Mozilla has released a new beta version of Firefox that is optimized for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 touch functionality. it's been a long time to come since Mozilla stated that it would bring a version of Firefox that is compatible with Windows 8's Metro interface.

As of now, Mozilla is calling the browser, "Firefox for Windows 8 Touch," and it has been available in beta form since last Thursday. It's part of the Firefox 28 beta, which is one of three build channels Mozilla currently maintains.

Users who have experienced Firefox in touch mode for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, can expect the browser to come out of beta 6 weeks from now. The official full release should happen on March 18. However, users should bear in mind that the touch friendly option of Firefox 28 might not be available on March 18, as it may need more work, and considering it was already delayed on several occasions before.

Mozilla first began work on Firefox for Windows 8 Touch back in March of 2012. In addition, the company launched a preview version several weeks before Microsoft had officially launched Windows 8 on October 22, 2012. According to Mozilla at the time, the Firefox touch was scheduled to launch in January 2013, but that did not materialize. We're guessing why it took so long for Mozilla to launch a beta, has much to do with the poor performance of Windows 8, and the hate many users have for the Metro interface.

If, and that's a big if, should Mozilla ultimately choose to release Firefox for Windows 8 Touch on March 18, the company would have ended a 2 year development of the browser.

"Firefox for Windows 8 Touch Beta has a new tile-based Firefox start screen with one-tap access to Top Sites, Bookmarks and History. You can continue to use familiar Firefox features like the Awesome Bar."

"Firefox for Windows 8 Touch Beta supports Touch and Swipe gestures such as 'pinch to zoom' and one-touch swipe transitions," said Mozilla in a blog post.

What we think of the browser

We've ran Firefox for Windows 8 Touch through some small tests, and we came away impressed. It's not better than Internet Explorer 11 for touch, but for something that is in beta, the performance is decent, despite the lag and choppiness on some of the websites.

We do like the fact that the browser supports both the Share Charm and Snap mode. Still, we wished it supported the option for multiple windows. Maybe this will come in a future release.