Tag Archive: Namoroka

Firefox 3.7 GUI Redesign for Windows 7, Vista and XP

Posted Jul.20, 2009 under Announcement, Firefox, Mozilla

Mozilla plans to redesign the graphical user interface of future versions of its open source browser for the Windows operating system. In fact, the initial themes for the Windows theme revamping have already been published, are available via Mozilla Wiki, and are included at the bottom of this article. According to Mozilla, the GUI overhaul is planned for Firefox version 3.7. At this point in time, users can download Firefox 3.5, which has been made available at the end of June, 2009. No telling yet just where Firefox 3.7 fits into Mozilla’s plans moving forward. The mockups involve the GUI on the various releases of the Windows client, including Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Still, it must be emphasized that the initial windows theme mockups for Firefox 3.7 are nothing more than drafts, and that, in this regard, the concepts could differ from the final revamp of the open source browser. “These are not final! they are only for brainstorming/exploration!” a message on the website reads.

Here are the main aspects of the Firefox 3.7 GUI redesign:

  1. Embracing Glass: Toolbar and Tabs using Glass. Buttons translucent and slightly glossy to meld with the toolbar. Raised 3D lookachieve tactile ‘feel.’
  2. Tools/Bookmark Bar: Connecting the Tools button to the side of the Window to emphasize the fact that it is used for customizing and changing the UI. Adding a button next to that to toggle the Bookmarks Bar which is turned off by default.
  3. Page Button: Connect the Page button to the left side of the tab area. Directly connected to the Page.

Mozilla has already debuted work on the successor of Firefox 3.5, namely codename Namoroka, also referred to as Firefox 3.6 (although the version number is likely to change). Even with Namoroka, Mozilla plans a consistent level of integration with the Windows operating systems, especially with Windows 7, and the associated eye candy, Windows Aero Glass, Windows Aero Peek.

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Firefox.Next: Namoroka due in early 2010 – Firefox 3.6

Posted Apr.03, 2009 under Firefox

Even as the Firefox team struggles to get beta 4 out the door, the team is already talking about the next version beyond Firefox 3.5.

The next gen, code named “Namoroka,” is expected to be named Firefox 3.6 and will be released in 2010. It will offer advancements in performance, personalization and customization, task-based navigation and web application support, according to a posting on the Firefox web site.

“Namoroka” will focus on the following areas:

Performance

Observable improvements in user-perceptible performance metrics such as startup, time to open a new tab, and responsiveness when interacting with the user interface. Common user tasks should feel faster and more responsive.

Personalization & Customization

Simplify the development, discovery, installation and management of browser customization and functional extension. Where possible, provide a custom fit user experience based on a user’s interaction history. Act in the user’s interests, leveraging existing knowledge about their identity and browsing habits.

Task Based Navigation

Allow users to organize their tabs, history, downloaded files, and other resources according to the task they were attempting to accomplish. Provide support for executing common web-based tasks, mash-up style, without having to visit a website.

Web Application Support

Blur the distinction between web and desktop applications, providing web developers with the tools required to create rich application experiences for a user who is connected or disconnected from the Internet. Act as the intermediary between web applications and the user’s OS desktop.

System Integration

Integrate with the look and feel of the host operating system, including data-level interactions with existing system services such as dictionaries.

Development Schedule

Namoroka will be based on Gecko 1.9.2, with an initially scheduled release of early 2010. As always, we will only release the finished product when it’s ready.

Meanwhile, the team is planning to release Firefox 3.5 beta 4 during the week of April 13 and a final beta — beta 5 — will be necessary to address fewer than 10 remaining bugs in the code before a release candidate is issued, according to team leaders on the team’s weekly meeting Tuesday. Beta 4 could slip by as much as a week depending on the number of blockers resolved over the next week or so.

View Source: Firefox 3.6

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