Modernize Firefox Status Bar UI with Floating, Rounded Design

[sparklemuffin]

Summary:
The current status bar (link preview / loading indicator at the bottom of the browser) does not align with Firefox’s modern UI direction. It appears visually outdated and inconsistent with newer design patterns used across browsers and operating systems.

Problem:

• The status bar uses a rigid, edge-anchored rectangular design that feels dated.

• It visually clashes with Firefox’s otherwise evolving UI (Photon/Proton design language).

• Compared to modern browsers (e.g., Helium), it lacks refinement and subtlety.

• The current implementation can feel intrusive, especially on minimal or clean layouts.

Proposed Solution:
Introduce an updated status bar design with the following characteristics:

• Floating appearance instead of being hard-attached to the window edge

• Rounded corners to match modern UI standards

• Subtle shadow or translucency for visual separation

• Smooth fade-in / fade-out animation

• Maintain compactness to avoid obstructing page content

Reference Inspiration:
Helium browser’s status bar demonstrates a modern floating design that feels lightweight and visually integrated without being distracting.

Benefits:

• Improves visual consistency with modern UI trends

• Enhances perceived polish and quality of Firefox

• Reduces visual harshness of the current bottom-edge bar

• Aligns with minimalist and distraction-free browsing preferences

Compatibility & Flexibility:

• This could be implemented as a default update or optional UI toggle in settings

• Should preserve accessibility and readability

• Should not impact performance or page rendering

Additional Notes:
This is not a request for functional change, but for visual and UX refinement to match current design expectations.

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Thank you for considering this improvement.

[Jon]

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[suikaz]

it is already floating, rounded and unnecessarily slow (dis)appearing