Mozilla has today rolled out the latest version of their Firefox browser, version 14. This new release brings with it a number of new features, as well as automatically encrypting Google searches by default.
Now when searching using Firefox 14 in either the location bar, search box, or the right-click menu, any searches within Firefox 14 will automatically be sent to Google through a secure (HTTPS) connection as a default setting.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
Mozilla says you shouldn’t notice any difference while searching via the new secure method, but your Google search suggestions and search results will use HTTPS and be shown through a secure website. This enhancement is particularly significant in the current digital age where privacy and security are paramount. By encrypting searches, Firefox 14 ensures that your search queries are protected from potential eavesdroppers, providing an additional layer of security. This is especially beneficial when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, where data interception is a common threat.
New Features and Improvements
Other new features within the Mozilla Firefox 14 release include support for Pointer Lock, which has been added to improve mouse control for internet-based applications and, in particular, games. The Pointer Lock API allows web applications to capture the mouse pointer, providing a more immersive and responsive experience. This is particularly useful for first-person shooter games and other applications that require precise mouse movements. The Pointer Lock API also includes support for fullscreen mode in Mac OS X 10.7, enhancing the gaming and application experience on Apple devices.
In addition to these features, Firefox 14 has made several under-the-hood improvements to enhance overall performance and stability. For instance, the browser now includes better memory management, which helps in reducing crashes and improving the speed of web page loading. This is crucial for users who frequently have multiple tabs open or use resource-intensive web applications.
Moreover, Firefox 14 has introduced a new plugin architecture that isolates plugins from the main browser process. This means that if a plugin crashes, it won’t bring down the entire browser, thereby improving reliability. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who rely on various plugins for their daily browsing activities.
For more information, jump over to the Mozilla website for details.
Source: Mozilla
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