Muffling the Tabs
Firefox 152 is now ready for download, following at least four minor point updates to its prior version, last month’s Firefox 151. Silencing disruptive tabs has never been simpler. It’s a prime opportunity to explore the Fox: recently, this update to the Google Chromium code continues to close the window on Manifest V2 extensions, as GadgetLad cautioned would happen early last year.
Chrome’s Ad Blocker Obliteration
According to the W3C, the upcoming Google Chrome 150 disables the last remaining workarounds for full-featured ad blockers, and Chrome 151 will obliterate them entirely.
Revamped Settings
Firefox 152 updates the design of the Settings page. To be frank, we didn’t face any notable issues with it previously, but it’s beneficial to simplify the adjustments that make Firefox arguably the most versatile and customizable web browser.
Mute with Ease
The latest version also recognizes that sometimes you simply want it to be quiet. When a tab (or, even worse, several tabs) are emitting audio, if you navigate to the address bar and input “mute” (or “sssh” or “hush”), a new Quick Action button appears below, allowing you to promptly mute all tabs across all windows at once.
JPEG XL Makes a Comeback
If you appreciated the innovation of the JPEG XL format as much as this Vulture, then we have great news. Back in 2022, we announced that Google was halting JPEG-XL support from Chromium and Chrome. In January, Mountain View revised this decision, and now, Firefox 152 has experimental JPEG XL support as well.
Tab Sharing Streamlined
The capabilities for sending tabs to other devices and copying URLs for simplified sharing have been enhanced. There’s now an optional new “Send Tab” toolbar button. You can also right-click on a tab button to access options for sending it to a designated device or copying its URL for sharing. Even better, this functionality extends to groups of tabs: hold down Ctrl or Cmd, select multiple tabs, right-click any of them, and they will all be sent, or their URLs copied, in a single action.
Perks for the Techies
There are numerous bug fixes, around 40 security patches, and, as always, some fresh features for developers. Speakers of Basque or Galician will appreciate their addition to the translation offerings. Mozilla’s rapid release cycle for Firefox can be a slight hassle, indeed. (Naturally, there’s always the Extended Support Release channel if you wish to step off the cycle.) However, one interpretation of this – along with the stream of bug-fix versions – is that Mozilla is putting in considerable effort into Firefox, which we believe is positive news.
Prospective Developments
A new source of information released with this version is the new Firefox Roadmap, which contains details about future planned updates.
Conclusion: Fox on the Move
Firefox 152 is filled with useful features and improvements. Whether it’s silencing loud tabs or streamlining sharing, it has something to offer everyone. Great job, Mozilla!
