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Firefox 4 now available to download, official release tomorrow
Despite what we reported last week, there was an unexpected (and unannounced) RC2 released on March 18. The final release build seems to have followed quickly after on Saturday, March 19. The official launch of Firefox 4 is due tomorrow.
Firefox 4 brings with it a slew of new features, including, most notably, a completely overhauled user interface that makes it look a lot like Chrome, but hardware acceleration and the jet-powered JaegerMonkey JavaScript engine also jostle for center stage. In true Mozilla style, Firefox 4 also brings support for many emerging standards, such as HTML5, CSS3 and WebGL. Finally, there are neat features like built-in Sync, restartless add-ons, and workspace management with Panorama.
For more information about Firefox 4, check our complete guide. We also have a fine selection of Firefox 4's finest restartless add-ons.
Update: Mozilla has asked us to say that this might not turn out to be the actual final build. It's still going through QA right now, and something might come up. Don't worry though: your browser will automatically update if a new build is released.
There are also some exciting goodies planned for tomorrow, and Mozilla doesn't want us to satisfy your Firefox 4 hunger just yet. Basically, if you want to enjoy the 'true Firefox 4' experience (including the pretty first-run splash screen), you should hold off installing until it's released tomorrow.
[thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Comments
15
Subscribe to commentsAndroid underlingMar 21st 2011 1:51PM
The UI looks like crap. Not just the layout (yes orange button, I am talking about you), but the general polish seems to be missing. The chrome on the tab and address bar seems to be missing a gradient or something, because its just one solid color straight through. It looks really unfinished.
Freddy MoirMar 21st 2011 1:57PM
Cannot wait for this release!
"STUFF IE9. HERES THE BIG DADDY - FF4!"
RohitMar 21st 2011 2:38PM
Feels unfinished for some reason. But performance on par with IE9, little (I mean very little) sluggish compared to Chrome( in relative terms, there is very little to differentiate them in speed, but, as I like to crib....). Seriously better than than FF3. The best add-on ecosystem on the planet.
postcardMar 21st 2011 3:50PM
The sha1 hashes for this and the RC2 are the same so, don't bother if you have installed RC2.
jakethatMar 21st 2011 4:12PM
The looks, I luvs it. The orange button- classy. Not a security threat like Chrome in a whole. I don't want a money driven company to stack up every keystroke I do. I trust Firefox.
someoneMar 21st 2011 4:37PM
Just in case you guys are complaining about the new interface, it can all be changed. you can just select "menu bar" when you right click the bar area, then customise the layout however you want. That's what I've done as I don't really buy the new interface.
I updated yesterday, but I'm not sure whether or not the final release should still have the "feedback" button there.
SlashZakuMar 21st 2011 5:04PM
Might be because of the relic I'm on (Dell Dimension 2300), but it seems kind of slower on my end compared to 3.5 and/or 3.6. Maybe some tweaks I can make?
ChrisSskMar 21st 2011 6:11PM
So FF4 is done, tomorrow is lunch day so developers are allowed to relax and party a bit... I will be expecting Minefield 5.0a1pre on Wednesday :P
XenoMar 21st 2011 6:31PM
I just noticed; Firefox doesn't crash on me anymore, yay!
ronmosesMar 22nd 2011 8:45AM
I couldn't even get it to launch. It appears to choke on a line of Java in the StumbleUpon toolbar. I can't live without that, so it's back to FF3 for me.
XenoMar 22nd 2011 4:56PM
@ronmoses - no way, Firefox takes awhile to lunch
rorMar 22nd 2011 8:58AM
I just want to use this space to vent about Thurrott's write-up on Firefox 4
so many things to comment on, but I'll just choose one to show how off he is:
"Some don't like its old-school separation of address bar and search bar into two separate UI elements; most other browsers have integrated these into a single control."
seriously? Firefox was among the first to integrate this into a single control. you don't HAVE to use the dedicated Google search. you can search from the Awesome Bar
this has been true since at least 3.6. and Firefox allows you to remove the dedicated search entirely. (the ability to customize the UI in Firefox is far superior than Chrome or IE9).
further, as someone who regularly deals with non-tech savvy computer users. I believe that most of these people DO appreciate the dedicated search box. hell, most people still type in "www.google.com" whenever they want to search--even when the dedicated search bar is right there for them to use.
BazMar 22nd 2011 9:15AM
So, like, that's it?
Okay, there's probably a lot 'under the hood' I'm missing, but aside from an IE / Chrome'ified GUI, I'm not sensing a lot of difference.
It still takes a lot longer to start up than my recently updated IE or the version of Chrome I tried months ago and I'm not sure I'm seeing any real faster rendering of pages, either.
Frankly, if it wasn't for a few Add-ons (Adblock Plus, DownloadHelper and, most especially, Tab Mi Plus) - none of which have anything to do with the default FF4 - I'd be looking elsewhere for my browser...
Pity.
XenoMar 22nd 2011 5:00PM
@Baz - Boooo! quite badmounthin' the Fox
sushantMay 15th 2011 2:19PM
it is very nice.