Mozilla is building a “new kind” of web browser designed specifically for Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality. Aptly named Firefox Reality, it’s being designed from the ground up to work on standalone devices.
“Here at Mozilla, it’s our mission to ensure that the Internet is an open and accessible resource that puts people first,” said Chief R & D officer Sean White in a blog post. “Currently, the world can browse the open web using our fast and privacy-focused Firefox browser, but continuing that mission in a rapidly changing world means constantly investing our time and resources into new and emerging technologies – and realities.”
The browser is currently in the early stages but the team has shared some details about its features. It’s enhanced by Mozilla’s experimental web engine, Servo, and implements aspects of Firefox Quantum.
Open Source and Privacy Focused
It’s already beginning to release source code and developer builds, with initial builds running on Daydream and GearVR headsets. However, demos show the browser running on the HTC Vive Focus, and support for more headsets will be coming.
In the coming weeks, Mozilla has promised more details, from the design process to sneak peeks, voice and gesture interaction, sketches, and more. When combined with its WebAR/VR and A-Frame projects, it’s clear that the company is serious about the industry, and a crucial part of its dream is cross-platform compatibility.
Firefox Reality will work across a “wide variety” of different devices, presumably implementing features like cloud syncing. Despite this, Mozilla promises its usual privacy-focused experience.
Though the browser appears quite barebones from the video above, the company emphasizes that it’s built for the future. Currently, it’s unclear what that will look like, but Mozilla seems determined to adapt to whatever path it takes.
