Firefox Tests Direct Taskbar Launch for Web Apps Like Spotify & Discord

Firefox can now integrate progressive web apps directly into the Windows tasting bar. Spotify, and Discord start without a detour via browser tabs. But the implementation brings with it surprising idiosyncrasies.

Firefox picks up at PWA support

Mozilla announced that. However, this function is currently only supported under Windows and is still in the test phase. It is interesting that this function is now introduced after years of user requests. The support in Chrome has been available since 2018. Like Mozilla on the Connect platform explained these “web apps” enable the direct starting of websites from the taskbar without having to navigate through browser tabs.

Easy activation via Firefox Labs

For example, users can quickly access Discord to chat with friends or control Spotify without having to open the browser or searching in tabs there. The option for activating PWAS is available in Firefox Settings Labs. To activate, users navigate to about: Preferences#Experimental and activate the “Add Sites to your Taskbar” option. After a restart of Firefox, a new symbol appears in the address bar with which websites can be attached directly to the Windows tasta bar. The PWA surface shifts the buttons for minimizing, maximizing and closing into the address bar, which shifts add-ons, attached toolbar elements and even the menu button to the left. This simplified window looks a bit unusual.

Pwas don’t run with private browsing

Private browsing is not supported, and PWAs do not work with container tabs. Nevertheless, the implementation offers positive aspects: web apps in Firefox offer all protective functions of the browser, and even add-ons work normal. This distinguishes Firefox from other browsers, who often offer a minimal user interface without extensions.

Administration and uninstall

Although PWAs can be solved from the taskbar, they may remain. You can appear in the start menu and even have an uninstall option, but cannot be uninstalled because it is only a matter of linking. Users can manually delete unwanted links from the following folder: C: Users[USERNAME]Appdataroamingmicrosoftwindows start menuprogramsfirefox web apps The PWA function is not yet available for Linux and MacOS.

However, Mozilla plans to expand support to further operating systems. Note: Connect progressive web apps (PWA) website and app: You run in the browser, can be installed on the start screen like apps, often work offline and do not need an app store. They are quick, saving and adapt to every device.