Saturday, April 30, 2011

Firefox 4 for Mobile


- By Kapil Bodke , 1st May 2011
  
It was a most happiest moment of every firefox user to see the same browser on the phone. As of now the browser is been released for Andriod and Maemo based phones. This version is packed with some good stuff let us have a eye on it :


1. Sync : This feature synchronizes the browsing between the desktop and mobile. This is really very helpful when we are heavily loaded with N number things to do and in the same time to reach the site very easy from mobile that we did saw on our desktop.

2. Customize : using this feature we can install the addon plugins and make it familiar the way we want.


3. Search : Type less and get to the Web faster using the Awesome Screen. This makes the searching very easy and handy and definitely will save the valuable time.

Release notes by Mozilla Firefox Team
Take your Firefox anywhere. Firefox 4 for Android and Maemo is built on the same technology platform as Firefox 4 for desktop computers, just optimized for browsing on a mobile device. Check out the new and improved features, known issues, and frequently-asked questions. As always, you’re encouraged to provide suggestions to improve Firefox for mobile or file a bug in Bugzilla. If you need help, visit the Firefox Mobile Support Forum.

There is also list of mobile devices that support this versions of firefox and are been tested sucessfully at Mozilla firefox labs. we just have a look at the requirements and list of these devices.

For operating system Maemo only 1 device is been listed as of now

  • Nokia N900

Whereas about Android phones

  • Firefox is compatible with Android 2.0 and above devices.
  • Installation requires about 17 MB internal or SD card storage and 512 MB of RAM
Supported Devices - Tested
  • Advent Vega (P10AN01)
  • Dell Streak
  • Dell Streak 7
  • HTC Desire
  • HTC Desire Z (T-Mobile G2)
  • HTC Desire HD (AT&T Inspire 4G)
  • HTC Droid Incredible
  • HTC EVO 4G
  • HTC EVO Shift 4G
  • HTC Glacier (T-Mobile myTouch 4G)
  • HTC Nexus One
  • HTC Thunderbolt 4G
  • Huawei Ideos S7
  • LG Optimuz Z
  • Motorola Atrix 4G
  • Motorola Bravo
  • Motorola Defy
  • Motorola Droid 2, Droid 2 Global
  • Motorola Droid Pro
  • Motorola Droid X
  • Motorola Xoom
  • POV Mobii Tegra Tablet
  • Samsung Continuum (i400)
  • Samsung Galaxy S (i9000, Captivate, Fascinate, Vibrant, Epic 4G)
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab
  • Viewsonic gTablet

Full list of supported and unsupported devices by are listed at System Requirements wiki.
So, the above all was a update about the software. Now how far every reader knows about the firefox i would just like to share the same information with you all that is been released by firefox team.

Who makes Firefox?
Mozilla is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to making the Web better. We emphasize principle over profit, and believe that the Web is a shared public resource to be cared for, not a commodity to be sold. We work with a worldwide community to create open source products like Mozilla Firefox, and to innovate for the benefit of the individual and the betterment of the Web. The result is great products built by passionate people and better choices for everyone.

How is Firefox different than the mobile browser I have now?
Firefox for Android and Maemo is built on the same technology platform as Firefox for the desktop, making it fast, easy to use and customizable. Firefox includes Firefox Sync to bring your desktop history, bookmarks, open tabs, passwords and form data across computers and mobile devices. Add-ons let you customize the look and functionality of Firefox, and the Awesome Screen helps you get where you’re going on the Web faster. Learn More

Is Firefox available for my mobile phone?
Firefox is available for download on Google Android (2.0 and above) and Nokia Maemo devices (Nokia N900). Download the latest version of Firefox for mobile by visiting Firefox.com/m on your phone. You can also install Firefox directly from the Android Market. See a full list of Firefox supported platforms and devices. Please check back for regular updates.

Firefox Home, our free app for the iPhone, is also available for download through the App Store. Firefox Home synchronizes your Firefox desktop history, bookmarks and tabs with your iPhone. Learn more.

Will Firefox be available on other mobile devices or platforms?
Due to platform or distribution restrictions, Mozilla is unable to bring the full Firefox browser to Blackberry, Symbian and iOS (iPhone, iPod Touch). We're working to bring Firefox Home to to to other devies and platforms in the future so that users can access their Firefox data wherever they go. Learn more.

Is Firefox available for tablets?
Firefox runs on select tablets and we are continuously adapting Firefox to offer the same experience on tablets as it does on smartphones. See a full list of Firefox supported platforms and devices. Please check back for regular updates.

Is Firefox available in my language?
Firefox for mobile is currently available for download in more than 10 languages and we are working on adding more languages.

Is it called Fennec or Firefox?
Fennec is the codename of Mozilla’s mobile project. Firefox is the official product name.

Downloading

How do I know if my phone is a Firefox supported device?
Check if your phone is on the regularly updated list of Firefox supported platforms and devices. If your phone is not on the list of tested or supported devices, we do not guarantee full functionality. We encourage you try Firefox on a supported device so you can experience the full capabilities.

Will Firefox work with my mobile phone?
Firefox is available for download on Google Android (2.0 and above) and Nokia Maemo devices. Download the latest version of Firefox by visiting Firefox.com/m on your phone. Android users can also install Firefox directly from the Android Market.

Can I download Firefox to the iPhone?
Due to platform or distribution restrictions, Firefox is not currently available for the iPhone. Firefox Home, our free app for the iPhone, is also available for download through the App Store. While not the full Firefox browser, Firefox Home synchronizes your Firefox desktop history, bookmarks and tabs with your iPhone. Learn more.

Why does Firefox request access to find my (GPS) location when I install it?
Location-Aware Browsing is one of the new features in the HTML5 specification which enables a website to ask for your permission to share your location in order to offer personalized features (see ‘Features” below). The browser will only use your location if you have granted a website permission to do so. It is not used for any other purpose or without your knowledge. Learn more.

Using Firefox

How do I use the Firefox user interface to browse the Web?
Firefox browser controls are stowed away to the sides of the screen to save space on your phone’s display. They can be accessed by swiping your finger left or right across the screen. Your tabs are on the left side of the screen, while bookmarks and settings are on the right. To let you see more of a given site, the address bar also disappears when you scroll down, but it’s quickly retrieved by swiping up or to the side.

How do I zoom in and out?
On your Android phone, pinch to zoom, or double tap the screen with your finger to zoom in and out. On your Nokia N900, double tap the screen or use the volume rocker to zoom in and out.

How do I bookmark a website?
Go to the site you wish to bookmark. Swipe left and tap on the bookmark star.



How do I open/close a tab?
Swipe right and tap the new tab button marked with a plus sign located at the bottom. To close a tab, tap the red X on the side of the thumbnail image of the open tab.

What if I close a tab by mistake?
If you accidentally close a tab, bring it back by tapping the undo arrow at the bottom of your open tabs.

Features

What does the Awesome Screen do?
The Awesome Screen appears by tapping the Awesome Bar (Smart Location Bar). As you type it will display websites that you have recently visited or bookmarked. The Awesome Screen learns as you use it, adapting to your preferences and giving you instant access to a smart list of your favorite history items, bookmarks and open tabs across all of your devices. A list of customizable search engines appear as you type if you’re looking for something new.

What are add-ons and how can I get them on my phone?
Firefox Add-ons let you customize the look, features and functionality of Firefox to personalize your browsing experience. Select the settings gear at the bottom right of your screen, then choose the add-ons puzzle piece. You can search for and install the add-ons that are most useful to you directly from your phone. Firefox will also recommend add-ons on your personalized Start page.

What is Firefox Sync?
Firefox Sync brings your Firefox desktop experience to your mobile phone. It allows you to securely access your Firefox history, bookmarks, tabs and passwords across devices.

How do I use Firefox Sync?
First, create an account on your Firefox on your desktop computer. Then go to Firefox on your mobile and connect your devices by tapping Tools » Preferences » Setup Sync. A single-use sync code will appear. This code will be put into the Firefox menu on your desktop. Select Firefox » Options » Sync » Activate New Device and enter your sync code. Watch the short setup video for more help.

How does Firefox Sync protect data?
Firefox Sync employs a system called “end-to-end” encryption. Firefox Sync asks you for a unique password which it then uses to create a key for encrypting your data. This password is known only to you and it remains only on your device, so that nobody can use it to read your data. For more information on how Firefox Sync protects your security and privacy, see the Firefox Sync page.



What is Location-Aware Browsing?
Location-Aware Browsing saves you time by allowing websites to ask you where you are. If you choose to share your location with a website, it can use that information to find nearby points of interest and return additional, useful data like maps of your area. It’s all optional – Firefox doesn’t share your location without your permission. Learn more about Location-Aware Browsing and view the privacy policy from the Google Location Service.

How accurate are the locations?
Accuracy varies greatly from location to location. In some places, our service providers may be able to provide a location within a few meters. However, in other areas it might be much more than that. All locations returned by our service providers are estimates only and we do not guarantee the accuracy of the locations provided.

Does Firefox on my phone support plugins like Flash?
Firefox 4 for Android and Maemo does not currently support the Flash plugin.

Security

How will Firefox keep me safe while I browse on my mobile?
Firefox features customizable security settings to manage passwords, cookies, loading images, and add-ons to give you complete control over your browsing experience. Instant Website ID verifies that the sites you visit are not suspicious. Mozilla’s open source development process allows thousands of security experts to collaborate on making your browsing experience as secure as possible. Learn more.

Developer Questions

Will a Firefox add-on I built for the PC transfer to mobile? If not, do I need to change it?
Although Firefox for the desktop and mobile are built on the same platform, there are some differences that will require developers to make changes to their add-ons. These changes are usually straightforward. Visit the Extensions Wiki to learn more.

What browser engine does Firefox use?
The desktop and mobile versions of Firefox both use the Gecko rendering engine. The mobile version of Firefox uses Gecko version 2.0, which is the best performing browser engine Mozilla has ever released and includes exciting features such as radically improved JavaScript performance, geolocation support, worker threads and much more.

What JavaScript engine does Firefox use?
Firefox 4 includes the enhanced high-performance SpiderMonkey JavaScript engine with TraceMonkey and Jägermonkey JITs. You’ll notice the speed in everything from faster start-up time and improved page-load speed to the performance of Web applications.


How do I develop a mobile add-on for Firefox?
Visit our mobile add-ons wiki to learn how to develop new and restartless mobile add-ons, as well as learn how to port an existing desktop add-on to mobile. Visit the Mozillas Mobile Developer Network for more support documentation and tutorials.

How do I develop a Location-Aware website for Firefox?
Firefox has implemented the first public draft of the Geolocation specification from the W3C. An overview on how to develop Location-Aware websites here.

Does Firefox on my mobile support HTML 5?
HTML5 is the next major revision of HTML. The HTML5 specification is an ongoing work, but there are several HTML5 and related features that will enable Web developers to create more innovative websites and applications. Firefox includes important features like Location-Aware browsing, the <canvas> and <svg> tags, Web workers and offline storage.

How can I get involved?
Check out the mobile page of the Mozilla Developer Network to learn more about how you can contribute. If you’d like to learn more about you can get involved in other mobile-related initiatives, check out our Get Involved page.

Dear Friends, This was all for this current article be in touch will soon post the new updates on various opensource updates

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