Mozilla has launched Firefox version 14 today for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux with some much-requested features. The update sets aim on security by encrypting our Google searches and also adding features for Web developers by adding new APIs. Firefox 14 also finally brings native Mac OS X Lion full-screen application support to the browser for the first time in a public release.
One noticeable new feature with the browser is that the URL bar has a new icon indication system that relays to the user the level of security the Web site they are visiting has. A planet icon indicates that the Web site is a regular public site, a lock icon indicates that the Web site uses at least SSL security, and a green lock icon with the name of the Web site owner indicates an EV (Extended Validation) Certificate and shows that the site is trusted.
Other changes include auto-complete for the ‘Awesome’ bar, the ability to only load Web site plugins upon clicking on them, and more notifications that will alert you to possible security issues. Firefox 14 also fixes a couple of bugs including stuck GIF animations when image sizes are changed, and some CSS and security fixes. Some of the new APIs include one for preventing your display from going to sleep and one for pointer lock. You can view the entire set of release notes by Mozilla from this link.
Perhaps the most favorited feature in this new release is the Mac OS X Lion full-screen application support. The browser now includes the native full-screen button at the top right of the application that will put the application into full-screen mode. For some, the time it took for Mozilla to implement this feature has led them to use different browsers instead. For those that remained loyal to Mozilla, this new feature will mean a lot of happy shout-outs by the users.
Firefox should prompt you for the update automatically. If not, you can find the download links below:
Firefox 14 for Mac OS X
Firefox 14 for Windows
Firefox 14 for Linux
Sources: Mozilla
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