Apple has released a new version of its Safari browser, promising better support for new web technologies and languages.

Version 3.1 of the browser includes support for video and audiotags in HTML5 and supports the use of CSS animations and web fonts. On its landing page the firm boasts of Safari's speed increases, saying, "Safari loads pages up to 1.9 times faster than Internet Explorer 7 and up to 1.7 times faster than Firefox 2. "

Apple said that the browser also handled JavaScript much faster than competing browsers do, adding, "What does all that mean for you? Less time loading pages and more time enjoying them."

Other additions to the browser include easy bookmarking, pop up blocking, tabbed browsing, built in RSS support, and increased security.

The browser is available for download from the Apple web site.