browser add-ons

Firefox for Android reborn in version 14

The bottom line: Sync remains the killer Firefox for Android feature, but the revamped interface, fast page-load times, and tabbed browsing make it much more usable than before.

Review: Firefox for Android used to be a must-use mainly for Firefox fans. It was good at what it did, but it wasn't great, and the competitive field of Android browsers surpassed it on many levels.

As a reaction, Mozilla spent the better part of a year redesigning the browser from the ground up. The new Firefox for Android brings an interface powered by native code, competitive page-load times, and Flash … Read more

How to spot dangerous links before you click them

You probably got to this page by clicking a link. Links are the ties that bind the Web. But each click is also a leap of faith. How do you know you're going to the page you think you're going to?

Google search results let you preview pages before you follow the link, but elsewhere the best you can do is hover over the link to see at the bottom of the browser the URL of the page the link will open. (See below for more on free browser add-ons that rate the security of links in search … Read more

See where you've browsed with MozillaHistoryView

NirSoft's MozillaHistoryView reads the history DAT file in Mozilla-based Web browsers such as Firefox as well as Netscape and displays your browsing history under a wide range of useful column headings. The built-in History feature in the latest version of Firefox also displays lots of useful information, it's true. But you must have Firefox open to use it. MozillaHistoryView is a standalone tool that reads history DAT files directly, whether your browser is open or not. You can save and export the data in various ways, too. The program also gives you greater flexibility in accessing multiple browser … Read more

Firefox 10 in holding pattern for new interface

The bottom line: Firefox 10 for Android brings both familiarity and power to the Android browser scene, but it's the killer Sync that will drive attention to Mozilla's mobile browser.

Please note that the First Look video below is still applicable to Firefox 10 for Android, as is the Firefox How To collection, even though they both feature Firefox 4.

Review: Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review of Firefox 10 for desktops.

Mozilla's foray into the Android Market ports much of the desktop Firefox experience to your mobile device. The look … Read more

A new look for Firefox on tablets

The bottom line: Firefox 9 for Android brings both familiarity and power to the Android browser scene, but it's the killer Sync that will drive attention to Mozilla's mobile browser.

Please note that the First Look video below is still applicable to Firefox 9 mobile, as is the Firefox How To collection, even though they both feature Firefox 4.

Review: Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review for Firefox 9 for desktops.

Mozilla's foray into the Android Market ports much of the desktop Firefox experience to your mobile device. The look and … Read more

Master passwords land in Firefox 8 mobile

The bottom line: Firefox 8 for Android brings both familiarity and power to the Android browser scene, but it's the killer Sync that will drive attention to Mozilla's mobile browser.

Please note that the First Look video below is still applicable to Firefox 7 mobile, as is the Firefox How To collection, even though they both feature Firefox 4.

Review: Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review for Firefox 8 for desktops.

Mozilla's foray into the Android Market ports much of the desktop Firefox experience to your mobile device. The look and … Read more

New Firefox interface to speed up Firefox on Android

Mozilla has decided that when it comes to Android devices, performance is more important than the wealth of add-ons that can be used to customize Firefox.

Yesterday, Mozilla Director of Firefox Engineering Johnathan Nightingale announced on a mailing list that Firefox will move to Android's native user interface, ditching the XUL technology that's been in use by Mozilla since before there even was a Firefox.

"Firefox on Android is a critical part of supporting the open Web, and this decision puts us in a position to build the best Firefox possible," Nightingale said.

Firefox is widely … Read more

Dynamic copy and paste land in Android Firefox

The bottom line: Firefox 7 mobile brings both familiarity and power to the Android browser scene, but it's Firefox's killer Sync that will drive attention to Mozilla's mobile browser.

Review: Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review for Firefox 7 for desktops.

Mozilla's foray into the Android Market ports much of the desktop Firefox experience to your mobile device. The look and feel of the desktop browser have been remarkably replicated, and the browser itself doesn't feel alien compared with other Android browsers.

If you have a Maemo phone, you … Read more

Mozilla works to fix Firefox add-on compatibility

Mozilla is planning to address Firefox add-on compatibility issues as new versions of the browser hit the Web more often.

Mozilla kicked off this summer its controversial plan to release new versions of its Firefox browser every six weeks. The idea, the company has said, is to bring more functionality to its users more often.

In some cases, that change has been beneficial for users who want the updates the browser brings to the market. In other cases, it has proven to be a bit of a problem. One of the most notable issues related to the rapid-release cycle is … Read more

Take your desktop Firefox on the road

The bottom line: Firefox 6 Mobile brings both familiarity and power to the Android browser scene, but it's Firefox's killer Sync that will drive attention to Mozilla's mobile browser.

Review: Editors' note: Portions of this review are based on CNET's review for Firefox 6 for desktops.

If you have a Maemo phone, you … Read more