Mozilla has applied a new approach for Firefox on Windows 8 primarily for the reason that the web browser should fit Microsoft’s Metro user interface (UI) in its upcoming PCs as well as tablets (apart from the Metro environment, Windows 8 will also have the classic environment which is more like Windows 7).
Metro UI for those not very familiar with it is Microsoft’s typography-based designed language. Its typography principles were already adapted earlier on (in MSN 2.0) and have later evolved to be used in Microsoft’s mobile operating system, Windows Phone, Xbox 360 dashboard update and Windows 8.
This move by Mozilla also happens to be an integral part of their 2012 Strategy and Roadmap. As stated in the Roadmap, Mozilla will work on employing a “simple evolution” of its browser in order for it to fit the “classic” environment while a new front-end and integration code is necessary in order for Firefox to suit nicely with the “metro” environment.
The new browser, dubbed as “Metro Firefox” will have a Gecko-based browser that’s focused on touch interactions. Moreover, it may have full screen and partial screen modes as well as the possibility of having a live tile in order for users to see updates on their Start screen.
As stated in their Roadmap, Mozilla is planning to have a proof-of-concept of Windows 8 Firefox come the second quarter of this year. The pronouncement should keep their developers busy in the next few months.
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Tags: firefox, firefox metro build, metro ui, metro UI firefox, mozilla, Windows 8
