Firefox 4 Beta 4 Hits Android

Experience improved JavaScript performance and Install Add-ons without needing to restart.

Sriram Gurunathan|Feb 02, 2011, 12:17:53 IST

Mozilla have released the Firefox 4 Beta 4 for Android, which promises faster page-loading, better JavaScript execution and allows users to install add-ons without needing to restart.

Firefox Warms up to Android

Here's the list of what has changed:

Add-ons

There are now over 100 add-ons for Firefox for Mobile, and counting.

Performance and Memory Usage

Startup speed has improved visibly. This was a top request from Beta 3 users.
JavaScript is much faster - almost 15% performance improvement in Beta 4 compared to Beta 3.
Memory and CPU usage is reduced, making the browser more responsive and stable.

Android

Fixed several keyboard issues (top feedback from Beta 3)
Improved support for tablets (like the Samsung Galaxy Tab) and small-screen devices (like the Motorola Droid Pro)

Firefox Sync

Improved user interface for easy connection with desktop Firefox

User Interface

Added an option to resize text to fit the screen when you double-tap to zoom in, to optimize the reading experience. This feature can be activated in the Firefox preferences. (This is also based on top feedback from Beta 3 users.)
Many miscellaneous bug fixes, usability improvements, and optimizations for a better experience

For developers

Support for restartless add-ons
Support for HTML5 online/offline events

Flash is still not supported though, because Mozilla believes enabling the Flash plugin "results in a compromised user experience across Firefox for mobile." Anyway, head on over to Firefox.com/m on your Android Phone or Nokia N900 (yes, it's available for Maemo too) to download the beta.