Mozilla Delays Firefox 3.6 Beta

Test build of the browser beta is available now, but the official beta won't arrive until next week.

Instead of unleashing the Firefox 3.6 beta this week as planned, Mozilla released a "test build" of its browser to tantalize your taste buds for what's coming. An official release of the 3.6 beta is now set for October 21, one day before Windows 7 hits the streets -- possibly so users skip out on pre-installed Internet Explorer and go right for the good stuff.

Codenamed Namoroka, Firefox 3.6 beta brings only a few enhancements to the browser, such as a Vista-ish theme and the ability to see visual previews of tabs by clicking Ctrl-Tab. Other improvements include:

To continue reading, register here and become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

Instead of unleashing the Firefox 3.6 beta this week as planned, Mozilla released a "test build" of its browser to tantalize your taste buds for what's coming. An official release of the 3.6 beta is now set for October 21, one day before Windows 7 hits the streets -- possibly so users skip out on pre-installed Internet Explorer and go right for the good stuff.

Codenamed Namoroka, Firefox 3.6 beta brings only a few enhancements to the browser, such as a Vista-ish theme and the ability to see visual previews of tabs by clicking Ctrl-Tab. Other improvements include:

• Faster JavaScript handling
• Improved form completion tools
• Bookmark synchronization
• Page load enhancements
• Optimized session restore
• A few additions to the CSS tech

You can pick up your copy of the Firefox 3.6 beta test build on Mozilla's servers. Just select the operating system and processor platform you're using and grab the binary code. Remember that this isn't even a beta -- it's a test build of a beta -- so expect bugs.

For more PC news, visit PC World. Story copyright PC World Communications, Inc.