Mozilla Labs has introduced a new browser concept, known as Webian Shell, which aims to serve as a desktop replacement. The project appears to follow in the footsteps of Google's Chrome OS, placing primary importance on a web-based experience rather than traditional desktop environment. The early beta simply serves as a fullscreen browser, however the developers are considering deeper integration.
"The idea of the Webian Shell project is to replace your computer’s interface with something much simpler, which treats web applications as first class citizens and does away with all the un-necessary clutter," writes Ben Francis, in a blog post at Mozilla Labs.
Although Chrome OS serves as a desktop OS replacement for traditional computers, developers working on the Webian Shell project suggest the software may serve as a fullscreen browser for "devices that don't need a desktop." Potential directions include ideas such as multiple homescreens, mimicking current smartphone platforms, along with hardware controls that can monitor information related to the sound, GPS, battery, or network.
The Webian Shell prototype, built on Mozilla Chromeless, is now available to download from Mozilla Labs.
