Firefox 130 Rolls Out with WebCodecs API, Enhanced Features forDesktop and Mobile
September 3, 2024 -Mozilla has released Firefox 130, the latest version of its popular web browser. While the update might seem like a routine upgrade at first glance, itpacks several notable features, particularly for developers and users alike.
One of the most significant additions is the WebCodecs API, now enabled for desktopplatforms. This API grants developers low-level access to audio and video codecs, offering granular control over video streams and audio blocks. This opens up possibilities for developers building web-based applications that require precise control over media, such as video editors, video conferencing tools, and streaming platforms.
The WebCodecs API is a game-changer for developers working with video and audio, said [Mozilla spokesperson]. It empowers them to build more efficient and sophisticated applications that can handlecomplex media processing tasks directly within the browser.
Beyond the WebCodecs API, Firefox 130 brings a range of enhancements across various platforms:
Desktop:
- Improved Text Translation: Firefox 130 refines its local text translation capabilities, making it smoother and more efficient for users.
- Enhanced Scroll Animation: The overscroll animation, which provides a more visually appealing scrolling experience, is now enabled by default for scrollable areas on Linux.
- Simplified Experimentation: The Firefox Lab section within settings now offers a more streamlined way to enable experimental features, making it easierfor users to try out new functionalities.
Mobile (Android):
- Faster Page Loading: Firefox 130 on Android boasts improved page loading performance, providing a smoother and faster browsing experience for mobile users.
Security and Performance:
- Curve25519 Support: Firefox130’s WebCryptoAPI now supports the Curve25519 elliptic curve, enhancing security and performance for cryptographic operations.
Developer Focus:
For developers, Firefox 130 offers a wealth of new features and improvements:
- WebCodecs API: As mentioned, theWebCodecs API is a significant addition, offering developers granular control over audio and video encoding and decoding.
- Detailed Release Notes: Mozilla has provided comprehensive release notes on developer.mozilla.org outlining all the changes for developers.
Availability:
Firefox 130 is available for download now on Mozilla.org. Theofficial public release is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Conclusion:
Firefox 130 is a significant release for both users and developers. The introduction of the WebCodecs API empowers developers to build more innovative web applications, while the various enhancements across desktop and mobile platformsoffer a smoother and more efficient browsing experience. As Mozilla continues to innovate and improve its browser, Firefox 130 is a testament to its commitment to providing a powerful and versatile platform for the web.
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