Today, Mozilla is set to unveil Firefox 128 along with Firefox 128 ESR. This latest release introduces notable new functionalities and improvements such as enhanced translation capabilities, a redesigned dialog for clearing user data, and more.
Updates will also be rolled out for other Firefox variants: Firefox for Android will transition to version 128, Firefox Beta and Dev to version 129, and Firefox Nightly to version 130.
Essential Highlights
– Firefox 128.0 brings in security enhancements, bug resolutions, and fresh features.
– Firefox 128 ESR establishes itself as the new ESR foundation, with Firefox 115 ESR continuing support until October 1, 2024.
– Mozilla has future plans to extend support for Firefox on Windows 7 and 8/8.1 by sticking with Firefox 115 ESR.
Firefox 128.0 Installation and Update Process
For most unmanaged Firefox users, updates are typically automatic and should occur within a few hours or days post-release. Those preferring an immediate upgrade can do so by undertaking the following steps:
1. Click on Menu > Help > About Firefox.
2. Firefox will display the current version and look for updates, presenting Firefox 128.0 for download and installation.
Alternatively, users can obtain the latest Firefox version from the provided links.
Firefox 128.0 New Additions
Enhancements in Translation
Firefox Translate now facilitates translating selected text and hyperlinks. To avail of this feature:
– Select text in Firefox.
– Right-click on the chosen text.
– Pick “Translate selection to” from the context menu.
Following this, Firefox will exhibit a translation in a small overlay window.
Revamped Clear Browsing Data Dialog
Firefox has revamped the “Clear browsing data and cookies” dialog. To access this, navigate to Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data. The upgraded version offers users four cleaning choices and enables them to specify a particular time range for cleaning purposes.
Other Alterations and Fixes:
– Users in the United States and Canada will witness past or trending searches upon opening the address bar.
– Private Browsing mode now supports playing secure content, such as Netflix.
– Introduction of the trial Privacy Preserving Attribution API.
– Enhanced microphone capture functionality for Mac OS.
– Improved rendering of text files.
These highlights encapsulate the enhancements within Firefox 128.0.
Developer Enhancements
Developer-centric enhancements in Firefox consist of:
– Displaying CSS rule specificity on hover in Developer Tools.
– Flagging erroneous custom property declarations within the Inspector panel.
– Enabling Relative color syntax as the default option.
– Support for Resizeable ArrayBuffer, expandable SharedArrayBuffer, RFC 9218, and more.
Corporation Upgrades
For business users, certain SanitizeOnShutdown policy options have been merged, and a bug related to SPNEGO authentication has been rectified.
Enhancements and Resolutions in Security
Comprehensive details concerning security upgrades and resolutions will be provided post the official launch.
Image Credit: dennizn / Shutterstock
