Mozilla has launched Firefox 129.0, the latest update for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android users. This release addresses several security vulnerabilities, enhances Reader View, and improves DNS handling. The update also includes security patches for the ESR (Extended Support Release) versions of Firefox.
The Firefox 129 security update resolves 14 vulnerabilities, with 11 categorized as high risk. Fortunately, there have been no reports of these vulnerabilities being exploited in real-world scenarios. To update, users can navigate to Help > About Firefox or download the update manually from Mozilla’s website.
Key improvements in this version include Firefox’s new default behavior of using HTTPS for website access, enhancing security by prioritizing encrypted connections. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is now enabled by default for resolving HTTPS DNS entries on Windows 11, Linux, and Android 10 and later.
Reader View has also been upgraded, offering customizable options such as font types, weights, content width, and color schemes, making it easier to read without distractions. Additionally, a new preview function will gradually be rolled out, allowing users to see a screenshot preview of background tabs.
For Firefox ESR users, the update fixes nine vulnerabilities in ESR 115 and 12 in ESR 128. Notably, support for Windows 7 and 8 will end with the deprecation of ESR 115 in September 2024. Firefox for Android 129 mirrors the desktop update, including improved DNS resolution and offline translation features.
