Mozilla has finally released a beta version of its Firefox for Windows 8 Touch browser, which is ready for users to download, test and subsequently share feedback and file any bugs (hat/tip Engadget).

The beta has a new tile-based Firefox start screen with one-tap access to Top Sites, Bookmarks and History. It also supports Touch and Swipe gestures such as ‘pinch to zoom’ and one-touch swipe transitions, as well as the different viewing options on Windows — you can choose if you want to view an app full-screen, ‘snapped’ to a narrow area of the screen, or if you want it to ‘fill’ the remaining screen area.

Firefox for Windows 8 730x514 Mozilla releases beta version of Firefox for Windows 8 Touch

Typical Firefox features such as the ‘Awesome Bar’ will also be available for use in the beta.

First announced in February 2012, the streamlined browser was previously slated for a December 10 release alongside Firefox 26. It was then pushed back to January 21, to coincide with Firefox 27 — and Mozilla’s latest timing has the full version landing on March 18.

➤ Firefox for Windows 8 Touch | Beta