You can test out Firefox 3.0 Beta 1 now.

Click here to download Firefox 3.0 Beta 1. (WARNING : BETA SOFTWARE ARE UNSTABLE. DO NOT DOWNLOAD IT IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!)

For Mac user, click here. (yeah, you wong!)

Click on the articles below to know some interesting features you might get in Firefox 3.0. However, just be reminded that they are all beta features, they MIGHT be dropped or not.

• Firefox 3 : Redesigned download manager.
• Firefox 3 : Visual Separation?
• Firefox 3 : Security Larry

Mozilla Labs (from the people behind Firefox) has come up with an application codename : Prism. Prism is an application that lets users split web applications out of their browser and run them directly on their desktop. According to them, Prism isn’t a new platform, it’s simply the web platform integrated into the desktop experience. For more, please read here.

I downloaded the prototype version of Prism version 0.8 and tried it out. Installed it to load Gmail account.

Setup up is one simple dialogue box.

You can add the shortcut icon anyone on your desktop, Start Menu or Quick Launch Bar.

Basically Prism just put Gmail as a stand-alone kind of browser.

It works on web applications like all Google web apps, Facebook..etc.

After trying out Prism, this application sounds promising. Because you basically can leave Gmail on without opening your web browser (Firefox, IE..etc). However, it will cluttered up your desktop if you leave a lot of Prism windows open. Like the situation below.

Google apps : Gmail, Calendar, Documents and Photos.

My opinion is that Prism can make the desktop very messy if you are loading a few web application all at once, unless they plan to add tabs to it. Which would basically make Prism redundant. It’s just basically like Firefox without lots of it’s functions like bookmarks..etc.  However, it provides a “one-click” for your favourite web apps without loading up your browser. Want to try Mozilla Prism out?