Mozilla has recently unveiled Firefox 129.0 Stable, in addition to Firefox 128.1 ESR and Firefox 115.14 ESR. The new Firefox 129 includes significant updates such as prioritizing HTTPS for non-local addresses, utilizing system DNS configurations on specific operating systems, and enhancing the Reader View functionality.
Furthermore, all developmental variants of Firefox have been refreshed, with Firefox 130 Beta and Firefox 131 Nightly now accessible for users.
**Overview**
– Firefox 129 addresses security issues, resolves bugs, and introduces fresh features.
– Firefox 115 ESR will receive one final update before reaching its end of life on October 1, 2024.
**Firefox 129.0 Download and Install**
While Firefox automatically updates itself, users can manually check for updates by navigating to Menu > Help > About Firefox. Following this, the browser will search for and implement any available updates. Alternatively, users can download the newest version via the provided links.
**Firefox 129.0 Alterations**
– **Enhanced Reader View**: The functionality now offers improved article readability, reduced distractions, and increased customization options such as text and layout preferences, advanced theme choices, and the capability to select unique colors.
– **Tab Previews**: A visual sneak peek of background tabs is now visible upon hovering over them, showcasing the title, domain, and a snapshot of the page to facilitate tab identification. Instructions for enabling this feature are included.
– **Miscellaneous Modifications and Resolutions**: Including the prioritization of HTTPS for non-local websites, resolution of HTTPS DNS records through the OS DNS resolver, introduction of VoiceOver support for multiple languages on macOS, and enhanced address autofill accessibility for users in Germany and France.
**Developer Changes**
Numerous modifications have been implemented, such as supporting the prohibition of HTTP requests within the Network panel and updating CSS properties and typed arrays.
**Business Revisions**
The DisableFirefoxStudies policy has been revised to effectively deactivate Nimbus, Firefox’s cross-platform experimentation tool.
**Security Patches**
Detailed information regarding security updates will be shared following their publication by Mozilla.
**Future Prospects**
Future releases, like Firefox 130, Firefox 128.2 ESR, and Firefox 115.15 ESR, are planned for September 9, 2024.
**Image Credit:** T. Schneider / Shutterstock