Just over one month after the final version of Firefox 4 was released, first beta of Firefox 5 has become available. This newest version of the iconic Web browser is the first one to go through Mozilla's new release schedule.
In April, Mozilla introduced a new channel between nightly and beta called aurora, which promised to offer more frequent updates than beta, but guaranteed a little less in the way of stability. These builds will be released every six weeks to give a predictable level of quality assurance and bug fixing...and assuring a regular release schedule for the beta version.
"With the new process, what happens where and when is a lot more explicit and consistent," Firefox Release Manager Christian Legnitto said in April. "No longer will third parties need to know that beta 8 was API complete while beta 9 was string frozen. Instead we can make assurances such as 'no new en-US strings will be added through updates on the Aurora channel' and 'no extension API changes will be delivered to users via the Beta channel.' This allows third parties to accurately plan and encourages sticking to the rules and schedule."
10 New Features of Firefox 5
We've barely begun getting used to Firefox 4's amazing new features, and Mozilla is already preparing us for a June 21 release of Firefox 5.
1: Pin sites to your taskbar just like Internet Explorer
Image: Are We Pretty Yet
One of the best features in Internet Explorer 9 is the ability to pin site-specific browsers to your taskbar. It looks like Firefox 5 will have a similar feature. This means you can add your favorite sites to your taskbar, where you can launch them directly without opening your browser first.
2: View popular links for the site you're visiting
Image: Are We Pretty Yet
For sites you pin to the desktop or taskbar, Firefox will create a list of links specific to each one. For example, you'll have a drop down menu linking to your Facebook messages or events.
3: Keep track of search engines with color-coded search bars
Image: Are We Pretty Yet
This little tweak color codes each search engine so you know which one you're using at any given time. The notes on Are We Pretty Yet suggest this will make it easier for users to select the search engine they want.
4: Sync will be easier
Image: Firefox
Mozilla recognizes the importance of sync. It appears they're coming up with new ways to make Firefox 5's sync feature even more user-friendly. This is good news since we love syncing Firefox across our desktops and mobile browser.
5: Better add-on updates
Image: Are We Pretty Yet
Add-ons are essential to a great experience with Firefox, but it can be difficult to keep them updated or compatible with new versions of the browser. This screenshot suggests Mozilla is making it easier to keep your add-ons up to date.
6: No more home button
Image: Conceivably Tech
Mozilla is likely to remove the home button and create a tiny home tab instead, according to Conceivably Tech. We're not sure what the reasoning behind this is other than to clean up clutter on the toolbar.
7: There will be a PDF viewer and MP3 player
Firefox 5 will also be compatible with more file formats. Conceivably Tech says it will have a built-in PDF viewer and be able to play files like MP3s and other popular formats.
8: Log in to a website with multiple accounts at the same time
Image: Are We Pretty Yet
Conceivably Tech also says Firefox 5 will include an identity manager that will track log in information for websites and even allow you to log in to one site with two different accounts at the same time.
9: Better social sharing
Image: Conceivably Tech
A new paper plane icon in the URL bar will be your portal to sharing websites across all your social networks including Facebook, Twitter, and Digg.
10: Indicator for tracking file uploads
This small tweak will be a simple status bar that pops up when you're uploading files to a website.
BONUS: Our wish list for Firefox 5
Firefox is our favorite browser at the moment, but it still isn't perfect. Here's what we'd like to see in version 5:
- Better "Awesome Bar" that seamlessly integrates with Google search, just like Google Chrome.
- Easier customization options. Right now you have to do some digging through menus to get Firefox to look the way you want it to.
- More mobile devices. We love Firefox 4 on Android, and we want it on everything else: iPhone, tablets, Windows Phone, you name it.
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