Basilisk • Basilisk's future, Basilisk-Dev's identity, and a new direction

Hey everyone,

I am excited to finally share what I have been working on behind the scenes for the past several months. Internally, I have been calling this effort the Browser Optimization & Overhaul for Basilisk (BOOB) initiative, and it represents the biggest evolution of the browser since its inception.

After careful consideration, user feedback, and alignment with modern industry standards, I am implementing the following changes effective next release:

Engine Upgrade: Chromium (via Electron)

Basilisk will now run on Chromium, delivered through a streamlined Electron-based architecture. This allows me to:

• Improve compatibility with modern websites
• Reduce maintenance burden
• Run a browser inside another browser for maximum flexibility

Platform Requirements

To ensure optimal performance and security, Basilisk will now require:

• Windows 11 (latest version only)
• A Microsoft account (mandatory for sign-in and sync)
• TPM 2.0 enabled
• Secure Boot enabled
• Always-on internet connection
• Telemetry is now mandatory and cannot be disabled for quality assurance purposes

Linux, macOS, BSD, and all non-x86 architectures will be sunsetted to allow me to focus on what matters. Mobile first design.

Cloud-Based Browsing

All browsing will now be processed through the new Basilisk Cloud™ platform:

• Web pages are rendered remotely and streamed to your device
• Improves battery life because your CPU does nothing
• Enables seamless tracking, or syncing, across devices

Extension System Changes

I am moving to a new extension platform:

• WebExtensions only
• Must be installed through the Basilisk Store™
• $4.99 per month subscription required to enable extensions
• All extensions are reviewed for positive user alignment
• Adblocking and privacy related extensions will refuse to install.
• We recommend UAdd Origin to add more ads to web pages for your security and privacy.

XUL support has been retired to embrace the future.

User Interface Refresh

The UI has been redesigned to be more modern and intuitive:

• Inspired by a hybrid of Chromium, Edge, and mobile-first layouts. The desktop is dead.
• Tabs are now vertical, rounded, and slightly animated at all times
• The menu has been replaced with a single "..." button.
• Advanced settings have been removed to reduce confusion

AI Integration

Introducing Basilisk Copilot™:

• Automatically rewrites web pages to be more engaging
• Suggests purchases based on browsing habits
• Occasionally replaces search results with recommended content
• Uploads your files to our cloud for government-approved security checks

This feature cannot be disabled.

New Pricing Model

To support ongoing development:

• Basilisk Free Tier (ad-supported, limited tabs)
• Basilisk Pro, $9.99 per month (no ads, unlimited tabs)
• Basilisk Enterprise, contact sales

Legacy Features Removed

To streamline the experience, the following have been removed:

• XUL and XPCOM support
• NPAPI support
• about:
• Custom userChrome.css
• Offline browsing
• Non-Microsoft account usage
• Any remaining sense of control
• Being able to say the browser is not spying on you

I understand these changes may take some getting used to, but I believe they position Basilisk for long-term success in today’s modern web ecosystem. I know what's best for you, and these changes are the path forward for our glorious future.

A preview build will be rolling out soon. I strongly encourage all users to migrate as quickly as possible so that the old and insecure XUL engine doesn't format your hard drives.

Thanks for your continued support.

• Matt A Tobin, aka Basilisk-Dev