Firefox 3 and Aero Glass: Now we're talking

Yesterday, I blogged about a way to add a cool Aero Glass look to Firefox 3 (and mistakenly linked to Neowin, which is not where that information originated; sorry). In that post, I noted that the teal green color that was originally provided for the Booksmarks toolbar was incorrect, as that color is used in Windows Vista for shell windows only. Today, the post has been updated with an exciting new addition: A choice of four toolbar colors, including silver (IE-style), blue (productivity application style and, I think, the "correct" one for this application), black (media style, arguably the best looking choice), and teal green (shell style).

Nice!!

This is sweet because it makes Firefox look truly native in Vista and obviates my complaints about the half-hearted Firefox 3 user experience. Great work, which I believe should be attributed to Matthew Holder (?).

From the bottom of my heart, bravo.

Discuss this Article 8

weedmonk
on Apr 20, 2008
If Mozzila knows what good for them...they'd make this default or atleast a featured add-on for windows users once its out of alpha.
Waethorn
on Apr 20, 2008
sorry, but I just don't see the point. i'm sure Linux users will find a need to use Firefox, what with the pathetic app, most un-aptly named, Konquerer. for those die-hard Linux fans that care less for UI style-matching but also refuse to let go of Windows, I'd say stick with the old menu-style UI from FF2. everybody else, I say this: if you want a web browser that looks like IE on Windows Vista, USE IE!
bielawski
on Apr 20, 2008
@weedmonk: Firefox 3 RC1 is coming soon, so this will not be integrated this late in the cycle. The extension, however, should be posted to AMO if it isn't already. @Waethorn: (1) it's Konqueror, and there's also Epiphany and Kazehakase; (2) This extension works *only* on Vista, and Linux users are getting a style that matches their current theme and resembles Fx 2 the most out of the three major platforms.
subzerohitman721
on Apr 20, 2008
Thats great that the Aero theme is becoming popular. So as much as some Linux fans loathe Windows users, its nice to see down deep in the pit of their souls, they are Windows Vista admirers and want to copy the Vista Style. Their's even an Aero-like theme now available for Ubuntu. I think that shows Vista is growing pop-culturally in the enthusiast world and will lead to a slow but prosperous march to Vista. It was just a matter of time.
Lindy
on Apr 20, 2008
I forget how "Neon" Vista looks with Aero. It reminds of the movie Blade Runner for some reason, in the place where he eats asian food, with all the neon. Hey if you have to actually use Vista, I guess its good.
6XGate
on Apr 21, 2008
Hey Paul, you got the name of the author of the extension, me, correct. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
techboy2000
on Apr 21, 2008
Aero Glass is underwhelming. Having a discreet video card to view Aero Glass has to be one of the smallest bangs for the buck. I have a good video card and still disable Aero Glass because I find the standard view to have better contrast and to be more readable. I also don't understand why certain people rip Vista Basic. You don't get a forgettable feature (Aero Glass) and you don't get a clunky slow Media Center but you do get the under the hood security advances of Vista.
subzerohitman721
on Apr 23, 2008
But in Vista basic, you lose all the extra security packages such as the Complete PC Backup, BitLocker, and EFS enhancements. Thats one of many reasons why to get Ultimate. Heck, Fry's sells a full version of Ultimate for under 200 bucks. Yes, Vista Basic is a cheap 85 bucks at Fry's but those 3 programs, plus the dreamscene bonuses, games, and sound schemes aren't bad bonuses. Personally, I haven't had any issues with Aero and left it on since I upgraded both of my machines to Ultimate in August 07.

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