AOL, parent company of Netscape, has introduced a newer version of its Netscape browser earlier today. The Netscape browser is now up to version 8.0.

"The browser is like a hybrid car that combines the usability of Internet Explorer with the security of Firefox," said Andrew Weinstein, Spokesman, America Online/Netscape.

With the new version, the company promotes it to be a hybrid between Internet Explorer and Firefox without competition. AOL said Netscape 8.0 will use Internet Explorer for secure sites while Firefox will be used for less secure websites.

According to an official statement from AOL, Netscape will check VeriSign and TRUSTe databases to make sure the sites are secure, thereby, ensuring that all integrations on the website work without hassles. Netscape will use Internet Explorer to view such sites. For the "blacklisted" sites, the browser will switch to Firefox with higher security settings and disable the items that are known to be malicious or scams in order to protect its users. The company spokesman said users would still be able to enable questionable items at their own discretion. However, the sites are that are neither white listed nor blacklisted, Weinstein said Netscape will switch the functionality to Firefox as a precaution, but will not disable questionable items.

In addition to checking sites for security certificates, the browser will also have an integrated web search box and RSS feeds with links from major news sources.

Netscape 8.0 is available for download currently.