The latest version of web browser Firefox will make changes to the way people search for information online, says its developer.
Mozilla has told the BBC's World Service that the new browser has been designed around the importance of search to users.
Firefox 3, currently going through its third stage of beta testing, will offer a combined search and bookmark tool via the url bar.
It will also allow offline working.
Chairman of the Mozilla Foundation Mitchell Baker told BBC World Service's Digital Planet programme:
"It's clear that when people are looking for information on the web, search is the number one activity," she said.
"We've devised ways to bring that power into areas that are closer to your individual life."
'Faster, sleeker'
Typing "cameras", for example, into the url bar, will bring up a list of the sites that the user recently visited that have cameras in their names.
"If you buy shoes, that's all you need to remember - we will use search, as you've come to expect it, to help you find the places that you have been visiting," Ms Baker said.
Firefox use spread quickly from a small group of users
Ms Baker said that other changes have been made that are invisible in terms of look, but will improve overall performance.
"It will be faster, sleeker, and even easier to use," she said.
"In terms of features, we've tried very hard not to bloat the interface but to keep it simple, the way people like it, and to have new things appear when you need them."
The other substantial change will be the ability to do much more offline, with the browser "remembering" key data that is usually lost when an internet connection goes down.
This is designed to allow the user to continue to work when travelling or in remote areas where wireless access is patchy.
Firefox is currently the second most popular browser, although its 12% share is dwarfed by that of Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
It has, however, substantially grown from its launch - first as Phoenix in 2002, then as Firebird, and finally ending up as Firefox in February 2004.
Ms Baker said that when Mozilla issued Firefox 1 they had one staff member, but hundreds working on different aspects of it.
Now they have 150 employees around the world, and "tens of thousands" working on the software.
Mozilla is run as a not-for-profit organisation, and advocate of open source coding.
The record will be for the most software downloads in 24 hours! Support your browser people! (unless it's I.E. in which case you should switch to firefox).
"I spent thirty years learning manners, and I spent twenty years learning knowledge."
"I love Firefox. Usually it goes hand-in-hand with Defensive Computing, as Firefox is more secure than Internet Explorer. But not today, not with the release of version 3 of Firefox.
Don't install Firefox version 3. Not today. not for a while.
Like all new software, Firefox 3 is best kept at arms length. Version 3 was a long time coming and, no doubt, features lots of new code. At the risk of repeating myself, all new software contains bugs and design flaws. Let the rest of the world debug it for you.
This is not to pick on Firefox or Mozilla. Recently in this blog, I suggested waiting on Windows XP SP3, which turned out, in retrospect, to be the right thing to do. I also suggested holding off on Vista and Leopard when they were new. How long to wait is a matter of opinion. However, waiting rather than rushing, is always the right defensive approach." Source:Hold off on Firefox version 3
"...You are my Walî in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim, and join me with the righteous." [Surah Yusuf 101]
Is there really that big difference between IE & FF? I tried downloading FF once but it didn't work.
Should I seek a source of law other than God, when it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book (Qur'an) fully explained? And those whom We have given them the Book know that it has been sent down from the Lord with truth, so be not of those in doubt.
I hate one feature already. When you type a letter into the address field, it shows a big ugly drop down. :enough!:
One feature of what? What is it? This Firefox 3 or something? Is it beta?
Should I seek a source of law other than God, when it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book (Qur'an) fully explained? And those whom We have given them the Book know that it has been sent down from the Lord with truth, so be not of those in doubt.
wanna download it too. Hmm...I just might.
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Why are some people hesitant in downloading it? :confused:
I'm downloading it now, it better be good.
Should I seek a source of law other than God, when it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book (Qur'an) fully explained? And those whom We have given them the Book know that it has been sent down from the Lord with truth, so be not of those in doubt.
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New search powers lead Firefox 3
i use Opera even though its not that common
Hmm...I just might.
Ah well, pretty nice otherwise.
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