The software sector that refers to Internet browsers does not stop growing with several protagonists at the helm. Among these we can highlight Microsoft‘s proposal with Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox . In fact, in these same lines we are going to focus on this last alternative, since it has just received an important update.
Keep in mind that in this case we are talking about one of the most used web browsers, although still very far from Google’s software. In fact, it has just been overtaken by the new Edge developed by the giant Microsoft, so it should wake up. This is precisely what developers work for, all in order to improve the program based on new updates, as is the case.
We tell you everything because just a few hours ago, the firm began to launch the new Firefox 83. As expected, in this new version we find some interesting news and improvements related to security , among other things. Keep in mind that right now it is possible that not everyone has it available for download yet.
This is something that you can check from the Help / About Firefox menu, where it updates itself. But in the event that this does not occur at the moment, we have the possibility of using the firm’s FTP servers . With this we managed to do a manual download of the new version of Firefox, all from this link .
Performance improvements in the new Firefox
One of the sections on which Mozilla has wanted to focus in this case, refers directly to the performance of the program. This is something that has been working for a long time and right now the firm ensures that the loading performance of the websites has improved by up to 15%.
They also tell us that the response of these websites is now 12% faster and the use of RAM memory has been reduced by up to 8%. With all this it is achieved that we save a good amount of time when browsing continuously.
Advantages of the new HTTPS mode
On the other hand and with regard to another of the most important points, security, the new Firefox 83 includes an option to accept only HTTPS connections . This occurs when this mode is activated by hand. Thus, the browser itself tries to update any non-HTTPS connection in the process and displays a warning screen if the site cannot be loaded.
If necessary, we can continue with the HTTP site anyway , or cancel the upload operation. Say that this is a function that is disabled by default, but that we can activate it in the Options / Privacy and security / HTTPS only mode menu. Here we can choose how the functionality works. We can deactivate it, activate it for all windows, or only for private ones.
This offers us the advantage that it warns us if a site continues to use HTTP and, on the other hand, tries to update the connections automatically.
Changes to Firefox 83 searches
Another functionality that has improved here is that of the built-in search in Firefox. Here there have been a number of changes and improvements. Thus, by selecting a search icon in the address bar that appears at the bottom in the form of a list, you access the search mode of that engine and allow the display of suggestions . Also you get the old behavior by holding down the Shift key before clicking that icon. This will load the results site immediately. In addition, the search bar includes icons to search for bookmarks, open tabs or the browsing history.
Other minor changes in Mozilla’s new Firefox
- Firefox reports which device or screen is shared in a video conference .
- The zoom is compatible with Windows devices with a touch screen.
- Picture-in-Picture mode now supports fast forward and fast backward keyboard shortcuts.
- The new Firefox supports AcroForm to fill out, print and save PDF forms.
- The new version comes with a number of accessibility fixes for screen readers.