Mozilla has released Firefox 149which brings new multitasking features, interface updates and security improvements, according to the company’s announcement.
The update is rolling out gradually to users and includes split-screen navigation, changes to site permissions handling, and performance improvements.
Side by Side Navigation Split View in Firefox 149
Firefox 149 introduces a new built-in feature Split view feature which allows users to view two tabs side by side within a single window. To activate this feature, users can right-click a tab and choose to open it in split view.
The feature is intended to support tasks such as comparing information, conducting research, or working on multiple pages without the need to switch between windows. Mozilla has been testing this functionality for several months before adding it to the stable version.
Changes to the security and trust panel in Firefox 149
Firefox 149 introduces updates to how the browser handles permissions for malicious websites. Mozilla claims that the browser will now automatically revoke notification permissions and block notifications from sites marked as harmful via Safe Browsing. This is intended to prevent spam and phishing schemes that rely on persistent notifications.
The update also combines privacy and security details into a new “Trust Dashboard” accessible from the address bar, offering a single view of permissions, tracking protections, and connection security.
Firefox 149 PDF and Performance Improvements
Mozilla announces that Firefox 149 introduces hardware acceleration updates that improve handling of PDF files, especially large or graphics-intensive documents.
Users can now extract images directly from PDF files via the context menu, eliminating the need for screenshots or external tools. Other performance improvements include better HTTP/3 loading behavior on unstable networks and lower power usage during full-screen video playback on Windows systems.
New address sharing and autocompletion features in Firefox 149
Firefox 149 introduces a customizable option share button which works with system-level sharing options on Windows and macOS. Users can add this button via the toolbar customization menu and share web pages without manually copying URLs.
The update also expands Address AutoComplete to more markets, including Australia, India, Italy, Poland, and Austria.
How to get Firefox 149
Firefox 149 is already rolling out and can be installed automatically through the browser’s update system or downloaded manually from Mozilla’s website and app stores.
