For Firefox 42, Mozilla has come up with numerous innovations. Whether behind it more than just hot air, reveals Firefox CVP.
Mozilla has completed work on Firefox 42 and released the fresh version of its browser for download. After a long wait a blast for many Firefox fans: The manufacturers are finally free the 64-bit version of Windows, at least semi-officially. The version promises more security in addition to optimized acceleration and better handling of large applications, such as complex browser games.
Firefox 64-bit everyday
The biggest advantage of 64-bit architecture is the better utilization of memory. While the classic 32-bit version can effectively use more than 3.5 gigabyte here, the border moves with the modern architecture to multiple terabytes. While there is likely to currently barely give Web applications that take advantage of more than a gigabyte, but who handled regularly with a variety open tabs, great photos and sophisticated browser games, is pleased about the new freedoms – assuming sufficient memory. In addition, the modern architecture supports new security features on Windows.
Fast thanks to modern architecture?
The 64-bit version can be used in a single step process twice as much information as the 32-bit version, but this is true only on paper. COMPUTER BILD has both versions sent by various benchmark tests, to check the speed. Surprise: During both the 64- and 32-bit version of Firefox 42 in Peacekeeper – and Jetstream test are neck, expects the classic version with Octane, V8 and Browsermark even faster. Here, however, it can be assumed that the developers make improvements with the next versions of Firefox, especially as the differences are rather in measuring the noticeable area.
Now switch to Firefox 64-bit?
A key difference between the versions is there, however, is of no benefit for 64-bit fans: In the 64-bit version of Mozilla has removed the support for the so-called NPAPI plug-ins – ie browser extensions such as Silverlight and Here Java no longer work, only for Flash developers offer a solution to. Anyone who relies on Silverlight & Co., should continue to use the “old” Firefox. But even with him the support end of 2016. Mozilla ends also points out that they do not support the 64-bit version is currently completely, which is why the manufacturer is not applying the version on its own website. First they wanted to make sure that the version works correctly in all areas. In addition, one is located at Mozilla is not yet certain whether the new 64-bit version is to go through the update function automatically to all Firefox users with 64-bit Windows, or if only to appear a reference to the new version, so Mark Mayo, vice president at Mozilla and responsible for Firefox opposite Golem.
Tracking Protection for Firefox 42
The Mozilla Borwser offers even more: In Firefox Mozilla 42 drilled on the private browsing mode. Made the so far only that no surfing traces such as history, cookies, search queries remained on the local machine, the new difficult Tracking Protection also record the internet activities of the user for online services: The browser blocked the loading of so-called Tracker (Analysis tools that enable website operators, the behavior of their visitors evaluate).
Only in private browsing mode
Mozilla switches the tracking protection not generally free, but limited his activity to private window. The browser maker has also revamped the homepage of the privacy mode: Here is now recognizable at first glance which data of the browser stores and which are not. The display for the tracking protection indicates whether the function is active. On request, the option for the current session can leave. Who wants to disable the function in general, takes place in the browser’s preferences under the menu itemNotice the option. When browsing displays a shield icon in the address bar when Firefox blocked elements. If, because of the tracking protection errors, it can be deactivated for the affected side with two clicks. The adjustment applies only to the current surfing session. “Faster Browsing: With these shortcuts, you conquer the power in the storm. Who wants to know what Firefox has blocked everything, the Web console calls via the browser menu (developer tools) or Use the key combination Ctrl, Shift and k on. New of the Tracking Protection is actually not: Since Firefox 39 is the function for testing part of the browser – by default it is disabled. Comparable features offered far as extensions Ghostery, Privacy Badger, Light Beam. The new Tracking Protection is also in the Android version of Firefox.
Firefox 42: identify noisemakers
Websites that excel by playing music or videos, let make faster locate 42 with the desktop version of Firefox: The browser displays a speaker icon in the tab title of the web page. Tabs, give the sounds of itself, can be personalized with a click on the quick and easy to mute speaker icon. Chrome makes to such Ruhestörer since version 32 attentive but also offers until most recently the option to quickly mute individual tabs.
More comfort for sensitive data and new features of Android version
The developers have made refinements to the password manager of the browser. So is Firefox 42 now on an improved management and storage of credentials. In addition, can now also be stored in Chrome, Internet Explorer, and in Edge passwords in Firefox import. Under Android Firefox has the option, all stored access data easily at the address about: logins to retrieve and edit. Also new for mobile offshoot is the possibility to save links from external apps in background and call when you open the browser. In addition, for the first time on board: Kinderfox. This refers Mozilla a special family mode in the Android version. The offers parents more control over the browser to take advantage of the young to the digital canvas. They suppress such as installing apps or disable the Developer Tools and the deletion of the Chronicle. The feature is only available on tablets available, on which at least Android 4.3 is installed. Mozilla wants the functionality to expand, would be conceivable, for example, the filtering of specific contents and child-friendly standard bookmarks.
Other new features for Firefox
The desktop version scores with a more convenient search function on the home page.So shows the search box on the default home page (about: home) and when you open a new tab (about: newtab) now search engine suggestions. According to the Protocol ofAmendment, the developers have made numerous adjustments to the new network standard for real-time communication in the network (WebRTC). Firefox 42 again has numerous innovations for developers. In terms of HTML5 support improved Mozilla according to his browser.
Conclusion: Firefox 42
While Firefox last was rather unremarkable in terms of new features, Mozilla Firefox sets with 42 before a convincing update with useful improvements. With the release of the 64-bit version, the manufacturer ends the years of discussion on this variant – with a view to the future of the step was long overdue, even if benefit power users of the benefits in the first place. For everyday use much more interesting is the new Tracking Protection. Thus Mozilla extends the private mode makes sense, so that the last up to its name. Means the company stated function not enabled by default, is a good compromise in view of the different interests of users, website owners and advertising industry. With the ability to identify noisy Tabs quickly and immobilize a single click, Firefox 42 gets the third meaningful innovation. The developers have also numerous rough edges smoothed and stuffed some security leaks.
