Yandex Gives Its Browser A Minimalist Makeover
Russian tech giant Yandex has launched a refreshed version of its Chromium-based browser that’s been designed to make the browser itself feel less visible to web users
Dec 04, 2014
Where it is visible, such as the URL bar, it uses translucency and cloaks itself in flat design to de-emphasize its presence. The idea being, says Yandex, to make the web app being used the centre of attention, rather than the software you’re using to view it.
The new look browser is currently only a "concept" — available to download in alpha. The less minimalist, standard Yandex.Browser remains the company’s fully featured main browserat this point.
Design wise, Yandex’s concept browser borrows heavily from Microsoft’s Windows 8 redesign, from two years ago. Which is ironic, given that Yandex, a local search giant in Russia, launched its own browser just over two years ago — but as an answer to search giant Google pushing more forcefully onto its turf.
While the translucency elements of the Yandex browser concept are reminiscent of Apple’s iOS 7 design reboot from last year, which was aiming to lend a feeling of depth to mobile browsing. Yandex says its design aims are to reflect modern web user experience by emphasizing interaction and personalization.
The new look browser is currently only a "concept" — available to download in alpha. The less minimalist, standard Yandex.Browser remains the company’s fully featured main browserat this point.
Design wise, Yandex’s concept browser borrows heavily from Microsoft’s Windows 8 redesign, from two years ago. Which is ironic, given that Yandex, a local search giant in Russia, launched its own browser just over two years ago — but as an answer to search giant Google pushing more forcefully onto its turf.
While the translucency elements of the Yandex browser concept are reminiscent of Apple’s iOS 7 design reboot from last year, which was aiming to lend a feeling of depth to mobile browsing. Yandex says its design aims are to reflect modern web user experience by emphasizing interaction and personalization.