Mozilla Firefox is about to launch some big changes by the end of this year. As per tech reviews and experts who sell electronics, Firefox will be similar to Google Chrome in terms of design and interface.
It’s also projected that in less than two years, the net browser will totally abandon its current add-on system for a program that is, again, similar to Chrome extensions. If you look at the big picture, these changes are fantastic because they will provide a better network browser for both loyal and new Firefox users. However, with the buzz of similarities to Chrome circling the techy news cycle, many are wondering if the new Firefox is just a complete carbon copy of Chrome.
Let’s examine the updates:
1. Firefox to be launched as a multi-process web browser.
Mozilla Firefox is the last remaining single-process net browser. When Google Chrome was launched years ago, it was already a multi-process browser. Now, all the major browsers such as IE, Edge, Opera, and Safari have upgraded to a multi-process system too.
Finally, Firefox is about to launch its multi-process version in December 2015. This is largely in part of Mozilla’s on-again, off-again multi-purpose project identified as the Electrolysis. This is a big deal for Firefox users who own a computer with a multi-core CPU.
2. Firefox to launch security sandboxing.
To say that Firefox has been lagging off in terms of this security feature is an understatement. Even the perpetually-inferior Internet Explorer has had the security sandboxing feature for years now. Firefox is, again, the last remaining internet browser without the sandboxing technology that can limit the damage caused by browser exploits.
Thankfully, sandboxing will be another improvement that will be rolled out by the end of thisyear.
3. Firefox to replace its popular extension framework to WebExtensions.
Mozilla’s latest update regarding the changes being made for Firefox include the replacement of its current extension framework. WebExtensions, the new Firefox framework, will be substantially compatible with the system run by Chrome and Opera. Coincidentally, Microsoft has just announced the same adjustment to the extension framework of Microsoft Edge.
The XUL and XPCOM extensions used by Firefox today will be gradually removed in a year and a half. The rollover will take almost two years because the company wants to ensure that the current popular extensions are still working for the improved Firefox.
Similarities with Google Chrome
Tech experts have already noted in the past how Firefox had been crossing the same lines traversed by Chrome. Every time a new update is released by Google’s web browser, Firefox will eventually introduce something similar. While loyal Firefox users don’t mind these similarities, many are skeptical about the use of the web browser because of how it mirrors Chrome’s features.
To make this big Firefox release a success, experts and tech reviewers ask Mozilla to establish a distinct identity – something that will put Firefox apart from Chrome and any other major net browsers. After all, if the new Firefox is basically a carbon copy of Google Chrome, why bother choosing Mozilla’s flagship browser?
