From 8cf9b50690ceedd2bb335b52389cf036560e2c0d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Andrew Date: Tue, 19 May 2026 10:25:37 +1200 Subject: [PATCH] Add MPL-2.0 & asset licenses; expand README Add a full Mozilla Public License v2.0 (LICENSE) and a new ASSETS-LICENSE.md that clarifies Nebula branding, artwork, and other non-code assets are not covered by MPL and are All Rights Reserved unless stated otherwise. Update README.md with a detailed project overview: CEF migration, project status, goals, distribution direction, planned features, architecture notes, build instructions, and explicit licensing guidance separating source code (MPL-2.0) from branding assets and documentation. --- ASSETS-LICENSE.md | 11 ++ LICENSE | 373 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ README.md | 331 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 3 files changed, 712 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) create mode 100644 ASSETS-LICENSE.md create mode 100644 LICENSE diff --git a/ASSETS-LICENSE.md b/ASSETS-LICENSE.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..aaaea6e --- /dev/null +++ b/ASSETS-LICENSE.md @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +# Nebula Browser Asset License + +The source code of Nebula Browser is licensed under the Mozilla Public License 2.0, as described in the LICENSE file. + +However, the Nebula Browser name, logo, icons, artwork, screenshots, visual identity, branding materials, and other non-code assets are not automatically covered by the MPL-2.0 license. + +Unless otherwise stated, these assets are All Rights Reserved. + +You may not use the Nebula Browser name, logo, or branding in a way that suggests endorsement, official status, or affiliation with the Nebula Project without permission. + +Community forks are welcome, but they should use their own name and branding unless permission is granted. diff --git a/LICENSE b/LICENSE new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1f99e37 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE @@ -0,0 +1,373 @@ +Mozilla Public License Version 2.0 +================================== + +1. Definitions +-------------- + +1.1. "Contributor" + means each individual or legal entity that creates, contributes to + the creation of, or owns Covered Software. + +1.2. "Contributor Version" + means the combination of the Contributions of others (if any) used + by a Contributor and that particular Contributor's Contribution. + +1.3. "Contribution" + means Covered Software of a particular Contributor. + +1.4. "Covered Software" + means Source Code Form to which the initial Contributor has attached + the notice in Exhibit A, the Executable Form of such Source Code + Form, and Modifications of such Source Code Form, in each case + including portions thereof. + +1.5. "Incompatible With Secondary Licenses" + means + + (a) that the initial Contributor has attached the notice described + in Exhibit B to the Covered Software; or + + (b) that the Covered Software was made available under the terms of + version 1.1 or earlier of the License, but not also under the + terms of a Secondary License. + +1.6. "Executable Form" + means any form of the work other than Source Code Form. + +1.7. "Larger Work" + means a work that combines Covered Software with other material, in + a separate file or files, that is not Covered Software. + +1.8. "License" + means this document. + +1.9. "Licensable" + means having the right to grant, to the maximum extent possible, + whether at the time of the initial grant or subsequently, any and + all of the rights conveyed by this License. + +1.10. "Modifications" + means any of the following: + + (a) any file in Source Code Form that results from an addition to, + deletion from, or modification of the contents of Covered + Software; or + + (b) any new file in Source Code Form that contains any Covered + Software. + +1.11. "Patent Claims" of a Contributor + means any patent claim(s), including without limitation, method, + process, and apparatus claims, in any patent Licensable by such + Contributor that would be infringed, but for the grant of the + License, by the making, using, selling, offering for sale, having + made, import, or transfer of either its Contributions or its + Contributor Version. + +1.12. "Secondary License" + means either the GNU General Public License, Version 2.0, the GNU + Lesser General Public License, Version 2.1, the GNU Affero General + Public License, Version 3.0, or any later versions of those + licenses. + +1.13. "Source Code Form" + means the form of the work preferred for making modifications. + +1.14. "You" (or "Your") + means an individual or a legal entity exercising rights under this + License. For legal entities, "You" includes any entity that + controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with You. For + purposes of this definition, "control" means (a) the power, direct + or indirect, to cause the direction or management of such entity, + whether by contract or otherwise, or (b) ownership of more than + fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding shares or beneficial + ownership of such entity. + +2. License Grants and Conditions +-------------------------------- + +2.1. Grants + +Each Contributor hereby grants You a world-wide, royalty-free, +non-exclusive license: + +(a) under intellectual property rights (other than patent or trademark) + Licensable by such Contributor to use, reproduce, make available, + modify, display, perform, distribute, and otherwise exploit its + Contributions, either on an unmodified basis, with Modifications, or + as part of a Larger Work; and + +(b) under Patent Claims of such Contributor to make, use, sell, offer + for sale, have made, import, and otherwise transfer either its + Contributions or its Contributor Version. + +2.2. Effective Date + +The licenses granted in Section 2.1 with respect to any Contribution +become effective for each Contribution on the date the Contributor first +distributes such Contribution. + +2.3. Limitations on Grant Scope + +The licenses granted in this Section 2 are the only rights granted under +this License. No additional rights or licenses will be implied from the +distribution or licensing of Covered Software under this License. +Notwithstanding Section 2.1(b) above, no patent license is granted by a +Contributor: + +(a) for any code that a Contributor has removed from Covered Software; + or + +(b) for infringements caused by: (i) Your and any other third party's + modifications of Covered Software, or (ii) the combination of its + Contributions with other software (except as part of its Contributor + Version); or + +(c) under Patent Claims infringed by Covered Software in the absence of + its Contributions. + +This License does not grant any rights in the trademarks, service marks, +or logos of any Contributor (except as may be necessary to comply with +the notice requirements in Section 3.4). + +2.4. Subsequent Licenses + +No Contributor makes additional grants as a result of Your choice to +distribute the Covered Software under a subsequent version of this +License (see Section 10.2) or under the terms of a Secondary License (if +permitted under the terms of Section 3.3). + +2.5. Representation + +Each Contributor represents that the Contributor believes its +Contributions are its original creation(s) or it has sufficient rights +to grant the rights to its Contributions conveyed by this License. + +2.6. Fair Use + +This License is not intended to limit any rights You have under +applicable copyright doctrines of fair use, fair dealing, or other +equivalents. + +2.7. Conditions + +Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 are conditions of the licenses granted +in Section 2.1. + +3. Responsibilities +------------------- + +3.1. Distribution of Source Form + +All distribution of Covered Software in Source Code Form, including any +Modifications that You create or to which You contribute, must be under +the terms of this License. You must inform recipients that the Source +Code Form of the Covered Software is governed by the terms of this +License, and how they can obtain a copy of this License. You may not +attempt to alter or restrict the recipients' rights in the Source Code +Form. + +3.2. Distribution of Executable Form + +If You distribute Covered Software in Executable Form then: + +(a) such Covered Software must also be made available in Source Code + Form, as described in Section 3.1, and You must inform recipients of + the Executable Form how they can obtain a copy of such Source Code + Form by reasonable means in a timely manner, at a charge no more + than the cost of distribution to the recipient; and + +(b) You may distribute such Executable Form under the terms of this + License, or sublicense it under different terms, provided that the + license for the Executable Form does not attempt to limit or alter + the recipients' rights in the Source Code Form under this License. + +3.3. Distribution of a Larger Work + +You may create and distribute a Larger Work under terms of Your choice, +provided that You also comply with the requirements of this License for +the Covered Software. If the Larger Work is a combination of Covered +Software with a work governed by one or more Secondary Licenses, and the +Covered Software is not Incompatible With Secondary Licenses, this +License permits You to additionally distribute such Covered Software +under the terms of such Secondary License(s), so that the recipient of +the Larger Work may, at their option, further distribute the Covered +Software under the terms of either this License or such Secondary +License(s). + +3.4. Notices + +You may not remove or alter the substance of any license notices +(including copyright notices, patent notices, disclaimers of warranty, +or limitations of liability) contained within the Source Code Form of +the Covered Software, except that You may alter any license notices to +the extent required to remedy known factual inaccuracies. + +3.5. Application of Additional Terms + +You may choose to offer, and to charge a fee for, warranty, support, +indemnity or liability obligations to one or more recipients of Covered +Software. However, You may do so only on Your own behalf, and not on +behalf of any Contributor. You must make it absolutely clear that any +such warranty, support, indemnity, or liability obligation is offered by +You alone, and You hereby agree to indemnify every Contributor for any +liability incurred by such Contributor as a result of warranty, support, +indemnity or liability terms You offer. You may include additional +disclaimers of warranty and limitations of liability specific to any +jurisdiction. + +4. Inability to Comply Due to Statute or Regulation +--------------------------------------------------- + +If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this +License with respect to some or all of the Covered Software due to +statute, judicial order, or regulation then You must: (a) comply with +the terms of this License to the maximum extent possible; and (b) +describe the limitations and the code they affect. Such description must +be placed in a text file included with all distributions of the Covered +Software under this License. Except to the extent prohibited by statute +or regulation, such description must be sufficiently detailed for a +recipient of ordinary skill to be able to understand it. + +5. Termination +-------------- + +5.1. The rights granted under this License will terminate automatically +if You fail to comply with any of its terms. However, if You become +compliant, then the rights granted under this License from a particular +Contributor are reinstated (a) provisionally, unless and until such +Contributor explicitly and finally terminates Your grants, and (b) on an +ongoing basis, if such Contributor fails to notify You of the +non-compliance by some reasonable means prior to 60 days after You have +come back into compliance. Moreover, Your grants from a particular +Contributor are reinstated on an ongoing basis if such Contributor +notifies You of the non-compliance by some reasonable means, this is the +first time You have received notice of non-compliance with this License +from such Contributor, and You become compliant prior to 30 days after +Your receipt of the notice. + +5.2. If You initiate litigation against any entity by asserting a patent +infringement claim (excluding declaratory judgment actions, +counter-claims, and cross-claims) alleging that a Contributor Version +directly or indirectly infringes any patent, then the rights granted to +You by any and all Contributors for the Covered Software under Section +2.1 of this License shall terminate. + +5.3. In the event of termination under Sections 5.1 or 5.2 above, all +end user license agreements (excluding distributors and resellers) which +have been validly granted by You or Your distributors under this License +prior to termination shall survive termination. + +************************************************************************ +* * +* 6. Disclaimer of Warranty * +* ------------------------- * +* * +* Covered Software is provided under this License on an "as is" * +* basis, without warranty of any kind, either expressed, implied, or * +* statutory, including, without limitation, warranties that the * +* Covered Software is free of defects, merchantable, fit for a * +* particular purpose or non-infringing. The entire risk as to the * +* quality and performance of the Covered Software is with You. * +* Should any Covered Software prove defective in any respect, You * +* (not any Contributor) assume the cost of any necessary servicing, * +* repair, or correction. This disclaimer of warranty constitutes an * +* essential part of this License. No use of any Covered Software is * +* authorized under this License except under this disclaimer. * +* * +************************************************************************ + +************************************************************************ +* * +* 7. Limitation of Liability * +* -------------------------- * +* * +* Under no circumstances and under no legal theory, whether tort * +* (including negligence), contract, or otherwise, shall any * +* Contributor, or anyone who distributes Covered Software as * +* permitted above, be liable to You for any direct, indirect, * +* special, incidental, or consequential damages of any character * +* including, without limitation, damages for lost profits, loss of * +* goodwill, work stoppage, computer failure or malfunction, or any * +* and all other commercial damages or losses, even if such party * +* shall have been informed of the possibility of such damages. This * +* limitation of liability shall not apply to liability for death or * +* personal injury resulting from such party's negligence to the * +* extent applicable law prohibits such limitation. Some * +* jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of * +* incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion and * +* limitation may not apply to You. * +* * +************************************************************************ + +8. Litigation +------------- + +Any litigation relating to this License may be brought only in the +courts of a jurisdiction where the defendant maintains its principal +place of business and such litigation shall be governed by laws of that +jurisdiction, without reference to its conflict-of-law provisions. +Nothing in this Section shall prevent a party's ability to bring +cross-claims or counter-claims. + +9. Miscellaneous +---------------- + +This License represents the complete agreement concerning the subject +matter hereof. If any provision of this License is held to be +unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent +necessary to make it enforceable. Any law or regulation which provides +that the language of a contract shall be construed against the drafter +shall not be used to construe this License against a Contributor. + +10. Versions of the License +--------------------------- + +10.1. New Versions + +Mozilla Foundation is the license steward. Except as provided in Section +10.3, no one other than the license steward has the right to modify or +publish new versions of this License. Each version will be given a +distinguishing version number. + +10.2. Effect of New Versions + +You may distribute the Covered Software under the terms of the version +of the License under which You originally received the Covered Software, +or under the terms of any subsequent version published by the license +steward. + +10.3. Modified Versions + +If you create software not governed by this License, and you want to +create a new license for such software, you may create and use a +modified version of this License if you rename the license and remove +any references to the name of the license steward (except to note that +such modified license differs from this License). + +10.4. Distributing Source Code Form that is Incompatible With Secondary +Licenses + +If You choose to distribute Source Code Form that is Incompatible With +Secondary Licenses under the terms of this version of the License, the +notice described in Exhibit B of this License must be attached. + +Exhibit A - Source Code Form License Notice +------------------------------------------- + + This Source Code Form is subject to the terms of the Mozilla Public + License, v. 2.0. If a copy of the MPL was not distributed with this + file, You can obtain one at http://mozilla.org/MPL/2.0/. + +If it is not possible or desirable to put the notice in a particular +file, then You may include the notice in a location (such as a LICENSE +file in a relevant directory) where a recipient would be likely to look +for such a notice. + +You may add additional accurate notices of copyright ownership. + +Exhibit B - "Incompatible With Secondary Licenses" Notice +--------------------------------------------------------- + + This Source Code Form is "Incompatible With Secondary Licenses", as + defined by the Mozilla Public License, v. 2.0. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index a71735c..bac1d94 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -2,11 +2,277 @@ A Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) browser with a custom HTML chrome UI. +**Nebula Browser** is a controller-first web browser designed for Steam Deck, SteamOS-style systems, handheld PCs, living room setups, and gamepad-driven desktop environments. + +Originally developed as an Electron-based browser for SteamOS users, Nebula Browser is now being rebuilt with **CEF / Chromium Embedded Framework** to provide deeper control over the browser experience, improved native integration, and a cleaner long-term foundation for custom UI, controller navigation, and platform-specific builds. + +Development on Nebula Browser has somewhat resumed, with the project now moving toward a more native custom browser architecture. + +Nebula Browser is intended to remain open source. The browser source code is licensed under MPL-2.0, while Nebula branding and visual assets are protected separately. + ## Documentation - **[Cross-platform build & architecture](docs/cross-platform.md)** — how to use one repo for Windows, macOS, and Linux; CEF setup; source layout; porting status. -## Quick start (Windows) +--- + +## Project Status + +Nebula Browser is currently in early active redevelopment. + +The original Electron version proved the core idea: a browser built around controller use, large-screen navigation, and a UI that does not feel like a standard desktop browser awkwardly placed on a handheld gaming device. + +The new CEF version is the next major step. + +Current focus areas include: + +* Rebuilding the browser around CEF +* Creating a fully custom browser interface +* Moving away from default Chromium UI elements +* Reusing and adapting existing Nebula UI concepts where possible +* Supporting controller-first navigation +* Preparing for cross-platform builds across Windows, Linux, and macOS +* Creating a stronger foundation for future NebulaOS integration + +--- + +## Why CEF? + +Nebula Browser originally used Electron because it was fast to prototype, easy to package, and allowed the project to move quickly. However, Electron also comes with limits when building a browser that is meant to feel fully custom and deeply integrated with the operating system. + +The move to **CEF** allows Nebula Browser to become more than a web app wrapped in a browser shell. + +CEF gives the project: + +* More control over the native window and browser lifecycle +* Better separation between the browser engine and the custom UI +* Greater flexibility for building a non-Chrome-like interface +* A more suitable foundation for SteamOS, Linux, and future NebulaOS use +* The ability to build a browser that feels purpose-built rather than wrapped + +The goal is not to create another Chromium clone. The goal is to create a browser interface designed around how people actually use handhelds, controllers, TVs, and gaming-first systems. + +--- + +## Distribution Direction + +Nebula Browser was originally aimed at Steam. However, after exploring Steam as a release platform, it became clear that Steam may not be the best fit for this kind of application. + +The current distribution direction is: + +### Primary Target + +* **Itch.io** + +Itch.io is currently the most practical and flexible platform for distributing Nebula Browser. It allows the project to be released as a utility-style app without needing to fit into a traditional game store category. + +### Potential Future Targets + +* **Epic Games Store** +* **GOG** +* **Flatpak / Linux package distribution** +* **Direct downloads from the Nebula website** + +Epic Games and GOG are being considered as possible future distribution platforms, especially if Nebula Browser grows into a more polished desktop or gaming utility. These are not confirmed release platforms yet, but they remain possible options. + +--- + +## Open Source Direction + +Nebula Browser is intended to remain open source because browsers are privacy-sensitive software. Users should be able to inspect how the browser works, verify that it is not doing anything suspicious, and contribute fixes or improvements when they find problems. + +Open source is especially important for: + +* User trust +* Privacy transparency +* Linux and Steam Deck community adoption +* Cross-platform testing +* Community contributions +* Long-term sustainability + +The core Nebula Browser project should remain open source, including: + +* Browser shell +* CEF integration code +* Custom browser UI +* Controller navigation systems +* Settings and theme systems +* Build scripts and documentation + +Not every Nebula-related component has to be open source. Some future or external components may remain private or be licensed separately, such as: + +* NebulaOS-specific services +* Account systems +* Cloud sync +* Hosted backend services +* Internal analytics or crash reporting infrastructure +* Private distribution tooling +* Experimental unreleased features +* Protected branding assets + +Suggested openness model: + +```text +Nebula Browser: open source +Nebula Core: open source or source-available +NebulaOS: potentially partially open source +Nebula online services/backend: private +Branding assets: protected +``` + +--- + +## Core Vision + +Nebula Browser is built around one simple idea: + +> The web should be comfortable to use from a couch, handheld, controller, or gaming-focused operating system. + +Most browsers are designed around keyboards, mice, and desktop workflows. Nebula Browser is designed around a different experience. + +Nebula Browser aims to support: + +* Controller-first navigation +* Large, readable interface elements +* Gamepad-friendly menus and shortcuts +* Steam Deck and handheld PC usability +* Custom home pages and launcher-style navigation +* Better integration with gaming-focused environments +* A UI that feels closer to a console app than a traditional browser + +--- + +## Planned Features + +The CEF rebuild is still early, but the intended feature set includes: + +* Fully custom browser chrome +* Custom tab bar +* Custom address bar +* Controller-friendly navigation system +* On-screen keyboard support +* Bookmarks and quick access tiles +* Custom home page +* Desktop mode and controller mode +* Fullscreen and couch-friendly browsing +* Custom context menus +* Download management +* Settings system +* Theme support +* Steam Deck / handheld-focused layout options +* Optional integration with NebulaOS + +Some features may be ported or adapted from the earlier Electron version where it makes sense. + +--- + +## Nebula Core + +Nebula Browser may also make use of **Nebula Core**, a shared package system for Nebula-related projects. + +Nebula Core is intended to provide reusable systems such as: + +* Controller input handling +* Navigation helpers +* UI components +* Glyphs and button prompts +* Theming utilities +* On-screen keyboard systems +* Shared Nebula project logic + +Because the new browser is CEF-based rather than Electron-based, some Nebula Core modules may need to be adapted for native integration or used through the browser UI layer rather than directly inside the C++ application layer. + +--- + +## Relationship to NebulaOS + +Nebula Browser is part of the wider **Nebula Project** ecosystem. + +NebulaOS is a controller-focused operating system / shell concept designed around gaming, handheld PCs, and living room devices. Nebula Browser is intended to become one of the key built-in applications for that ecosystem. + +While Nebula Browser can exist as a standalone app, its long-term role is to provide a web browsing experience that feels native inside NebulaOS. + +--- + +## Technology Stack + +The current redevelopment direction uses: + +* **C++** for the native browser shell +* **CEF / Chromium Embedded Framework** for web rendering +* **HTML, CSS, and JavaScript** for the custom browser UI +* **CMake** for project configuration +* Platform-specific CEF builds for Windows, Linux, and macOS + +The previous version used Electron, but the current direction is focused on CEF. + +--- + +## Repository Structure + +The repository structure may change as the CEF rebuild develops, but the project is expected to follow a layout similar to: + +```text +NebulaBrowser/ +├── app/ +│ ├── browser/ +│ ├── ui/ +│ └── platform/ +├── cef/ +│ └── README.md +├── resources/ +│ ├── icons/ +│ ├── themes/ +│ └── pages/ +├── scripts/ +├── third_party/ +├── CMakeLists.txt +└── README.md +``` + +CEF itself should generally not be committed directly into the repository. Instead, platform-specific CEF builds should be downloaded separately and placed into the expected local folder during development. + +--- + +## Development Notes + +Nebula Browser is still experimental and in transition from the original Electron version to the new CEF version. + +Expect changes in: + +* Build setup +* File structure +* UI architecture +* Controller input systems +* Platform support +* Packaging and distribution + +The project is not yet considered production-ready. + +--- + +## Building + +Build instructions will be expanded as the CEF version becomes more stable. + +At a high level, development requires: + +1. A supported C++ compiler +2. CMake +3. A downloaded CEF binary distribution for your operating system +4. The Nebula Browser source code +5. A local build folder + +Example build flow: + +```bash +cmake -S . -B build +cmake --build build +``` + +More detailed platform-specific instructions will be added later. For macOS/Linux prerequisites, directory structure, and current port status, see [docs/cross-platform.md](docs/cross-platform.md). + +### Quick start (Windows) 1. Download the [CEF standard binary distribution](https://cef-builds.spotifycdn.com/index.html) for Windows 64-bit. 2. Extract into `thirdparty/cef/` so `thirdparty/cef/cmake/FindCEF.cmake` exists. @@ -19,8 +285,67 @@ A Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) browser with a custom HTML chrome UI. 4. Run `build\Release\NebulaBrowser.exe`. -For macOS/Linux prerequisites, directory structure, and current port status, see [docs/cross-platform.md](docs/cross-platform.md). +--- -## License +## Platform Goals + +Nebula Browser is being designed with cross-platform support in mind. + +Target platforms include: + +* Windows +* Linux +* SteamOS / Steam Deck +* macOS + +Linux and SteamOS are especially important because Nebula Browser was originally created to solve a gap in the handheld and couch-browsing experience. + +--- + +## Release Plans + +Nebula Browser does not currently have a fixed release date. + +The current release plan is: + +1. Rebuild the core browser shell in CEF +2. Replace default Chromium UI with a custom Nebula interface +3. Restore core browser functionality +4. Add controller-first navigation +5. Prepare an early public build +6. Release through Itch.io first +7. Explore additional distribution options later + +--- + +## Contributing + +Nebula Browser is currently a personal / experimental project and is still finding its new technical direction. + +Contributions, ideas, testing, and feedback may become more open once the CEF rebuild has a more stable foundation. + +--- + +## Licensing + +Nebula Browser separates source code licensing from branding and visual assets. + +The preferred licensing direction is: + +* **Source code:** Mozilla Public License 2.0 +* **Documentation:** CC BY 4.0, unless otherwise specified +* **Branding, logos, icons, names, and visual identity:** All Rights Reserved, unless explicitly stated otherwise + +MPL-2.0 is being used because it is a practical open-source license for a browser-style project. It allows people to use, modify, and contribute to the code while requiring changes to MPL-licensed files to remain open under the same license. + +The Nebula name, logo, and brand identity are not automatically granted for reuse just because the code is open source. See [ASSETS-LICENSE.md](ASSETS-LICENSE.md) for the separate asset and branding terms. See the CEF distribution and Chromium license terms for third-party runtime components. + +--- + +## About + +Nebula Browser is created as part of the wider Nebula Project, a collection of software experiments focused on controller-first computing, gaming-focused interfaces, and custom desktop experiences. + +The project began as a browser for SteamOS and Steam Deck users, but is now evolving into a more flexible, native, and custom browser experience built around CEF.