Experience a trip down memory lane with a new open-source project that revives old web browser aesthetics.
Silverfox is a custom theme designed for Mozilla Firefox ESR which brings back the early appearance of Google Chrome. Think along the lines of trapezoid tabs, a parallelogram “new tab” button, a simplified speed dial, and an original hamburger menu (which also offers the choice of the classic wrench icon).
Aptly stated by the developers of this theme, “Browsers age, good design doesn’t”.
For those who have fond memories of the initial days of Google Chrome/ium on Linux, this theme serves as a nostalgic reminder. Trying this theme not only took me down memory lane but also gave me the joy of revisiting those days!
This is more than a superficial imitation. The developers strive to adhere as closely as possible to the original version, incorporating aspects such as OG speed dial, incognito mode, settings, about, error, and extension pages into this nostalgia-driven browser reimagination.
I’m also a fan of the fact that Chrome’s initial set of 27 profile avatars are available. These would show up in the top of the title bar. The cat was always my favorite. Silverfox takes it a notch higher by allowing users to place any image they desire, animated GIFs included.
There are Silverfox flags that provide options to activate various features/functions/behaviors, including a shift from Chrome to Chromium branding, early Chrome OS window control utilization, among others.
For Windows, Silverfox is compatible with the Aero feature of Windows 7, and provides similar glossy effects through software like Glass8 and DWMBlurGlass – while not applicable to Linux. We received a classic GTK-coloured titlebar, but there’s an option to switch to the iconic blue version within the themes section.
Try Silverfox Yourself
Silverfox theme video
I’ve no doubt many of you will be sat mouthing “why” at this post, and I can only assume you’d do the same at any sort of theme, not just one that recreates an iconic look for an app that never used it.
While I wouldn’t argue that you should care (much less use) Silvefox, keep in mind that it’s a creative endeavour.
This project was crafted for enjoyment (nostalgia plays a significant role), as an intriguing test (to see if it could indeed be executed), and, to a lesser extent, as a manner of connecting with and reassessing the past (all without the hassles of trying to make real legacy software run on today’s operating systems).
At its core, Silverfox is an enchanting revival project that is set to stir emotions among those of us who relied heavily on the genuine Google Chrome around 2012.
Eager to try this out?
Silverfox is only compatible with Mozilla Firefox ESR 115, not with the standard Firefox version. Neither does it support Flatpak or snap variants of ESR. If you’re not planning to make ESR your primary browser, it is recommended to use the ESR Linux binary build.
You’ll find all the details (and lots of GIFs covering installation) on the project website.