Firefox has recently been updated to add a new, cleaner interface for tablets, and has improved its overall performance as a browser. The update also added few interface tweaks that take advantage of the extra screen real estate on larger devices.
Firefox states that their newest update makes it quicker from start-up, page and web load times, to web app performance and panning and zooming. It is indeed quicker than the previous versions but Chrome still clearly beats it in terms of speed. IceCream Sandwich’s stock browser posted an overall benchmark of 97649 while Firefox only scored a mere 55832 (higher is better).
The newest version now adds much needed basic features that were missing in the previous version. Features such as select and copy text from a website, and the handy ‘Find on Page’ search boxes are now there. Switching from mobile version to desktop version of a website is now easier. Users just need to tap the menu button and select the ‘Request Desktop Site’. Another useful feature is also added. The ability to save a website as a PDF is now there. This feature is useful if users want to email someone something you’ve found online. You could even save it for offline reading later.
The browser screen is improved. By tapping in the address bar at the top of the screen, it opens a search box which shows users the site they most visit, bookmarks, and even their browsing history. As you type the keyword you want to search in the search box, it dynamically shows users the results from recently visited sites and bookmarks.
The bottomline is this update is a huge step from the previous versions. It is better in terms of speed and features. Sadly, even with the nicer interface, it is not yet enough to convince users to switch away from popular competitors such as Chrome and Dolphin Browser HD.
Pros: Sleek minimalist UI. Wide selection of Add-ons. Desktop sync allows access of open tabs on mobile devices
Cons: Rendering feels slow. Pinch-zooming not as responsive as rival browsers. Adobe Flash support dropped.
Photo Credit
Firefox states that their newest update makes it quicker from start-up, page and web load times, to web app performance and panning and zooming. It is indeed quicker than the previous versions but Chrome still clearly beats it in terms of speed. IceCream Sandwich’s stock browser posted an overall benchmark of 97649 while Firefox only scored a mere 55832 (higher is better).
The newest version now adds much needed basic features that were missing in the previous version. Features such as select and copy text from a website, and the handy ‘Find on Page’ search boxes are now there. Switching from mobile version to desktop version of a website is now easier. Users just need to tap the menu button and select the ‘Request Desktop Site’. Another useful feature is also added. The ability to save a website as a PDF is now there. This feature is useful if users want to email someone something you’ve found online. You could even save it for offline reading later.
The browser screen is improved. By tapping in the address bar at the top of the screen, it opens a search box which shows users the site they most visit, bookmarks, and even their browsing history. As you type the keyword you want to search in the search box, it dynamically shows users the results from recently visited sites and bookmarks.
The bottomline is this update is a huge step from the previous versions. It is better in terms of speed and features. Sadly, even with the nicer interface, it is not yet enough to convince users to switch away from popular competitors such as Chrome and Dolphin Browser HD.
Pros: Sleek minimalist UI. Wide selection of Add-ons. Desktop sync allows access of open tabs on mobile devices
Cons: Rendering feels slow. Pinch-zooming not as responsive as rival browsers. Adobe Flash support dropped.
Photo Credit