Firefox 147 has been officially released and comes packed with a range of new features, improvements, and long-awaited fixes. Marking a significant milestone for Linux users, this version finally addresses a 20-year-old bug by supporting the XDG Base Directory Specification, a standard for organizing user configuration, data, and cache files. However, this organizational enhancement only applies to new installs.
In addition to this Linux-specific update, Firefox 147 also delivers broader improvements across different platforms. Mac users with Apple Silicon can now enjoy enhanced WebGPU support for hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, while those on PCs with AMD GPUs benefit from zero-copy hardware video playback, promising better performance and efficiency. For users on GNOME, sharper rendering is now available with fractional scaling.
A standout feature in this update is the automatic Picture-in-Picture mode, allowing videos to continue playing in a pop-out window when users switch tabs. This adds convenience, especially for multitaskers. Alongside these, Firefox 147 adopts the Safe Browsing V5 protocol for heightened security, implements stricter Enhanced Tracking Protection to safeguard local device access, and includes several key security fixes.
Web developers are not left out, as they gain access to new capabilities with support for CSS Module Scripts, the Navigation API, CSS anchor positioning, and ES modules in service workers. As experimental features, users can explore customizable keyboard shortcuts and improved split tabs functionality.
Furthermore, Mozilla’s cross-platform email client, Thunderbird, is on the brink of releasing version 147 as well, offering minor updates such as a Show Full Path option and optional folder-name localization.
Overall, Firefox 147 reaffirms Mozilla’s commitment to enhancing user experience and security across platforms while addressing long-standing community requests.

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Firefox 147 introduces XDG Base Directory Specification support for Linux (new installs only), ending a 20-year-old bug. The release includes WebGPU support for Apple Silicon Macs, zero-copy video playback for AMD GPUs, automatic Picture-in-Picture mode, and Safe Browsing V5 protocol. Web developers gain CSS Module Scripts, Navigation API, CSS anchor positioning, and ES modules in service workers. Experimental features include customizable keyboard shortcuts and improved split tabs.

Firefox 147 Released with Enhanced Features and Long-Awaited Linux Support

I wish if Firefox opts out from being an AI browser.