Mozilla launches latest Firefox 4 beta

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla has announced the latest beta of its Firefox 4 browser in time for the end of the year.

Version 8 focuses mostly on boosting features already available in the beta rather than adding a raft of new ones. However, users may be excited by the improved syncing capabilities to bring Firefox over to smartphones more smoothly.

"Based on your feedback, we've made it much easier to setup Firefox Sync while still securing your Firefox data with the same high-grade encryption," wrote Mike Beltzner, director of development for the browser, on his blog.

As well as the mobile functionality, the beta will also provide more support for 3D graphics, to allow 3D developers to build applications without the need of an add-on, and an improved add-on manager to organise and seek out new functions.

"We are working with the amazing community of add-ons developers to get the gallery of thousands of beneficial and fun add-ons ready to customize the features, look and functionality of Firefox 4 Beta," added Beltzner.

The beta is available now and works on Windows, Mac and Linux machines.

Take a look at our review of the first Firefox 4 beta here.

Jennifer Scott

Jennifer Scott is a former freelance journalist and currently political reporter for Sky News. She has a varied writing history, having started her career at Dennis Publishing, working in various roles across its business technology titles, including ITPro. Jennifer has specialised in a number of areas over the years and has produced a wealth of content for ITPro, focusing largely on data storage, networking, cloud computing, and telecommunications.

Most recently Jennifer has turned her skills to the political sphere and broadcast journalism, where she has worked for the BBC as a political reporter, before moving to Sky News.