Mozilla talks up Firefox 4 sync feature

Firefox 4 is set to offer advanced Tab options

Mozilla has released the fourth beta of its latest Firefox browser, claiming improved responsiveness, syncing and tabbed browsing functionality.

The firm said that as well as being based on the Gecko 2.0 engine, it included sync features by default, meaning that it would take user bookmarks with it wherever it goes.

In a statement, the firm explained that the Sync feature would let users take the bookmarks, passwords, form-filling data, and even opened tabs with them across a number of computers and mobile devices. This feature will be available on the Apple iPhone, Mozilla added.

The firm promised that it encrypted all user data, and did not track users.

Tabs, long a common feature on the Mozilla browser, have also had a refresh and the app now includes a feature called Panorama – originally called Tab Candy – that lets users arrange and prioritise applications. Tabs can also be viewed in a grid display, making it easier for users to make sense of what they have open.

The beta, which is available in about 40 languages, has better support for HTML5 video, and lets developers animate their content using CSS transitions.

At the user end, the firm promised responsiveness and scrolling improvements as well as crash protection that can be invoked if Adobe Flash, Apple QuickTime or Microsoft Silverlight plugins fail.