Mozilla Foundation, from the open-source browser Firefox fame has released sneak-peek of prototype user interface (UI) for its upcoming mobile version and Mozilla developer and project lead Doug Turner is seeking feedback and suggestions to develop the final product.

The mobile version is being developed for two UI:-

1. for touch screen devices (includes PDA’s, smart phones, iPhone .etc.) &
2. non-touch screen i.e. classic phones.

The classic phone version uses a virtual cursor and zoom facility similar to Opera Mini 4 and also has a “view tabs” sub menu to switch between different screen spaces.

The touchscreen UI that resembles to Apple safari browser (on the right) will have function buttons for back/forward, zoom in/out and tabs and will be designed to use without a stylus.

Previously, Mozilla Foundation was involved in Minimo (“Mini Mozilla”), a project funded by Nokia to create a mobile version of the Firefox for Windows CE and Pocket PC based on the Mozilla codebase. But, later on the project was sacked off.

Among the mobile browsers available today, Opera Mini is the clear winner for it’s distinct features, speed and compression techniques. The yet-to-be-named Firefox mobile browser, which is likely to integrate with Places (Firefox’s new system to store bookmarks, history) and newly introduced Weave and compatible with all existing add-ons, will join the race soon.

Images courtesy: Mozilla Wiki, wirelessinfo.com

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