Today, Mozilla has launched Firefox 130 Stable, unveiling a variety of fresh features. This includes the eagerly awaited automatic Picture-in-Picture mode, enhancements to the browser’s translation functionalities, and the initiation of a Firefox Labs section for testing new capabilities.
In addition to these enhancements, the release also addresses multiple security vulnerabilities. An Android version of Firefox 130 is available, along with Firefox 131 in Beta/Developer mode and Firefox 132 in Nightly. Furthermore, this update marks the end of support for Firefox 115 ESR, which will be succeeded by Firefox 128 ESR following this release.
How to Download and Update Firefox 130.0
By default, Firefox on non-admin systems is configured to update automatically. However, it does not check for updates in real-time, meaning you may need to wait for hours or even days before receiving a new installation.
To expedite the update process—especially given the important security patches in this version—adhere to the following steps on your desktop:
- Navigate to Menu > Help > About Firefox.
- Wait as Firefox scans for available updates (typically, it does this at startup).
- If any new versions are detected, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
- You will be required to restart the browser, so ensure you save your work beforehand.
You can also obtain the latest version of Firefox directly via the provided links.
What’s New in Firefox 130.0
Advancements in Firefox Translation
Firefox 130 introduces two significant enhancements to its secure built-in translation feature.
- Newly added languages include Catalan, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Indonesian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Romanian, Serbian, Slovak, and Vietnamese.
- You can now translate selected text.
The text translation capability is automatically enabled. Simply highlight text, right-click, and select “translate selection to.” The default language for translation is determined by the browser’s setting.
The translated result will display in an overlay, where you can also choose a different target language if needed. Additional options let you translate the entire webpage or copy the selected text.
Launch of Labs Section with Experimental Features
With Firefox 130, a new Labs section is introduced in settings. This area showcases experimental features that users can activate in the stable version, removing the need for adjustments in about:config or advanced settings to access them.
Users can now enable features still under testing without cumbersome workarounds. To explore, navigate to about:preferences#experimental.
Current laboratory options are categorized into Browsing and Developer Tools experiments. In Browsing, you’ll find the previously mentioned automatic Picture-in-Picture feature that activates when you play a video and switch tabs.
Upon returning to the original page, the Picture-in-Picture mode will cease automatically, allowing the video to continue playing smoothly.
Another feature provides access to AI chatbots via the Firefox sidebar, with currently five options available: Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Hugging Chat, and Mistral.
Moreover, search results can now be viewed directly in the address bar during IME composition.
For Developer Tools, there’s an experimental feature for debugging Service Workers.
Additional Updates and Fixes
- Overscroll animations for scrollable regions are now enabled by default for Linux.
- Pocket users can now select their preferred categories for recommendations. (Link)
Updates for Developers
- The Web Crypto API now supports the X25519 digital signature algorithm.
- The CSS hyphens property is now properly supported for Czech and Slovak languages.
- The name attribute of theelement can now be utilized to group otherelements.
- Extensions: The options parameter of webRequest.getSecurityInfo has been modified to optional.
- Extensions: runtime.getURL (and the older extension.getURL) now consistently prepends the extension origin to the path without necessitating further normalization.
Security Enhancements and Fixes
Mozilla has rectified nine distinct security concerns in Firefox 130. The overall security severity level for this release is high, with no critical vulnerabilities or active exploits mentioned in the release notes.
Looking Ahead
The next major update is scheduled for October 1, 2024. Firefox 131 will be a standard release, with no additional updates planned for the Firefox 115.x ESR series. Only Firefox ESR 128.x is anticipated on this date.
Recent Firefox Updates and Useful Tips
More Information and Resources
Concluding Remarks
Mozilla continues to refine its translation feature, moving closer to match offerings from other browsers as it incorporates new languages. This localized solution is particularly attractive to privacy-aware users, making Firefox an appealing option compared to other leading browsers.
Image Credit: rafapress / Shutterstock
