Mozilla has recently announced the release "Firefox Metro Preview" - the first preview of its Firefox build for Windows 8. Though "Firefox Metro Preview" underscores a hybrid version of Firefox, it has been specifically designed to take advantage of the 'Modern UI' touch-friendly interface of Microsoft's forthcoming Windows 8 OS.

The "Firefox Metro Preview" marks a very experimental release; and is now available through the '.exe' link on Mozilla's 'Nightly' downloads page. Interested users can run the installer to gain access to traditional desktop app dubbed 'Nightly', and open it up to have Nightly as their default browser.

For developing Firefox Metro for Windows 8, Mozilla has virtually redesigned its popular web browser to ensure that it can work both as a standalone desktop program and a Windows Store app. However, as the preview tag itself suggests, Mozilla still needs to make a lot of improvements in the hybrid Firefox version.

Nonetheless, the preview still offers a noteworthy peek at the experiences which Firefox Metro for Windows 8 will unfold for the potential buyers of a Windows 8 tablet. With Mozilla visibly embracing the 'design aesthetic' of Microsoft's upcoming operating system, the candy-hued list of links featuring on Firefox Metro's bookmarks page clearly takes after the Windows 8 start page.

Moreover, according to Firefox's Product Manager Asa Dotzler, the other Firefox Metro UI touches - including the rounded edges and primary-colored elements - are components of the "streamlined, modern, and beautiful" Australis interface.