CharmCityCrab
commented
4 years ago While I am all for as many users options and configurations as possible, if only one configuration can be maintained, I would argue for the Fennec style solution that is unique to IceWeasel.
I based that preference on a few factors:
- I see posts on Reddit and elsewhere bemoaning Firefox's new tab system. Since IceWeasel switched to a model closer to the old Fennec Firefox's tab system, I have been able to recommend, to the extent allowed by moderation and trying to be respectful of whatever sub I am on, this browser as one potential alternative that allows the user to stay in the Gecko ecosystem but have the tab layout they want, and I think it generally has been received positively.
Though I realize that one can't necessarily take Internet opinion, especially anctedoal observation of such by one person as they recall it, as an actual rock solid truth about wider opinions, my sense is that we attract more users than we repel with the current Fennec style system- by a huge margin.
In fact, someone asked what Fenix might look like with the Fennec style system, and I posted a picture of this browser, and it got a lot of upvotes when presented as a less labeled choice (i.e. Not Firefox or IceWeasel, here is a second way Fenix tabs could work).
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Since the users who prefer Firefox's system of tabs' needs, in respect to tab layout, are being met within the Gecko ecosystem by Firefox already, it makes sense to meet the needs of the people whom without this browser would not have their needs met within the Gecko system at all by keeping Fennec style tabs. Of course, some folks are here for more than tabs and really want their Firefox style tabs with IceWeasel functionality and if we can maintain both tab styles, great. I am not opposed to Firefox-Fennec style tabs at all as an option, I just support Fennec-style (ala IceWeasel style currently) style tabs if it has to be one or other.
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Though for maintenance purposes, I realize it is logical and probably necessary to stay close to upstream, IceWeasel is, by its nature, an alternative to Firefox. If there is a roughly equally valid and liked set of two ways to do things, I would suggest that it helps IceWeasel (or IceRaven's) brand identity to pick the option Firefox doesn't pick, so that we won't have two mostly identical browsers and so that between the two browsers, IW is enabling people (Even the ones who don't choose IW) to have more overall choices that have a variety of distinctions within the limitations of staying as close to upstream as is needed for maintenance and updates.
So, if a Firefox style option for tabbing is revived (Which I am not opposed to unless it precludes keeping the current IceWeasel system as well- options are good), I would suggest that Fennec style tabs be the default and that Firefox style tabs be the option that can be switched on by the individual user if desired. It gives IW a more distinct look "out of the box" to make the different look the default, while still serving the user who may want the Firefox look in that respect.
- I actually think the designer who came up with IceWeasel's Fennec-style tabs' implementation did some beautiful work. They look better in IceWeasel than they ever looked in Fennec, despite being in essence the same. Maybe that's just what happens when you do tabs Fennec-style on Fenix with a dark theme and the surrounding Fenix stuff, but, still, beautiful, which is certainly not a bad side effect for a feature that would be implemented anyway to have! Definitely a plus if something that does something people want also happens to look good. :)
So, if there is a Firefox style option for tabbing (Which I am not opposed to unless it precludes keeping the current IceWeasel system- options are good), I would suggest that Fennec style tabs be the default and that Firefox style tabs be the option that can be switched on by the individual user if desired. It gives IW a more distinct look "out of the box" to make the different look the default, while still serving the user who may want the Firefox look in that respect.
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akliuxingyuan
What is the user problem or growth opportunity you want to see solved?
Fenix initially had a very nice to tab switcher that was integrated into the home screen/new tab page. Later it was replaced with the current popup one that looks kind of out of place for a main component of the browse and is clunky to use.
Our modification to the new one are nice (especially the bottom buttons) but I still prefer the old one. My opinion is not the only one of course, so it'd be better to have it as an option (related: #56).
Perhaps you wouldn't even have to disable the current tab switcher as the old one was simply integrated into the home page but I'd have to investigate further. It might be as simple as bringing back the tab switching functionality to the home page and making the switch tab button take you there instead of opening the new popup.
How do you know that this problem exists today? Why is this important?
People like me want sleek tab switchers that integrate well with the rest of the browser, not the opposite. They'd especially like to be given the option when a
worseradically different UX is introduced.On top of that, the home page is nearly useless to me nowadays; it exists solely as a menu for collections which I have no use for.
Who will benefit from it?
Everyone who liked the old Fenix tab overview.