Tag: Mozilla

  • Firefox 135 Introduces AI Features: Discover What’s New

    Firefox 135 Introduces AI Features: Discover What’s New

    Previously, the AI chatbot for Firefox was only available through Firefox Labs, but it is now being introduced to all users, albeit in stages. The latest version, Firefox 135, was launched yesterday and brings AI functionality to Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Users can now select from a variety of chatbots, including Claude, Gemini, HuggingChat, Le Chat Mistral, and ChatGPT. While it took Mozilla some time to make this feature available, users now have many options to choose from.

    New Features in Firefox 135

    Alongside the AI chatbot, Firefox 135 introduces an autofill feature for credit card information, improved language support for Firefox Translations—now supporting Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean translations, with Russian added as a new target language. The update also enhances security with certificate transparency enforcement, which impacts only servers with certificates from authorities included in Mozilla’s Root CA Program. Additionally, Linux and macOS users now have the ability to close just the current tab using the Quit keyboard shortcut, even when multiple tabs are open.

    Updates for Mobile Users

    In contrast, Firefox for Android only gets some small bug fixes and quality improvements, along with automatic crash reporting. Users on iOS devices will enjoy a redesigned interface that enhances the pull-to-refresh function, alongside better performance and voice-over support. Navigation has also seen improvements, with minor adjustments such as updated icons and theming corrections.

    Mozilla’s latest release, Firefox 135.0 for desktop, Android, and iOS, brings a range of new features and enhancements.

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  • New CEO Announced by Mozilla, Followed by Layoffs of 60 Employees

    New CEO Announced by Mozilla, Followed by Layoffs of 60 Employees

    Mozilla, the well-known name behind the Firefox browser, is undergoing some changes. The company has decided to say goodbye to 60 members of its team, which accounts for approximately 5% of its staff. This transition primarily impacts those who work on product development. However, this move is part of Mozilla’s strategy to allocate more resources and energy towards specific projects, such as optimizing Firefox for mobile devices and exploring the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).

    Adjusting to the Tech Landscape

    Mozilla’s decision to let go of some of its team members is just one example of the many tech layoffs that have been witnessed in the global job market. In an industry where companies often need to adapt in order to progress, Mozilla’s choice to invest further in certain areas reflects their larger plan. They aim to focus on the initiatives they believe will contribute to their growth and make a significant impact in the tech sector.

    Embracing the Potential of AI

    Artificial intelligence has been gaining significant attention lately, and Mozilla doesn’t want to be left behind. They recognize the immense potential of integrating AI into Firefox, particularly after acquiring a company called Fakespot. This acquisition demonstrates Mozilla’s commitment to improving the internet experience by making it easier to identify and avoid fake content.

    Streamlining Projects

    Alongside these changes, Mozilla is also streamlining its range of projects. While some projects, like their VPN and privacy tool, are receiving less attention, others are being completely discontinued. This enables Mozilla to concentrate more on Firefox Mobile and AI, two areas that they are particularly enthusiastic about.

    New Leadership and Future Outlook

    Furthermore, Mozilla is ushering in a new CEO, Laura Chambers, who has previously worked at prominent companies such as Airbnb, PayPal, and eBay. With Chambers at the helm, Mozilla aims to develop products that not only perform well in the market but also align with their mission of creating a better internet for all.

  • Google and Mozilla Take Offense at Apple’s Browser Rule Modification

    Google and Mozilla Take Offense at Apple’s Browser Rule Modification

    Apple is making some big changes to how browsers work on iPhones and iPads in Europe, and it’s all because of new rules from the European Union. These rules are supposed to help other companies compete better with big ones like Apple. Now, browsers like Chrome and Firefox can use their own technology on iOS devices, but there’s a catch – this is only happening in Europe.

    Apple’s Changes for European Browsers

    The European Union is responsible for this change. Google and Mozilla, the companies behind Chrome and Firefox, aren’t too happy about this. They say that by making these changes only in Europe, Apple is making things complicated for them. They’ll have to work on two different versions of their browsers, one for Europe and another for the rest of the world. Mozilla thinks this is unfair and makes it hard for any browser other than Safari to compete.

    Discontent Among Google and Mozilla

    Google’s Chrome team agrees. They think Apple’s not really trying to make it easier for other browsers to compete on iPhones and iPads. Right now, if you download Chrome or Firefox on an iOS device, you’re basically using Safari with a different look. That’s because Apple hasn’t let other browsers use their own tech until now.

    Competition and Safari’s Improvement

    People have been complaining about Safari for a while, saying it’s slow to add new features that other browsers have. But Safari is getting better, and having more competition could push it to improve even faster. The problem is, with Apple’s new rules, this competition is only happening in Europe.

    Even though these changes are a big deal for Europe, they don’t help everyone else. Google and Mozilla have been getting ready for this by working on their browsers for iOS, hoping to bring new features to users. But with Apple’s restrictions, it looks like the rest of the world will have to wait to see any real change in how they browse the web on their iPhones and iPads.