Mozilla unveils latest Firefox desktop and Android web browsers

 Mozilla has unveiled the latest versions of its desktop and Android Firefox web browser, adding a host of security and performance-boosting features to the application.

The new desktop version is confirmed to feature a new Share button on the Firefox toolbar and a Mixed Content Blocker. Mozilla said the Share feature will integrate several social media content services into the browser.


Mozilla said in a blog post: "You can post an interesting article to your profile, share a recipe with your friends or send an idea for a gift in a private message or email, all without leaving the Web page you are visiting. You can try out this now with Facebook Messenger for Firefox or Cliqz."

The Mixed Content Blocker was announced earlier in June and is designed to improve the browser's security. Mozilla said the addition will make it harder for cyber criminals and general hackers to target Firefox users with man-in-the-middle attacks.

"When secure HTTPS pages load additional content insecurely over HTTP (AKA mixed content), users are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle and eavesdropping attacks. The Mixed Content Blocker will block insecure active content by default, protecting our users from these attacks," said Mozilla.

Firefox for Android's features are less enterprise-focused with the main additions working to improve the browser's Awesome Screen. This screen is designed to improve the browser's auto-fill powers, tweaking them to reference the user's favourite websites when offering suggestions.

"The Awesome Screen now completes your URL destination as you type to get you to your favourite sites faster. Firefox for Android includes Switch to Tab that lets you easily find and switch to any open tab from your Awesome Screen without opening duplicate tabs. The title bar in Firefox for Android hides while not in use to make your entire screen available for your content. Simply pull down the title bar from the top of the screen when you are ready to use it again," said the firm.

The Android browser also features improved RSS feed integration, designed to let users more easily subscribe for updates on their favourite websites.

"Firefox for Android includes an updated RSS feed reader to create a simple way to subscribe to an RSS feed. If you go to any page with a discoverable RSS feed and long-tap on the URL bar, you will be given the option to Subscribe to Page," read the blog post.

Improved RSS integration will be a boon, especially since Google recently ended support for its own Reader service. Both versions of the new Firefox browser are available for download now on Mozilla's main website.

8/08/2013