Firefox Update Improves Private Browsing With Tracking Protection, More

Mozilla on Tuesday started rolling out the latest version of its Firefox browser (v42) for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android, primarily focused on changes to Private Browsing and Web security controls.

The Firefox 42 now features Tracking Protection in Private Browsing. Meant to protect users from ubiquitous tracking on the Web, Tracking Protection blocks content such as ads, analytics trackers, and social share buttons that may link back to user's account gaining access to their personal information and record their behaviour without letting them know. Cutting ads and other content would result in faster loading of webpages and more anonymous browsing. Previously, the feature gave control over privacy locally by not saving the browser history and cookies when users closed a private window.

Mozilla VP Nick Nguyen introduced the feature in a blog post, and said, "With the release of Tracking Protection in Firefox Private Browsing we are leading the industry by giving you control over the data that third parties receive from you online. No other browser's Private Browsing mode protects you the way Firefox does-not Chrome, not Safari, not Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer."

The latest version of Firefox browser also features a new Control Center, which includes all site security and privacy controls in a single place in the address bar. "Since some webpages may appear broken when elements that track behaviour are blocked, we've made it easy to turn off Tracking Protection in Private Browsing for a particular site using the Control Center," says the company blog post.

Furthermore, the Firefox team has introduced new visual editing tools in Firefox Developer Edition, which includes Animation Tools.

For desktop, Firefox 42.0 adds an indicator for tabs that play audio. Some WebRTC and Login Manger improvements have also been made. Several HTML5 and Developer changes are also included. The release notes can be seen on the dedicated website.

For Android, the latest browser version brings "Family-friendly browsing", allowing users to create restricted profiles on tablets. Scrollable tabs for panel navigation support for direct voice input for searching from the URL bar and mobile login manager changes have been included. Several HTML5 and Developer changes also come as a part of the latest version. The release notes can be seen on the dedicated website.