Mozilla is gearing up to launch an exciting update to its beloved Firefox browser, with the official roll-out of version 137 expected later today. This update adds a range of features designed to improve your browsing experience, making it even more user-friendly and efficient. Among the most noteworthy additions are Tab Groups, which help you manage your tabs more effectively, and a complete redesign of the address bar that streamlines your search processes.
This isn’t just a small tweak—it’s the second major update in a row, following version 136, which introduced vertical tabs, vastly improving how users navigate their open pages. Your browser is becoming more versatile and adaptable, a response to the evolving needs of its users.
Moreover, alongside Firefox 137, updates for versions 128.9 ESR and 115.22 ESR will also be available today. These Extended Support Releases primarily focus on addressing lingering bugs and enhancing security, ensuring a safe browsing environment.
So, what can you expect from this update? Let’s break it down.
**Highlights of Firefox 137**
**Tab Groups**
The new Tab Groups feature is set to revolutionize how you organize your browsing experience. If you’re like many users who often find themselves overwhelmed by dozens of open tabs, this feature could be a lifesaver. You can categorize your tabs into groups, each identifiable by unique names and colors, making it easier to find exactly what you need without endless scrolling. Want to declutter your workspace? Easily collapse or expand groups with a single click.
Organizing tabs becomes a seamless process; just right-click on any tab and choose “Add Tab to Group” to create a new group. Prefer a more hands-on approach? Simply drag and drop tabs where you want them. Note that this feature is rolling out gradually, so if you don’t see it immediately, hang tight— it will be available soon for you.
For those who simply can’t wait, here’s a quick guide to enable the feature right away:
1. Type `about:config` in the address bar and hit Enter.
2. Agree to the caution message.
3. Search for `browser.tabs.groups.enabled`.
4. Click the toggle icon to set it to True.
5. Restart Firefox, and voilà !
**Revamped Mozilla Address Bar**
The address bar gets a makeover too! Here are some of the highlights:
– **Consolidated Search Button:** Now, the icon of your current search engine is right in the address bar, allowing for easy selection of different search engines.
– **Search Term Persistence:** Firefox now displays your actual search term rather than the search engine’s URL, streamlining your searching process.
– **Quick Action Buttons:** Get immediate access to frequently used features like Print Page at the click of a button.
– **Contextual Search Mode:** If a webpage has its own search capability, Firefox will detect this, allowing you to utilize its search functions instantly.
– **Search Engine Suggestions:** The more you use a search engine, the more Firefox will suggest adding it to your favorites.
– **User-Friendly Keywords:** Need to search through your bookmarks specifically? Just type `@bookmarks` to streamline your search.
Notably, you can even perform basic calculations right from the address bar—just type your equation to receive answers in a dropdown menu!
As with many of these features, gradual deployment is in effect, so patience may be required.
**Other Updates and Fixes**
For those using Android devices, HEVC (H.265) support has now extended to hardware, enhancing video playback experiences. Plus, signing PDFs directly within Firefox is now a breeze—no more toggling between multiple applications.
**Developer Updates**
If you’re a developer, you’ll find that the updated version includes useful new methods and properties like `Math.sumPrecise()` and expanded support for text hyphenation, smoothing out your workflow.
**Enterprise Updates**
Stay tuned for more details on what’s new for enterprise users; enhancements are on the horizon.
**Security Updates/Fixes**
While specific security updates are still under wraps, rest assured that Mozilla continues to prioritize user safety with every release.
**Updating to Firefox 137.0**
The rollout of Firefox 137 and its ESR counterparts begins later today. Rest assured, your browser will likely update automatically, but you can check manually by heading to the Firefox Menu, clicking on Help, and selecting About Firefox. This simple action ensures that you’re always equipped with the latest and greatest features.
Summarizing, Mozilla’s most recent updates reflect its commitment to enhancing user experience through highly requested features like Tab Groups and vertical tabs. These improvements not only expand your browsing options but also help Firefox stay competitive against other leading browsers, giving you every reason to continue choosing Firefox for your online adventures.
For those curious about what else is new, you can find additional resources on Mozilla’s website, complete with release notes, developer guides, and security advisories.
As we look to the future, Firefox 138 is expected to make its debut on April 29, 2025, alongside new ESR versions, continuing the trend of innovation and responsiveness that Mozilla embodies.
