Mozilla has updated its Firefox browser for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android on Tuesday, bringing it to version 29. The firm claims the updated browser is the ‘most customisable Firefox ever’ with an ‘elegant new design’.
The latest Firefox 29 update for Windows, Mac and Linux brings ‘sleek new tabs and an overall modern look,’ with a greater highlight on the current tab that sees other tabs fading in the background for less distraction. Other changes include a redesigned and customisable Firefox menu, which opens up as a pane on the right side, features all the controls in one place, and lets users add or edit features, add-ons and tools. The update also allows users to easily access the Firefox Add-ons Manager via the menu pane.
These changes to the menu pane and the numerous customisation options are part of Mozilla’s effort to offer a ‘simplified main interface’, which now instead of overwhelming users with features and options, provides the most-used options only, while giving users the ability to add what they require. The redesigned tab structure, and the menu now being located on the right side, notably makes it similar to Google’s Chrome browser.
The biggest new change however, is the new and improved Firefox Sync service gives users the access to their ‘Awesome Bar’ browsing history along with saved passwords and bookmarks across desktop and mobile devices. The sync service can be experienced once the user has a Firefox Account.
Other changes described on the Firefox v29 release notes page for Windows, Mac, and Linux include an interactive onboarding tour to guide users through the new Firefox changes, a newly enabled Gamepad API, and the use of HTTPS for Yahoo Searches performed in en-US locale.
Describing the changes on the official Firefox blog, Mozilla said, “We reimagined and redesigned Firefox to reflect how you use the Web today and we are excited to introduce many features including an elegant and fun design, new menu, customization mode and an enhanced Firefox Sync service powered by Firefox Accounts.”
The update of Firefox for Android comes with the updated Sync functionality; the addition of multiple quick share buttons; new hide/Default panel options; search via Bing plugin when it is set as default, and better integration for Open Web Apps. The update also replaces the throbber with a progress bar, and removes ability to ‘send tab’ to a remote device. Some of the developer tools like Synthetic APKs, ‘Box-sizing’, SharedWorker, and CSS3 variables have also been included. The favicon.ico decoding has been now fixed.
The updated Firefox for Android browser can be downloaded via the Google Play app store, whilst the updated Firefox for Windows, Mac, and Linux browsers can be downloaded from Mozilla’s page, or updated directly from within the browser for existing users.
