Mozilla’s Firefox web browser remains a popular choice, especially for open source enthusiasts and users who want as much customization options as possible.
While Mozilla is going through some form of decline, at least when Firefox’s usage share is concerned, it is still used by hundreds of millions of users each month.
Mozilla tried several strategies to turn the tide. It continues to reduce its reliance on Google money through new products, but most revenue still comes from that one search deal with Google.
Recently, Mozilla introduced much-requested features in Firefox. From tab groups to vertical tabs. an improved profile manager and the upcoming link previews feature.
Now, it is the address bar that is getting a makeover.
Tip: check out my guide on enabling compact mode in Firefox.
The improved Firefox address bar
Improved selection of search engines and search data
Click on the icon at the left side of the address bar to pick any search engine for search. You may also select internal options, such as bookmarks or the browsing history from the menu.
My take: Good addition, but nothing major.
Search term instead of search URL
A controversial change. When you run a search, Firefox displays the original search term in the address bar instead of the URL. Mozilla says that it is done to give users easier access to change the phrase and to run the search using a different search engine.
My take: Don’t like, as the URL should always be visible.
Search using keywords
This feature is not really new, as Firefox supported keyword-based searches for a long time.
Use @bookmarks or @tabs to limit searches
My take: not really new, but may expose the feature to more users.
Actions to take
Actions is a new feature. An action is a command that you want Firefox to execute. Options include printing the active page, opening the Settings, viewing the page source, or clearing the recent history.
My take: this one is handy for users who prefer the keyboard over mouse.
Contextual search suggestions
Firefox shows contextual options for some searches or prompts. It may show a shortcut to search the active site or to switch to a specific tab.
My take: sounds like a useful feature, not entirely new though.
No HTTPS:// anymore, but clear warnings for insecure sites
Since most sites use the secure HTTPS now, Mozilla decided to hide the protocol from Firefox. It continues to show warnings if a site uses HTTP or another insecure protocol or misconfigured protocol.
My take: I prefer to see all protocols all the time, so, not something that I like.
Good news is that you can make changes to Firefox’s configuration to alter the defaults. Check out Mozilla’s blog post for additional screenshots and information.
Now You: what is your take on these features? Something that you find interesting or superfluous? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
A popup by any other name is still annoying as fuck!
I hate that ‘oneclick” crap. It’s not new and I’m tired of having to dig into the config to get rid of it.
Please tell us these new “features” can be disabled.
I like to run FF with a separate address box and search box so I can see both the URL and search terms all the time. So I guess this is yet another FF “improvement” that I’ll have to go into about:config and figure out how to undo.