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Firefox Introduces New Mixed Reality Web Browser For AR & VR

Firefox Reality is a cross-platform and open source solution that will be coming to the Vive Focus and other mixed reality HMDs.

Charles Singletary Jr

April 3, 2018 7:40 AM

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Today, Mozilla revealed its new web browser designed specifically for mixed reality: Firefox Reality. The browser is cross-platform, open-source, and brings an attention to privacy like Firefox's flagship browser. Specific supported HMDs aren't revealed beyond a mention of the HTC Vive Focus, which gives the impression that the browser will be focused on the tier of HMDs that balance power and accessibility.

Consider this reveal another notable moment as enthusiasts keep tabs on the state of virtual reality. The blog post from Mozilla starts by speaking on mixed reality's inevitable impact on how users will access the internet:

"We believe that the future of the web will be heavily intertwined with virtual and augmented reality, and that future will live through browsers. That’s why we’re building Firefox Reality, a new kind of web browser that has been designed from the ground up to work on stand-alone virtual and augmented reality (or mixed reality) headsets.

Here at Mozilla, it’s our mission to ensure that the Internet is an open and accessible resource that puts people first. 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."

Being open source and independent, the new browser can be added to different platforms easily. "Stand-alone" headsets are mentioned regularly throughout the post so, in addition to the Vive Focus, we can expect a comfy pairing with the upcoming Oculus Go as well. The development of this browser will, of course, be ongoing as Mozilla attempts to answer the unique opportunities for interaction and immersion augmented and virtual reality present. Stay tuned to Shacknews for more news updates and check out Mozilla's other projects focused on mixed reality.

Charles Singletary Jr

News Editor

Charles Singletary Jr keeps the updates flowing as the News Editor, breaking stories while investigating the biggest topics in gaming and technology. He's pretty active on Twitter, so feel free to reach out to him @The_CSJR. Got a hot tip? Email him at Charles.Singletary@Shacknews.com.