Apple releases Safari 5.0.1, Extensions Gallery now open



Apple has just released Safari 5.o.1, which enables Safari 5′s extension support for end users. The now open, official Extension Gallery is basically an App Store for browser add-ons. At launch, it is quite well-stocked, with entries from Amazon, New York Times, Twitter, and other download worthy add-ons from developers. The selection is most likely going to grow rapidly, as extensions are apparently quite simply built in HTML5, CSS and JavaScript.

I must say I am very pleased with the Extensions Gallery. There is no hassle, no pop-ups, no wait; just click “Install Now” and within seconds, the add-ons install flawlessly and quickly. Also, I don’t know why, but I found it extremely fun. I easily installed 20 extensions in minutes. Also convenient is the “ON” and “OFF” switch, that allows you to enable and disable extensions without uninstalling them. In a slightly unrelated note, Safari 5.0.1 also supposedly fixes the AutoFill vulnerability issues of the previous version.

I hope at some point we can experience Safari 5 and its extension capabilities on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Some extensions, such as password managers, would take mobile Safari to a whole new level, not to mention the possibility of iPhone-to-computer syncing. iOS 4 may have just launched, but I can’t help but wonder what iOS 5 will entail.

Would you want an Extension Gallery for mobile Safari? What add-ons would you want for it? Let us know in the comment section below.