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Firefox 3.7 adds per-tab taskbar thumbnails (like IE8) on Windows 7
Now the latest trunk build includes support for per-tab thumbnail previews just like Internet Explorer 8. And just like IE8, the magic works across multiple instances. If you have two Minefield windows open at the same time, you'll get previews for both.
On my 1280x800 laptop screen, I can fit as many as ten previews with the taskbar docked at the bottom or seven on the left where I normally park it. With more tabs open, you'll list view with favicons (again like IE8).Not a fan of the thumbnails? They're easy enough to shut off. Just head to about:config and search for taskbar.previews. You'll see options to set the maximum number to display as well as the true/false toggle for browser.taskbar.previews.enable. Double click that value, and the change is instant - just keep your eyes on the taskbar icon.
Personally, I enjoy the feature for tab management. It's handy to be able to close tabs without first activating them in Firefox.
To take the new build for a spin, head over to the Firefox nightlies and download the installer.
Comments
15
Subscribe to commentsJayayess1190Oct 14th 2009 11:19AM
Taskbar previews have been in from a couple builds ago.
ZeRoOct 14th 2009 11:43AM
Just Chill, I haven't used ff since 3.5 (switched to chrome) seeing thumbnails sort of make me want to go back to ff. Without Matt's review i wouldn't have known that smart-ass... even if it was a few builds ago.
PenguinOct 14th 2009 11:44AM
Yes, and they are really buggy. A lot of the time, the tabs won't even render. They are just stuck with that spinning waiting cursor thing.
whiskeyOct 14th 2009 11:50AM
"Now the latest trunk build includes support for per-tab thumbnail previews just like Internet Explorer 8. And just like IE8, the magic works across multiple instances."
You wanted to say like Opera, right?
INTERNET SUPERHEROOct 14th 2009 11:50AM
Firefox developers just need to concentrate on making Firefox boot faster. I'm starting to get spoiled by Chromes instant start-up time but the functionality of Firefox won't let me get rid of it....
ScottOct 14th 2009 11:56AM
Is there a way to turn it off? It really bothers me, and I preferred only my windows.
Lee MathewsOct 14th 2009 11:57AM
Scott, check the end of the post. It's an option on your about:config page in Minefield.
ScottOct 14th 2009 11:58AM
Great! Thanks!
DAJOct 14th 2009 11:58AM
Bloatware
PS_4Oct 14th 2009 9:19PM
Agreed. How long before we see FF light?
Drew GreenOct 14th 2009 1:05PM
Why 3.7 and not 3.6?
Patrick #2Oct 14th 2009 1:09PM
As Whiskey noted, Opera has done this for a long time, why compare it to that garbage IE 8?
Lee MathewsOct 14th 2009 2:17PM
Previous comment reply: taskbar thumbnails, not in-browser. Opera doesn't do Win7 shell integration, AFAIK.
TimOct 14th 2009 2:07PM
Presumably, it doesn't "work across multiple instances". Multiple windows aren't the same as multiple instances. A different instance would use a different profile, using the -no-remote switch. But I haven't verified this.
Anura GurugeJan 11th 2010 3:50PM
I installed FireFox 3.6 rc1 today (Jan. 11, 2010) on Windows 7 and have used it for a few hours.
I always have two instances of FireFox ... on a dual-monitor configuration, with one instance on each -- with each instance supporting 5-8 open tabs.
http://windows7professional.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/windows-7-just-installed-firefox-3-6-release-candidate-one-rc1/
Had trouble with FireFox 3.5.7. Very unstable with Windows 7.
Noticed one major change with FireFox 3.6. New tabs open ADJACENT to the tab from which you are opening the tab. In prior versions, new tabs appeared at the right-hand end. I have documented this too.
Thanks. Keeping fingers crossed that FireFox 3.6 is a GOOD release. Can't wait for 3.7.
Anura