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Firefox OS Simulator 3.0 makes its debut

The simulator is an extension that runs in Firefox and lets users check out how the operating system will work.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Firefox OS in action.
Firefox OS in action. Mozilla

Mozilla yesterday announced the launch of a new Firefox OS Simulator.

Mozilla acknowledged that the third version of the simulator is "a bit rough around the edges," but decided to release it to give users the chance to give feedback and contribute fixes.

Firefox OS is Mozilla's upcoming mobile operating system. Since late last year, the organization has been offering simulators showcasing its functionality and giving users the chance to try it out. As with previous versions, Firefox OS Simulator 3.0 is available to Windows, Linux, and OS X users, and runs as an extension in the Firefox browser.

The latest update adds a host of features to the simulator, including a Push to Device offering that automatically pushes apps installed on one Firefox OS device to another by being connected to USB. The updated simulator also includes rotation-simulation features, geolocation API, and new versions of the Firefox user interface, Gaia.

The Firefox OS Simulator can be downloaded from the Mozilla FTP server under its working name, r2d2b2g. After it's installed, users can access it through the Web Developer menu in the browser.