Mozilla released Firefox 122 for the desktop and for Android a few days ago. The desktop release was a light release. The highlight was a new -.deb package release for Linux users.
The Firefox 122 for Android release, on the other hand, introduced several improvements that are noteworthy. The official release notes list just a few of them.
The new mobile version of Firefox is already available. Mozilla lists just three of the improvements on its website:
- The option to set Firefox as the default PDF reader on Android.
- Support for Global Privacy Control. This is off in regular browsing mode by default, but users may enable the feature under Settings > Enhanced Tracking Protection > Tell websites not to share & sell data.
- Firefox reports Android 10 as the operating system to reduce “user fingerprinting information” and “website compatibility issues.
Global Privacy Control may require an explanation. This relatively new initiative aims to move user consent from websites and services to the browser. It informs website operators that the user does not give it the right to sell or share personal information.
How to enable local add-on installations in Firefox 122 for Android
Mozilla changed its mind in regards to add-ons support. For some time, Firefox Stable for Android supported only a few dozen extensions. While these were some of the most popular add-ons for Firefox, it limited users significantly.
This changed last year when Mozilla unlocked full extensions support. Over 700 extensions are now available for Firefox.
Tip: check out these tips for extensions use in Firefox for Android.
A new change is the ability to install local extensions. It is a great option for developers and to integrate extensions that are not available officially yet.
It is necessary to unlock the Debug menu first. This is done by opening Menu > Settings > About Firefox. Tap five times on the Firefox logo on the page that opens to enable the Debug menu.
A new “Install add-on from file” option is added to the browser’s main settings page afterwards.
Select the option to display a file browser. Use it to pick the add-on that you want to install. Note that it needs to be stored locally already before you use the functionality.
Other improvements in Firefox 122 for Android
Sören Hentzschel published a list of additional features that Mozilla did not mention in the release notes. These are:
- Cookie Banner Blocking supports Consent Management Provider (CPMs). This adds support for several widely used solutions to display cookie banners.
- Audio Sandbox is now also active in Firefox for Android.
- Firefox users may report add-ons to Mozilla now.
Closing Words
Firefox 122 for Android improves support for extensions further. The option to install add-ons from file in the stable version improves development and gives users of the browser additional options.
Not everyone needs these, as the list of add-ons grows significantly each week currently.
Now You: do you use Firefox on Android or another browser?