Skip to main content

Mozilla Labs Demonstrates Prism

Mozilla Labs Demonstrates Prism

With the gradual migration of ordinary desktop applications to Web 2.0 platforms, some users may find themselves missing the old convenience of start menu shortcuts, and irritated at the prospect of running everything from a browser Window. The folks at Mozilla’s development arm, Mozilla Labs, realized the problem and have issued their own experimental attempt at a remedy: Mozilla Prism.

Prism is a free application that essentially allows users to nab Web 2.0 applications and run them like traditional applications. They can launch the apps from a traditional shortcut, then run them in their very own windows, without the clutter of a desktop browser hanging over the top of the window.

After installation, running Prism prompts users to enter the address of a Web 2.0 app, along with a name for it and where they would like shortcuts placed. They can choose whether they would like navigation keys enabled, a status bar to be shown, and other options like selecting pixel art.

Right now, Prism is only available to test on Windows, but Mozilla Labs has already begun work on Mac OS X and Linux versions, with builds coming soon.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Mokey
As Digital Trends’ Managing Editor, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team delivering definitive reviews, enlightening…
The 6 key things Apple must fix in the next version of macOS
Craig Federighi introducing macOS Sonoma at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2023.

I use macOS every day, and there’s no doubt that I love it as an operating system. Yet, despite how full of genuinely brilliant features it is, there are still a handful of things I just wish it did better.

Luckily, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is just a month away, which means there’s not long until we see what kind of software improvements Apple has in store for us. I’ve been thinking hard about what kind of changes I’d like to see happen, from Siri to Stage Manager and everything in-between. Here are the key areas I think Apple needs to fix in macOS 15.
Hey Siri, meet AI
Even when I ask Siri for the WWDC date, it can't give me a straight answer. Digital Trends

Read more
How to create a Smart Folder on a Mac
Looking down at the keyboard and trackpad on a MacBook Pro.

Creating folders is a great way to organize all the files on your Mac. But after a while, a stockpile of folders is no better than a stockpile of standalone media, software, and docs. If you’re up to your neck in traditional Mac folders, you should try making a Smart Folder instead!

Read more
How to change the login picture on a Mac
The M3 MacBook Air in front of a window.

When you log into your Mac every day, one of the first things you see is a circular login picture above your username. On its own, this UI element is how you and other household members will know what user profile belongs to whom. Fortunately, Apple also gives you the ability to customize this image. You’ll be able to choose from your own personal photos, emojis, as well as Memojis.

Read more