Gears 5

Gears 5

Microsoft – Shareware – iOS
Latest Version
5
Safe to install

Gears by Microsoft: A Wheel of Productivity

Minh Ong

Gears by Microsoft enhances productivity with its intuitive design and seamless integration across devices, making task management effortless and efficient.
2024 Editor's Rating

Gears by Microsoft is a suite of web development tools designed to improve performance and functionality on modern web browsers. It consists of a set of APIs that allow developers to create more responsive and interactive web applications.

One of its key features is its ability to cache web content locally, reducing the need for frequent server requests and improving load times. It also provides an offline mode, allowing users to access content even without an internet connection.

Developers can also use Gears to add geolocation functionality to their apps, enabling them to create location-aware web applications. Additionally, Gears provides a worker pool, allowing scripts to run in the background without affecting the main user interface.

Gears was introduced in 2007 and was available as a browser plugin for Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Firefox. However, it was discontinued in 2011 as many of its features were integrated into modern web standards.

Gears by Microsoft was a groundbreaking tool for web developers looking to create more efficient and user-friendly web applications. It paved the way for many of the features that we now take for granted on modern web browsers.

Overview

Gears is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by Microsoft.

The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked Gears for updates 94 times during the last month.

The latest version of Gears is 5, released on 01/08/2025. It was initially added to our database on 09/24/2019. The most prevalent version is 5, which is used by 100% of all installations.

Gears runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Gears has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

  • Easy integration with other Microsoft products such as Office 365 and OneDrive
  • Robust security features to protect sensitive data
  • User-friendly interface for smooth collaboration and communication
  • Support for various file types and customization options for user preferences
  • Seamless synchronization across devices for accessibility on-the-go

Cons

  • Pricing may be a barrier for small businesses or individuals
  • Requires a Microsoft account for full functionality, which could be a hurdle for non-Windows users
  • May have limited advanced features compared to other specialized project management tools
  • Some users report occasional glitches or slow performance during peak usage times

FAQ

What is Gears by Microsoft?

Gears by Microsoft is a web browser plug-in for Internet Explorer and Firefox that enables offline web application functionality.

Is Gears by Microsoft still actively supported or maintained?

No, Gears by Microsoft has been deprecated and is no longer actively supported or maintained as of 2011. Users are encouraged to migrate to HTML5 technologies.

What are some of the features of Gears by Microsoft?

Some of the features of Gears by Microsoft include the ability to store data locally on the client machine, run asynchronous JavaScript in the background, and perform SQLite-based database operations.

What are the requirements for using Gears by Microsoft?

Gears by Microsoft requires a compatible version of Internet Explorer or Firefox, as well as the Gears plugin itself.

How do I install the Gears plugin for IE or Firefox?

The Gears plugin can be downloaded and installed directly from the Google Gears website.

What types of web applications benefit from using Gears by Microsoft?

Web applications that rely heavily on client-side data storage or use large amounts of dynamic content can benefit from using Gears by Microsoft.

Can Gears by Microsoft be used with other browsers besides IE and Firefox?

No, Gears by Microsoft was specifically designed to work with Internet Explorer and Firefox, and is not compatible with other browsers.

Is Gears by Microsoft open source software?

No, Gears by Microsoft was not released as open source software. However, a similar technology called WebKit is open source and offers many of the same features as Gears.

What is the difference between Gears by Microsoft and HTML5 offline storage?

HTML5 offline storage is a native web browser feature that allows web applications to store data offline without the need for a third-party plugin like Gears. HTML5 offline storage is also more standards-compliant and has wider support among modern browsers.

Can I still use Gears by Microsoft for my web application?

While Gears by Microsoft is no longer actively supported or maintained, it may still be possible to use it with older versions of web browsers that support the technology. However, it is generally recommended to migrate to modern HTML5 technologies for offline web application functionality.


Minh Ong

Minh Ong

I'm Minh, a software engineer and author with a passion for exploring and writing about the latest in software and technology. With my experience in software development and a specialization in software updates and content creation, I bring a deep understanding of the tech landscape to my reviews and articles. My focus is on providing you with comprehensive insights into general software topics and the latest industry news.

Latest Reviews by Minh Ong

Installations

94 users of UpdateStar had Gears installed last month.
Secure and free downloads checked by UpdateStar

Buy now
App Store
Stay up-to-date
with UpdateStar freeware.

Latest Reviews

A As Dusk Falls
A Captivating Interactive Drama Experience
R rtspvideoplugin
Streamlined Video Streaming with RTSP Video Plugin
C C-evo
Strategic Gaming Reimagined with C-evo
Inbank Inbank
Inbank: The Ultimate Financial Management Tool for Modern Users
EcuFlash EcuFlash
EcuFlash: Unlock the Potential of Your ECU!
J JIRA
Streamline your project management with JIRA by Atlassian Pty Ltd!
UpdateStar Premium Edition UpdateStar Premium Edition
Keeping Your Software Updated Has Never Been Easier with UpdateStar Premium Edition!
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package
Boost your system performance with Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package!
Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge
A New Standard in Web Browsing
Google Chrome Google Chrome
Fast and Versatile Web Browser
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
Essential Component for Running Visual C++ Applications
Microsoft Update Health Tools Microsoft Update Health Tools
Microsoft Update Health Tools: Ensure Your System is Always Up-to-Date!

Latest Updates


Seed: Quit Porn Forever No Nut 1.2.5

Seed is a scientifically grounded, gamified application designed to assist individuals in overcoming pornography addiction. The platform emphasizes behavioral reinforcement through progressive challenges and personal development tools.

Vanguard Australia 6.11.0

As one of the world's leading investment management firms, Vanguard offers a comprehensive suite of investment options accessible through a single, user-friendly platform.

ふれあいカップル ~熟年シニア・中高年の癒し空間~ 1.1.7

Capple is a social chat application designed to promote friendly interactions among neighbors and within local communities. Over recent years, societal dynamics and communication needs have evolved significantly.

Activa Chip 3.0.6

Activate the included balance on Telcel phones when you purchase and register your new chip without making phone calls, just scan the QR code and you're ready to use the credited balance on your account.

기프트24 : GIFT24 모바일 쿠폰 선물 적립 페이 3.9.8

When considering mobile coupons as gifts, Gift24 emerges as a reliable choice. Eliminate the uncertainty of selecting a gift by allowing recipients to choose what they desire.

vivo X200 Ultra Theme 1.0.3

The vivo X200 Ultra theme offers a curated selection of high-quality, authentic wallpapers and a launcher application designed for Android users seeking personalized device customization.