Customize Browser Start Page - Windows 8 Theme
A Distinctive Approach to Mobile UI Design by Microsoft
Microsoft demonstrated a significant design philosophy by developing a unique mobile user interface, rather than simply replicating the aesthetic of iOS as many competitors did.
The success of this UI in bolstering Windows Mobile’s position within the highly competitive smartphone market remains to be seen.
However, initial reactions suggest that this new design is both visually appealing and innovative.
Furthermore, Microsoft extends this design concept by integrating it as “Metro,” intended to be the user interface for the forthcoming Windows 8 operating system.
Replicating the Windows 8 Look on Your Browser with Eight
For those who appreciate the new user interface design introduced by Windows, the Eight browser theme offers a way to emulate this style on their browser’s start page.
Eight provides more than just a visual transformation; it allows for extensive customization of its various elements.
Browser Compatibility
The most recent version of Eight is designed to function seamlessly with a range of popular browsers, including:
- Firefox 4.0.1
- Chrome 12
- Opera 11.11
- Internet Explorer 8
This broad compatibility ensures a consistent experience across different platforms.
Users can tailor the theme to their specific preferences, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal.
The Popularity of Custom Start Pages
Over the last few years, the concept of a customized start page has gained significant traction among browser users. When a new tab is opened, users are frequently presented with a visually appealing display of their most frequently visited websites.
This eliminates the need for repetitive URL typing, allowing for quick access to preferred online destinations with a single click.
Installing the Eight Theme
The following instructions utilize Firefox as the example browser, however, the process should be largely consistent across other compatible browsers.
- Implementing Eight as your browser’s default start page is a straightforward process. Begin by downloading the theme package, which is approximately 2.5MB in size (located in the top right corner of the page under "Add To Favorites").
Extract the downloaded archive to a designated folder on your computer. It’s crucial to maintain the integrity of this folder’s location, as any changes to the file path will disrupt the browser’s functionality.
- Next, navigate to the extracted folder and open the "index.htm" file using the "File - Open File" option within your browser’s menu.
Ensure that all other browser tabs are closed before proceeding to the next step.
- To designate Eight as the default start page, access the browser’s "Preferences - General" settings (found under the Tools menu in Windows or the Firefox menu on Mac).
From the "Startup" section, select "Show my home page" as the preferred action "When Firefox starts".
- Subsequently, click the "Use current pages" button and close the Preferences window.
It is important to note that any open tabs during this process will also be registered as part of the home page. Therefore, close all unnecessary tabs beforehand.
Upon launching your browser, the Eight theme will now be displayed. Simply click on a link to navigate to the corresponding website.
Personalizing Eight
Eight is initially equipped with twelve pre-defined links to popular websites: YouTube, Yahoo!, Facebook, BBC News, CNN, Grooveshark, Last.fm, DeviantArt, Twitter, Wikipedia, iTunes, and Google. These sites are readily accessible via visually distinct links. However, recognizing individual user preferences, Eight offers complete customization options.
Users have the ability to modify the destination URLs, logos, and even the background coloration of each visual link to align with their specific tastes. This allows for a truly personalized browsing experience.
Customization Instructions
A concise guide to customization can be found within the Readme.txt file included in the Eight folder. Let's demonstrate the process by replacing one of the existing visual links with a link to MakeUseOf.
- Begin by referencing the "Sketch.jpg" file. This file provides crucial information regarding the reference number, position, and maximum allowable icon size for each thumbnail.
- Select a suitable square for the MakeUseOf visual link. Box number 10 was chosen, offering a larger size without overwriting the Google link (box number 6). The logo should be contained within a 420 x 205 pixel image area, utilizing a transparent background.
- Any competent image editing software can be used to create the thumbnail. While a white logo is recommended for optimal clarity, any color scheme can be employed.
- Save the thumbnail logo image file within the "thumbs" folder.
- Next, open the "source.xml" file using a basic text editor to modify the source parameters.
- Locate the entry corresponding to the link you wish to alter and update the name, URL, and image filename. Refreshing the page will display the newly implemented thumbnail. This process can be repeated for all desired modifications.
It's important to note that the numbering sequence in the source file begins at 0, while the sketch utilizes a numbering system starting from 1.
While customizing the thumbnails within Eight isn't overly complex, the initial setup, particularly the image editing phase, may require up to a couple of hours. However, the resulting convenience of having your preferred websites readily accessible is well worth the effort.
Do you currently utilize a start page for your browser? Would you consider trying Eight? Are you familiar with any alternative tools offering similar functionality? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.