Mozilla to offer Windows 8 'Metro' version of Firefox
As part of their 2012 Roadmap, Firefox web browser creators Mozilla are planning to offer a version specifically tailored for Microsoft's new touch-friendly 'Metro' interface, forthcoming in the next version of their operating system, Windows 8. Mozilla aim to have a proof-of-concept demonstrating the feasibility of the project in the second quarter of 2012, depending on the timing of Microsoft's release of a preview version of Windows 8.
Critics are saying that Mozilla are obviously feeling the need not to be shut out from the expected Windows 8 tablet PC marketplace (Metro will be the primary interface offered on tablets, with limited 'traditional' desktop environment), where otherwise Microsoft's Internet Explorer would go unchallenged as the only browser available. Also, Firefox's market share has been dwindling over the last year, having lost ground to Google's Chrome browser. However, Google has so far made no official announcement as to whether they intend to produce a version of Chrome for the Windows 8 Metro environment.
Also highlighted by critics is that Mozilla may have a big challenge ahead of them, as porting their existing Gecko engine to run on ARM processors (which the majority of Windows 8 tablets will be expected to use) may not be as straightforward as envisaged. Other highlighted issues involve the different set of operating system APIs (old Win32 vs. new WinRT), and whether they will be able to integrate Firefox into the Metro environment as deeply as MSIE. The fear is that Microsoft's staunchness on levels of 3rd party app integration may put paid to some hopes.
Here's hoping that this doesn't end up going down the same road as the previous browser wars that fought for prominence on users' desktops, which ended in Microsoft having to concede to legislative bodies and roll out a 'Browser Choice' update to all EU users. On the other hand, an Apple-style dictatorship over browser choice - on the iPad, Safari is the only option - doesn't sit well with most people either.
