05/06, 8:28am
Barnes & Noble discount Nook HD, HD+ for Mother's Day
Barnes & Noble has dropped the price of its Nook HD and Nook HD+ tablets as part of a Mother's Day promotion. For the next week, the retailer will be selling the 7-inch Nook HD from $149 for the 8GB and $179 for the 16GB models, while the 9-inch Nook HD+ is priced at $179 for 16GB of storage and $209 for 32GB. The discounts, varying between $50 and $90 depending on model, will apply until May 12th.
more
05/03, 8:49am
Mozilla updates Firefox OS simulator to 3.0, adds rotation, geolocation
Mozilla has rolled out a new version of its Firefox OS simulator, in order to help with application development. The emulator update to version 3.0, surfacing just after the first developer devices started shipping, adds a number of features, including rotation simulation, basic simulation of a geolocation API, newer versions of the Firefox rendering engine and Gaia UI, Push to Device, and a number of other bug fixes. The simulator is available to download as a Firefox desktop browser extension.
more
04/23, 6:51am
Geeksphone Keon, Peak Firefox OS developer preview devices out now
The first Firefox OS developer preview handsets are now shipping, starting at 119 euros for the entry-level model and 194 euros for a more fully specified device. Although the devices are aimed at developers, anyone can put down the cash for the new smartphones for shipment to a number of different countries, plus postage costs. The first devices to go on sale are the Keon and the Peak, both made by Geeksphone of Spain and feature mobile apps developed in HTML5.
more
04/07, 3:54pm
New API to help pay for goods through credit cards, carrier billing
Mozilla has introduced a new web payment system for devices running on Firefox OS, as part of the company's pitch to foster carrier adoption of the software. The JavaScript API titled navigator.mozPay() will allow for the payment of digital products online, with users charged either through a credit card or via their carrier in a phone bill.
more
03/21, 9:54am
Modular malware
A new Mac trojan is inserting ads into Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, says a Russian security firm, Doctor Web. Nicknamed "Trojan.Yontoo.1," the malware is so far being distributed through movie trailer pages, which prompt people to download a browser plugin, a media player, a video enhancer, or a download accelerator. When launched, the malware asks to be installed under a name such as "Free Twit Tube."
more
03/11, 9:41am
Nothing in development, says executive
Mozilla won't be bringing Firefox to iOS so long as Apple maintains its currently policy towards third-party browsers, according to the company's VP of product, Jay Sullivan. The executive made the comments over the weekend as the ongoing SXSW gathering in Austin, Texas. He added that the company isn't currently building a Firefox iOS app, and isn't planning to. The problem, Sullivan noted, is that App Store rules prevent Mozilla from porting its rendering and JavaScript engines to iOS.
more
03/10, 9:23pm
Bounties paid for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Java vulnerabilities
Google's Chrome OS managed to evade all intrusion attempts during the most recent Pwnium hacking competition. While Chrome OS survived intact, Chrome the web browser joined Firefox and Internet Explorer in being shown vulnerable to attack from hackers, during the Pwn2Own contest held at the CanSecWest security conference at the same time.
more
02/28, 1:05pm
Non-conforming devices barred from using Firefox name
Smartphones running Firefox OS must meet a set of minimum requirements in order to carry the Firefox branding, in future. Manufacturers wanting their device to be an official Firefox product will need to have the Firefox browser and official marketplace installed, as well as agreeing to a basic list of specifications and other similar requirements.
more
02/25, 11:49am
ZTE and Alcatel target emerging markets
High-end smartphones typically dominate the news at Mobile World Congress, leaving us surprised by the amount of attention garnered by Mozilla's Firefox OS. Earlier this week we checked out Alcatel's One Touch Fire, and today we had a chance to try out ZTE's Open. Both are geared for emerging markets, focusing on maximum features from basic hardware via an operating system built from web standards.
more
02/24, 4:34pm
One of first phones with Firefox OS
Mozilla was one of the first companies to hold a Mobile World Congress press conference, where the developer focused on its Firefox OS for mobile devices. Electronista had a chance to try out Alcatel's One Touch Fire, one of the first production devices to embrace the platform. The handset is clearly an entry-level smartphone, seated in a market suited for the fledgling OS.
more
02/24, 1:19pm
No device manufacturers announced, devices expected in 2013
At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona today, Mozilla made several announcements about Firefox OS, including a preview of the first commercial build of its open mobile ecosystem, new details on new Firefox OS operator rollout plans, and the launch of Firefox Marketplace. The first Firefox OS phones are expected later this year, mostly in European and South American markets.
more
02/19, 4:46am
Downloads made available earlier than official launch
Mozilla has made Firefox 19 available for download, ahead of a launch scheduled for later today. The new version of the browser, available through Mozilla's FTP server, introduces built-in PDF support through its own PDF.js JavaScript engine, instead of relying on a plug-in from Adobe, as well as other performance and bug fixes.
more
01/31, 7:49am
MWC press conference to show new phones
ZTE is planning to reveal two smartphones at Mobile World Congress next month. The Grand Memo is an 5.7-inch device running on Android, which also appears to be similar to the previously leaked P945, while a second device is expected to be the manufacturer's first smartphone that will run the new Mozilla Firefox OS.
more
01/22, 1:14pm
First devices using HTML5-based apps for native app functions
Mozilla has shown off two "developer preview" smartphones running its mobile Firefox OS. Named the Keon and Peak, the pair of unlocked mobile phones have been make in partnership with Geeksphone of Spain, and are designed to give developers a platform to create and test apps for the new mobile operating system.
more
01/08, 3:42pm
Implements first support for WebRTC
Mozilla has released Firefox 18, a fresh update of its multi-platform web browser. The new code is most relevant to MacBook Pro owners, as it adds support for the ultra-high resolutions on Retina displays. Performance is another focus of the update though, as it smooths out tab switching, boosts JavaScript speeds via the IonMonkey compiler, and improves image quality through a new HTML scaling algorithm.
more
12/03, 4:58pm
Messenger takes advantage of Mozilla's new Social API
Facebook and Mozilla today announced the release of the new Facebook Messenger for Firefox, which builds access to messaging on the social network directly into Mozilla's browser. The new Facebook integration requires an update to the most recent version of Firefox, but can be activated afterward simply by visiting the Facebook Messenger for Firefox page.
more
11/26, 4:36pm
Also adds IonMonkey, W3C touch technology
Mozilla has released a new beta of Firefox, its multiplatform web browser. The code makes several significant changes, most notably adding Retina display support for the MacBook Pro. It also implements the IonMonkey JavaScript JIT compiler, which is said to speed up JavaScript-heavy webpages, such as web apps.
more
11/20, 1:02pm
Thunderbird, now discontinued, also gets security and bug updates
Mozilla today made available version 17 of its Firefox desktop browser, bringing a number of functionality fixes and security upgrades. The upgrade brings an improved Awesome Bar experience with larger icons, revision of the Social API and support for Facebook Messenger, and click-to-play blocklisting to prevent vulnerable plugin versions from running without user permission. The version update brings one major exclusion, though: it drops support for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.
more
10/21, 8:00pm
Android beta users can get early look at Firefox apps
The app marketplace that will supplement Mozilla's Firefox browser and Firefox OS is now accessible by users of the Android Firefox Beta browser. The fledgling marketplace shows off a number of the apps, games, and utilities that will be available on Mozilla's forthcoming mobile operating system when it debuts next year. The marketplace is still in a beta stage and only accessible on Android mobile devices.
more
09/03, 12:36pm
Source code made available for community development
Mozilla, having recently announced it was suspending development on Thunderbird, has now pulled its two-year-old Firefox Home browser from the App Store, saying the project provided "valuable insight and experience with the platform." The source code for Firefox Home's iOS Sync feature has been posted to Github, stripped of any Mozilla trademarks with a hope for further community development. The company says it will "continue to explore" iOS opportunities.
more
08/28, 3:37pm
Variants posted for mobile and desktop platforms
Mozilla has released Firefox 15 for desktop platforms and Android devices, along with its Thunderbird 15 e-mail client. The company has finally brought its redesigned Android browser to tablet devices, adding a tablet-optimized UI with a redesigned "Awesome Bar," a new tabs experience that supports swipe-to-close, and many of the performance enhancements that recently arrived on the smartphone edition.
more
07/18, 8:48pm
Antitrust investigation to see whether Windows 8 is unfair
Regulators in the European Union are looking into whether Microsoft's browser policy for the forthcoming Windows 8 constitutes a violation of antitrust rules to which Microsoft had previously agreed. As Ars Technica reports, the investigation is but one of two in which European regulators are taking Microsoft to task over the browser policies on its Windows platforms.
more
07/17, 4:06pm
Improvements also for Awesome Bar and developer mouse control
Mozilla has made Firefox version 14 available for download. The update introduces auto-completion of URLs typed into the Awesome Bar, along with encrypted Google searches enabled by default, to shield personal details from parties collecting data through the network infrastructure. The Pointer Lock API has also been added, allowing developers to improve mouse control for games and Internet applications.
more
06/08, 1:47pm
Google deal presumed to influence Mozilla decision
Mozilla will replace Yandex with Google as the default search engine in Russia for the next version of Firefox. Local favorite Yandex has been the default option for the Russian version of the browser since 2009, but will be replaced earlier than the end of the year as previously stated, according to The Next Web. The Russian search company will continue to offer its own Yandex-branded version of Firefox, however, until the end of the year.
more
06/04, 4:10pm
Firefox 13 available for download with more Chrome-like features
Mozilla has now released the full version of its Firefox 13 web browser, the first beta version of which came out at the end of April. Those who didn't get the beta will be able to download the latest software on Tuesday. The most prominent changes include a new home and tab screens, along with the newfound compatibility of the Google-backed SPDY protocol.
more
05/14, 4:30am
Mozilla says lack of browser choice takes users back to dark ages
The Mozilla Foundation, maker of the Firefox web browser, is calling out Microsoft for anticompetitive practices with regard to browser capabilities on the upcoming Windows RT. In a blog post, Mozilla's General Counsel Harvey Anderson takes Microsoft to task for programming decisions that will limit the power and feature set of non-Internet Explorer browsers in the next version of Windows.
more
05/02, 12:24pm
New design aims for consistent experience
Mozilla is working to introduce a standard Firefox user experience that will carry across desktop, smartphone, and tablet form factors. A slideshow from Mozilla's recently-combined desktop and mobile design teams shows how the teams plan to carry a "soft, friendly, and human" design approach across a number of platforms.
more
04/27, 2:45pm
Firefox 13 to support SPDY, gets New Tab feature
With Firefox 13 due out in about six weeks, Mozilla has made an early version of the browser available to download from the company's beta release channel. The browser will get a new look WebMonkey reported, with a redesigned home page and a New Tab feature. The latter gets links to the most recently and frequently visited sites, with the option of pinning favorite sites and a button to reject sites that the user doesn't want to see.
more
04/24, 4:05pm
Mozilla changes look of favicons for security
Mozilla has revealed on Monday that its Firefox web browser got a change in its latest Nightly build. The change relates to the favicon to the left of the website address in the address bar, with sites that don't have SSL certificates or host mixed content now getting a generic globe. Sites with SSL certificates with Extended Validation will get green padlock icons, while gray padlocks will be reserved for SSL sites without validation.
more
04/24, 3:20pm
Firefox 12 final ready to go
Mozilla has posted the finished release of Firefox 12. The browser has a key update each for Mac and Windows users. Windows' update is most conspicuous and doesn't need the user to confirm the update in a User Account Control prompt on Vista or 7. Mac users see a lift, as Mozilla has fixed slow WebGL graphics performance on some hardware.
more
04/09, 3:15pm
Firefox nightlies to support WebRTC for video chat
Mozilla is gearing up to allow a plugin-free approach to video chat in upcoming versions of Firefox. A demo at the IETF 83 conference caught by TechCrunch showed off the implementation of WebRTC, an HTML5 component that will allow two-way voice, video, and file swaps. As shown, it would sign in with Mozilla's Social API.
more
04/04, 4:50pm
Motorola Webtop 3.0 beta shows up in leaked video
Motorola's Webtop interface for its Android docking mode has been updated to support Android 4.0. Leaked in a video, embedded below, the Webtop 3.0 beta software appears to be much improved, and offers a less heavily customized appearance and feature-set than before. Unfortunately, Firefox is cut from the preloaded software and has been replaced by a version of the stock Android 4.0 browser.
more
04/03, 5:20pm
Previews looks for webpages and blogs
Mozilla developers have posted their latest progress update for their efforts to create a working prototype for Firefox running on Windows 8. In it, for the first time, they have hinted at what the app could ultimately look like under the new Microsoft operating system. The team acknowledges that there is still a lot of work to do, but has said nothing altering their schedule to develop the proof of concept.
more
04/02, 1:20pm
NetApplications shows second big increase for IE
New NetApplications data has shown that Internet Explorer might be on a sustained, if slight, recovery in web share. Microsoft's browser gained almost exactly one point to hit 53.83 percent of browser use online. The gain roughly mirrored one from January and saw IE at its highest position since October.
more
03/22, 1:20pm
Facebook ups photo resolution by a factor of four
Facebook on Thursday announced it has enhanced the photo experience on the social network by adding high-resolution photo support and full screen viewing. When a user clicks on a photo, it will be displayed in the highest possible resolution, which can be four times bigger than previously. The full screen view is available in the latest version of Firefox or Chrome browsers through an arrow button in the top right corner of the photo.
more
03/21, 10:55am
Spike sees Chrome get one-day browser lead
A brief if historic milestone in web browsers occurred this weekend as Google Chrome temporarily overtook Microsoft's Internet Explorer in usage, StatCounter found Wednesday. For one day, March 18, Chrome had 32.71 percent of traffic to IE's 32.5 percent. A rise in share from Brazil, India, and Russia was credited for the sudden position swap.
more
03/19, 1:55pm
Mozilla loses Blizzard to California start-up
Chris Blizzard served his last day as Mozilla's director of Web platform this past Friday, March 16, he revealed on his blog. He will move on to a "very small startup" based in Palo Alto, though didn't go on to name it. Blizzard would only say the work involves the intersection of systems, compilers, and web-scale problems.
more
03/15, 6:05am
Mozilla lists all Firefox enhancements for 2012
Mozilla has detailed its 2012 Firefox roadmap. As with 2011, Mozilla plans on maintaining a rapid update schedule. Users can expect updates coming frequently so that features and fixes are rolled out quickly. However, instead of causing users to experience ‘update fatigue’ with the rapid update cycle, updates will happen ‘silently,’ downloading and installing in the background.
more
03/14, 4:05pm
Mozilla may add H.264 to Firefox after all
Mozilla research director Andreas Gal has proposed a rare change of heart that could see Boot2Gecko, and possibly Firefox, adopt H.264 playback. The mode would let HTML5 pages use the video tag for in-page H.264 as long as the OS underneath already supports the codec. At least in theory, it would let Mozilla officially keep active support only for open formats like WebM while acknowledging the reality of H.264's much wider reach.
more
03/13, 8:25pm
Browser adds Chrome migration, add-on sync
As expected, Mozilla has released the final build for its Firefox 11 browser. The major update brings several new features, expanding migration support to enable Chrome users to transfer their bookmarks, history and cookies. The browser also adds the ability to synchronize add-ons across multiple devices.
more
03/12, 10:20pm
Final release expected tomorrow
Mozilla has reportedly posted a near-final Firefox 11 build, which was initially misinterpreted as the final edition. The major update brings several new features, including add-on synchronization across multiple platforms, faster page loads using the SPDY protocol, and the ability to import bookmarks, history and cookies from Chrome.
more
03/09, 7:25pm
Developers will be posting weekly updates
Last month, Mozilla announced that it would be developing a version of its browser software that had the look and feel of Microsoft's Windows 8 Metro user interface. This week, the browser's developers provided a status update. Work has begun on the project, and some details of the institution's efforts have emerged.
more
03/01, 8:10pm
NetApplications sees Apple grow widely in February
Apple saw an unusually widescale, comprehensive growth in its share of the web in February, NetApplications showed on Thursday. On the desktop, it bounced back to near an all-time high at 6.9 percent, a level seen in October. Its mobile share followed suit, going up almost exactly seven points to 60.6 percent.
more
02/23, 12:10pm
Mozilla BrowserID will be transitioned to Persona
Mozilla this week announced a change to its BrowserID online identity system. Initially just a rebrand, the service is now called Mozilla Persona, which Mozilla believes is better suited to user identity. To go with the name change, however, Mozilla does have feature and interface changes in development.
more
02/22, 4:25pm
Mozilla Marketplace to use HTML5, custom API apps
Mozilla revealed on Wednesday that it will begin accepting web app submissions at MWC next week. The web apps will be based on HTML5 and some Mozilla-proposed APIs, and work in both the company's Firefox browser as well as platforms that support HTML5. Mozilla promises to give developers easy development, direct user feedback, and allow for flexible billing
more
02/16, 6:20pm
Parts could find their way into competing browsers
Last July, Mozilla acknowledged that it was planning to build a mobile operating system. Today, the non-profit development organization that created the Firefox browser and Thunderbird email system provided an initial view of what that foundation, named
Boot2Gecko (BTG), will look like. Mozilla is promising to demo it at the upcoming Mobile World Congress later this month.
more
02/13, 4:25pm
Mozilla Firefox with Metro support due in 2012
Mozilla, makers of the Firefox Internet browser, will release a version of its signature software that will resemble Microsoft's Metro user interface. A concept version will be out sometime in the spring, according to Mozilla's 2012 strategy, followed by an alpha and beta version later on, in the second half of the year. Metro uses tiles instead of the traditional Start button and menu in Windows, and Mozilla hopes to integrate its new Gecko-based browser with the Metro environment.
more
02/01, 6:20pm
As expected, doesn't support flash
Mozilla has released the latest mobile version of its browser for Android devices. Firefox 10 is now available for download (free, Android Market). As expected, the new version offers enhanced HTML5 support, but doesn't support Flash.
more
02/01, 9:35am
NetApplications shows gap in mobile share
Android tablets are gaining share of Internet use, but they still present no competition to the iPad online, NetApplications uncovered with its January wrap-up. The combined Samsung Galaxy Tab line had just 0.42 percent of mobile Internet share, while the Kindle Fire's possibly brisk sales still saw just 0.34 percent. Although down from December, the iPad at almost 24 percent was still in no danger from Android tablets, where even Android 3.2 was at 0.77 percent.
more
01/31, 10:40am
Firefox 10 with minor updates now available
Mozilla has released finished versions of Firefox 10 for both Windows PCs and Macs this week. Changes, according to the release notes, include a Forward navigation button that doesn't show up until users hit the Back button first, included APIs for viewing web apps in full-screen mode, and anti-aliasing for WebGL graphics. Likewise new is an Extended Support Release that allows enterprises to only download security updates and stay on the same version for seven releases.
more
