Apple unveils Safari 4 browser

The latest version of Safari has a revamped tab browsing system and a new 'top sites' window

Apple has released the first beta versions of its Safari 4 web browser for Mac and Windows.

The latest version will sport a new JavaScript engine known as 'Nitro', which Apple claims is able to run JavaScript code three times faster than Firefox 3 and some 30 times faster than Internet Explorer 7.

"Apple created Safari to bring innovation, speed and open standards back into web browsers, and today it takes another big step forward," said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing.

"Safari 4 is the fastest and most efficient browser for Mac and Windows, with great integration of HTML 5 and CSS 3 web standards that enables the next generation of interactive web applications."

The latest version of Safari will sport a number of new cosmetic and navigation features, such as a revamped tab browsing system and a new 'top sites' window which displays multiple previews on a single page.

Apple is also bringing the iTunes 'cover flow' system to Safari, using the feature to navigate through book marks.

Other new features include the ability to search browsing history for titles, URLs, and page content, as well as a number of debugging and editing tools for web developers.

Apple is offering both versions of the Safari 4 beta for download on its official download site.