Firefox previews near-final Australis interface with curved tabs, streamlined controls

Firefox has been talking up Australis, its next-gen browser interface, for quite some time now, and that celestial-sounding update has just landed on Firefox Nightly. Yes, finally curious users can test it out and evaluate the experience as Firefox gets closer to the final version.

Per a video preview on the Mozilla blog, one of the most immediately obvious changes with Australis is a new, curvier tab shape (like a rounded take on Chrome's style). Firefox also designed the forward button to only appear when you hover over it, and the tool bar has been streamlined, with the bulk of browser settings accessible via a menu on the right-hand side. Firefox says Australis will offer "consistency and unification" across different devices, which likely means a similar look and feel along with the requisite saved tabs. Finally, enhanced customization settings should make it easier to tweak the browser to your liking. We're definitely digging the softer, more minimalist look -- check it out for yourself via the source links below.

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Source: Mozilla Future Releases, Mozilla UX, Firefox Nightly

Firefox shows its curvy Australis tabs for upcoming unified version

firefox-shows-its-curvy-australis-design-tabs

Mozilla is busy sprucing up and unifying Firefox, and an oven-fresh test build will see how users feel about ditching square tabs. The new curved element will be part of a future multi-platform version codenamed Australis, and Mozilla threw the build up on the designer's blog, asking downloaders to comment on the new look. Active tabs will get the rounded corners, and those not in use will have no background, appearing as just text against the titlebar. If you've been eyeing Chrome's sleek chamfers enviously and want to scope the Fox's new curves, check the source for the link.

Firefox shows its curvy Australis tabs for upcoming unified version originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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