14 DAY TRIAL // Mozilla is really struggling to deal with the issues impacting the next major version of its open source browser.
Firefox 4.0 development milestones have suffered numerous delays, and the upcoming Beta Build, the eight release, is no exception to this rule.
Initially planned for delivery by the end of November 2010, Firefox 4.0 Beta 8 is still not here, and chances are that Mozilla won’t be able to release it by the end of this week.
After being pushed into December, the release of Firefox 4.0 Beta 8 was synchronized with that of Firefox 4 Mobile Beta 3. Both were planned for launch earlier this week, which obviously, wasn’t the case.
On December 8th, 2010, Mozilla was noting that it still had to resolve a total of 8 blockers in order to ship Firefox 4.0 Beta 8.
Blockers are severe bugs capable of impacting the development process considerably by postponing releases, unless they’re resolved in time.
In total, the open source browser vendor had to deal with 196 blockers but only managed to fix 184 as of December 8.
Mozilla is expected to reveal changed plans for the release of Firefox 4.0 Beta 8 later today. Keep your eyes on this space and I’ll provide an update when new info is available.
I still believe that Mozilla will deliver Firefox 4.0 Beta 8 in December, although when exactly will this happen is unclear.
However, I’m extremely skeptic that the open source browser vendor will manage to offer any additional beta releases by the end of this year.
Remember, Mozilla still plans to offer Firefox 4.0 Beta 9 and Beta 10 before it starts shipping the first Release Candidate of the browser.
Considering the fact that Firefox 4.0 was supposed to be finalized by October or November, the browser has suffered quite a delay, and one which apparently continues to grow.
Firefox 4.0 Beta 7 for Windows is available for download here.
Firefox 4.0 Beta 7 for Linux is available for download here.
Firefox 4.0 Beta 7 for Mac is available for download here.