Mozilla has today launched the next version of their Internet browser, Firefox 9. Today’s unofficial launch comes one day ahead of the official launch tomorrow, following on from the beta version that was released back on November 11th, 2011.
The new Firefox 9 browser brings with it a number of new enhancements and performance tweaks, and extra speed whilst browsing. With improved JavaScript execution speed of around 20 to 30%, users can expect a noticeably faster and more efficient browsing experience. This improvement is particularly beneficial for web applications and sites that rely heavily on JavaScript, making the overall user experience smoother and more responsive.
Enhanced Features and Optimizations
Together with optimizations, Firefox 9 also boasts improved theme integration, which allows the browser to blend more seamlessly with the operating system’s native look and feel. This is particularly noticeable for Mac OS X Lion users, who will appreciate the two-finger swipe navigation feature. This gesture-based navigation makes it easier to move back and forth between web pages, enhancing the overall user experience.
In addition to these user-facing features, Firefox 9 includes several under-the-hood improvements. The browser now supports additional HTML5 and CSS standards, which are crucial for modern web development. These enhancements ensure that web developers can create richer, more interactive websites that are compatible with the latest web technologies.
Developer-Friendly Enhancements
One of the notable new features for developers is the ability to query a user’s “Do Not Track” status via JavaScript. This feature allows websites to respect user privacy preferences more effectively by checking whether the user has enabled the “Do Not Track” option in their browser settings. This is a significant step towards enhancing user privacy on the web, as it gives users more control over how their data is tracked and used by websites.
Moreover, Firefox 9 includes various bug fixes and stability improvements, which contribute to a more reliable browsing experience. These fixes address issues reported by users and developers during the beta testing phase, ensuring that the final release is as polished and stable as possible.
You can download Firefox 9 now (Windows / Mac / Linux) or see the full release notes.
In summary, Firefox 9 represents a significant step forward for Mozilla’s popular web browser. With its enhanced performance, improved theme integration, and new developer-friendly features, it offers a more robust and enjoyable browsing experience. Whether you’re a casual user or a web developer, Firefox 9 has something to offer. The browser’s commitment to supporting the latest web standards and respecting user privacy makes it a strong contender in the competitive browser market.
Source: Mozilla
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