Mozilla Preps Firefox HomeTab Interface for June 5 Release

Calling the new feature "HomeTab" may be a bit misleading as it is not a tab, but an application that is embedded in the browser and forms the new start page. The feature was originally laid out prior to the release of Firefox 5 and has been delayed multiple times on Mozilla's release tracking schedule.

Mozilla will deviate from Google's concept to present the user with sliding pages, but rather will squeeze information on one page only. Besides the search bar, the HomeTab will hold links to frequently used apps, to frequently visited web pages as well as the most important contacts, according to the most recent mockups. The design is not available in the beta versions of Firefox 13 yet, but we assume that Mozilla will also include links to downloads, bookmarks, history, add-ons, sync and settings in the design as well. These links, as well as a shortcut to a quick session restore have made it into the homepage design not too long ago.

Firefox users should also expect a final version of the new tab page, as it is currently integrated in Firefox 13 beta versions, to debut in the new browser on June 5.

  • Northwestern
    This may just be the deciding factor for me between Chrome and Firefox.

    I love both of them but I can't stand Google tracking every website I visit.
    Reply
  • eddieroolz
    Oh hey, more UI changes.
    Reply
  • dreadlokz
    northwesternThis may just be the deciding factor for me between Chrome and Firefox. I love both of them but I can't stand Google tracking every website I visit.Just use some extension that blocks it!
    I used FireFox till Chrome was released, no reason to get back yet =)
    Reply
  • belardo
    Wow! Amazing! Firefox adds some more features that have been in Opera since version 9 (3+ years ago)... besides stealing the Opera 10 (2 years ago) UI design.

    fox = the copycat browser.
    Reply
  • I, for one, will continue to use about:blank as my home page...
    Reply
  • 11796pcs
    northwesternI love both of them but I can't stand Google tracking every website I visit.
    http://www.srware.net/en/software_srware_iron.php

    Chrome + Security - Tracking = SRWare Iron
    Reply
  • DroKing
    Wtf... I do not want that garbage. They better give me an option to keep my current UI because its perfect the way it is. This UI looks disgusting as hell too chrome alike *vomits*
    Reply
  • pocketdrummer
    Looks far too cluttered.

    Make the Firefox logo half that size and move it up. Get rid of the Top Apps or make it something that expands when you click it. Move the Top sites to the Top Apps section, move the Recent up. Use the bottom right space for chat windows with tabs.

    Fixed.
    Reply
  • pocketdrummer
    What a sec... who's Jennifer Morrow? That's not you, Douglas Perry!

    You stalker...

    :P
    Reply
  • xyriin
    otacon72How about fixing it from crashing all the time first? FF has been garbage since v4.What crashes? Firefox has been pretty smooth sailing ever since the breakout of the plugin process. Anecdotal evidence but my desktop runs 24/7 and Firefox is always open...most I ever get is a Flash plugin crash which doesn't crash the browser.
    Reply