The next update to Firefox will enable the browser to detect the orientation of any accelerometer-equipped device on which it is running. This way, the browser itself can actually actively adapt to the orientation being used and possibly offer a few advantages, among which are automatic rotation in order to match the current orientation and offer additional screen space. Notebooks such as Lenovo's ThinkPads and Apple's MacBooks come with accelerometers built-in to them, but I think it would be rather troublesome to have to lift your 2-kilo computer off the table just to see this feature in action. I immediately thought of netbooks, with their small footprint and relatively light weight. This will easily be my favorite Firefox feature once netbooks with built-in accelerometers are available. Then we can all view reading materials such as e-books and other documents more conveniently on our small, unassuming netbooks. Can't wait for it either? Well, let's hope the manufacturers are working on it.
Via Deep Tech
A post from the Asus Eee PC blog.
Firefox 3.6 to detect orientation of accelerometer-equipped devices
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