14 DAY TRIAL // Firefox 4 Beta has been released with much fanfare for Mac, Windows, and Linux, although the biggest improvements are yet to arrive for users of Apple’s computers. The new release includes an updated Windows interface “that's sleeker and easier to use,” Mozilla announced. A new Add-ons manager, WebM video support (HD quality video), enhanced HTML 5, Privacy, and CSS support are present in all versions of the beta (including Mac OS X). Coming in later releases are speed Improvements, and the ability to sync all your passwords, bookmarks, and settings across devices.
The new Tab Location is a feature that enables users to choose where they see their tabs in the web browser’s upper side. “Tabs are given top visual priority for more efficient and intuitive browsing,” Mozilla says. The new Add-Ons Manager brings an easier way to manage your add-ons, as well as new options for personalizing the browsing experience. Weighing in on the WebM and HD Video support, Mozilla states: “As pioneers of HTML5 video standards, Firefox also supports the WebM format so you can watch open HD quality video.”
As far as security is concerned, the team of developers in charge with maintaining Firefox has fixed “flaws in some web standards that allow bad guys to snoop around and expose your browser history.”
Under the hood, tweaks are also listed over at Mozilla’s web site. For example, developers are now able to build real-time online interactions like gaming and chatting, thanks to some new additions in Firefox 4. The new support for CSS3 allows web designers to make their pages look better and load faster. Much like everyone else these days, Mozilla is also picking up the pace in supporting HTML5, using a new parser and full support for web video, audio, drag & drop, and file handling.
Also noteworthy for programmers, application data can now be stored locally for cloud applications like Gmail or GDocs to launch and work faster and more reliable, even when not connected to the web.
Firefox also includes the latest anti-crash protection technologies, allowing it to stay running the Adobe Flash, Apple QuickTime or Microsoft Silverlight plugins without crashing. Users simply reload the page to restart the plugin and try again, according to the browser’s makers.
A list of upcoming new features is provided, with Mozilla noting that the new interface will soon be available for Mac and Linux users. A new Sync ability is also mentioned. Use the link below to download the latest version of Firefox for Mac.