Firefox Details Recent Hidden Features and Roadmap Updates
Mozilla has detailed a series of recent enhancements to the Firefox browser that may have gone unnoticed, alongside an updated public roadmap detailing upcoming features for desktop and mobile.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Recent Under-the-Radar Firefox Enhancements
Mozilla recently highlighted several feature additions to the Firefox browser that may have flown under the radar for everyday users. Among the recent updates is a faster built-in PDF viewer on desktop, which now starts up to 45 percent faster to reduce waiting times when opening documents.
On mobile devices, Android users can now place the tab bar at the bottom of the screen by navigating to Settings and selecting Customize. Desktop users also gain the ability to jump to different points in a video faster, and can now keep a collection of custom wallpapers saved under 'Your images' on the New Tab page without needing to re-upload them.
Smart Window Beta and Productivity Tools
Mozilla has introduced Smart Window beta capabilities designed to reduce busywork by helping users fill out online forms using information extracted from selected tabs. Additionally, users can ask Smart Window to monitor a page and send notifications when changes occur, such as price drops or new job listings.
These capabilities are currently available in English for users located in the United States and Canada as part of the Smart Window beta rollout. More information regarding these productivity tools can be found through the official Mozilla Blog.
An Expanded Public Roadmap
Following the launch of its public roadmap in June, Mozilla has updated its development pipeline to outline future features aimed at making everyday browsing more useful, flexible, and private. These features are being developed in the open in close partnership with contributors, with release timings shared as tools become ready for public testing.
Among the upcoming additions is Mini Window, a feature designed to keep pages visible by popping a tab or part of a page into a small floating window. This allows users to reference recipes or instructions while continuing to work in another tab.
Audio and Offline Capabilities for Mobile
Firefox is also preparing to introduce features centered around audio consumption and offline access. An upcoming read-aloud capability will allow the browser to read articles and other web content aloud on both desktop and Android, functioning even when the phone's screen is turned off.
For users with limited internet connectivity, an offline mode on Android will enable the saving of articles ahead of time. This allows individuals to read or listen to saved content without an active internet connection, making it suitable for flights or commutes with spotty service.
Desktop Speech Recognition and Privacy Controls
Desktop users will soon benefit from integrated speech recognition capabilities. Websites utilizing Firefox's built-in capability will be able to offer voice input and captions without sending raw audio to an external server. Instead, audio remains on the user's device while the site receives only the generated text.
Furthermore, after downloading the speech recognition model, transcription can function entirely offline. Mozilla is also expanding its built-in VPN tools by adding website-specific rules, allowing users to choose how VPN functions on a site-by-site basis across desktop and Android, with iOS support following.
Toolbar Enhancements and User Feedback
To streamline privacy management, Mozilla is bringing the familiar flame button from Private Window directly to the Classic Window on desktop. This addition allows users to quickly select and delete browsing data without digging through deeper browser settings.
Users interested in reviewing upcoming developments or sharing feedback can explore the complete roadmap and submit suggestions through Mozilla Connect to help shape future updates.
Sources
- Mozilla BlogFive Firefox updates you might have missed, and a look ahead
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