Simpler interface Firefox coming in October

In Firefox 25, the interface of the open source browser needs to be further simplified. The interface of the browser will resemble that of Google Chrome even more. With rounded tab corners, the browser should appear more friendly to the end user.

Mozilla writes in a blog post for add-on developers that it expects the new interface to be available in Firefox 25. that version coming out in October. It has been known for some time that Firefox is working on a new design, called Australis. The new design features a small amount of interface elements and rounded corners, which Mozilla says is more friendly to the end user.

The latest nightlyversion in the Firefox user interface branch shows the upcoming new interface. It is clear that the open source browser is moving even further in the direction of Google Chrome. For example, the ‘Firefox’ menu item has disappeared and has been replaced by a menu button with a similar icon to that of Google Chrome. Mozilla previously said it plans to opt for a shared address and search bar just like Chrome, but that has not yet been implemented in the test version.

Since the introduction of the first beta version of Google’s browser, in September 2008, all browser makers have significantly overhauled the interface of their software. Until then, browsers had multiple toolbars and the interface therefore took up a relatively large amount of space. The Google Chrome interface was virtually absent: a menu bar and even a title bar are missing, and all other elements are housed in one taskbar.

Mozilla warns add-on developers about the consequences of the new interface. Chances are, the special add-on taskbar will disappear altogether. Add-ons and widgets can then only be added to the main toolbar. The browser maker is also thinking about removing the option to create your own toolbar.