog has issued a statement signed by James Joaquin, CEO of Xmarks, which can be found here: http://blog.xmarks.com/?p=738. The article mentions that Xmarks is the new name and service being launched. In the coming weeks, there will be a series of update plans aimed at seamlessly transitioning all Foxmarks users to Xmarks. This appears to be an important strategic adjustment, signaling the imminent end of Foxmarks as Xmarks takes its place.
Excitingly, Xmarks has also released versions compatible with Internet Explorer and Safari browsers, which will significantly increase the user base of Xmarks and enhance the compatibility of bookmarks across different browsers, allowing cross-platform use. For example, you can synchronize your bookmarks between the Firefox browser on Linux and Internet Explorer (called Favorites) on Windows. This is one of the major initiatives in Xmarks' strategic adjustment.
Furthermore, Xmarks has added a web discovery feature, placing greater emphasis on integrating Social Networking Service (SNS) elements. Discovery and sharing go hand in hand. Xmarks has incorporated a search engine whose data source is the bookmarks collected by users. The search results display websites that have been bookmarked along with a list of similar sites, allowing users to comment and discuss these findings. For more information about this feature, click here: http://www.xmarks.com/about/features
The recent series of actions by Foxmarks demonstrates the necessity and strong determination behind its strategic transformation. SNS represents the interactive value chain in today's internet landscape and is also the most practical outcome of Web 2.0. Various established services are increasingly embracing SNS. I look forward to the success of Foxmarks' strategic adjustment.
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Technorati Tags: Firefox, Browser, Bookmark, Sync