Mozilla's Webian Shell, OS in your Browser

[sygeek]

Mozilla's Webian Shell interface will cloak your OS in a browser

Download Webian Shell

Project's Site - Webian Shell
Project's Blog - Webian Blog

"Mozilla Labs has introduced its concept of a desktop replacement called Webian Shell. The Webian Shell basically consists of a browser which will replace the traditional desktop, and web applications are given more importance than the native applications. Right now, the prototype of the Webian Shell is nothing more than a full screen browser with a dock which holds the tabs and the clock."

With Google's fleet of Chromebooks making their way to market, Mozilla has decided to release a similarly browser-based desktop interface, known as the Webian Shell. As of now, the prototype app consists of a screen-encompassing web browser, which essentially replaces your desktop interface. There's an address bar running across the top of the screen, a clock in the bottom right corner, and a tab button for all your web apps. Developed as part of the company's Mozilla Chromeless project, the tool was written entirely in HTML, CSS and JavaScript and, unlike Chrome OS, is designed to run on top of existing operating systems, rather than replace them. For now, the Shell is still in an early phase of development, looks pretty spartan and can't control a system's hardware. Mozilla, however, says it has plans to incorporate multiple home screens, split screen views and an on-screen keyboard, among other features. Windows, Linux and Mac OS X users can download the Shell now, from the source link. Otherwise, you can just head past the break to see a brief demo video.

My Comments:
As of now, don't expect a lot from Webian Shell. It is still a very early prototype and lacks a lot of features you find in Firefox.

After 5 minutes of usage I came across these limitations:

1. Interface is very minimal and lacks A LOT of options (no settings/preferences).
2. Interface is sluggish (but bearable).
3. There is no option for Right-Click.
4. None of the shortcuts from Firefox work.
5. Links inside a page cannot be opened in a new tab.
6. You'll have to go back to a tab to close it, because of 1. and 3.
7. Flash-Based sites like YouTube works fine but feel a little sluggish.
8. Sometimes it doesn't go fullscreen, taskbar shows at the bottom. While at the other times full-screened window goes a little too high hiding the URL Bar.