Web Browser
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Web Browser.- Saturday MetaverseGoogle is altering how Chrome extensions manage user data, a change that could impact privacy. Separately, the White House has removed numerous web pages related to energy conservation amidst a severe heatwave impacting the US.
- Independence Weekend MetaverseSteven Spielberg has acquired the rights to the YouTube horror series The Mandela Catalogue. Separately, Microsoft Edge now allows users to sign in with a Google account.
- Morning MetaverseMozilla has released updates for its Firefox web browser, including version 152.0 with new features, updates, and fixes. Additionally, Firefox ESR versions 140.12.0 and 115.37.0 have also received updates detailing their respective changes.
- Evening MetaverseGoogle Chrome is implementing an update that will effectively disable ad blockers. This change aims to close the door on ad-blocking software within the browser, impacting how users experience web content.
- Gemini in Chrome expands further to Latin America and the Middle EastGoogle's Gemini AI feature is expanding its availability within the Chrome browser to users in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This rollout signifies a broader integration of AI capabilities into web browsing experiences across these regions.
KDE turns 30 this year - and they want your supportKDE is celebrating its 30th anniversary this October with a funding drive to increase regular donations and support its open-source projects like KDE Plasma. Plasma is notably used in SteamOS for devices like the Steam Deck. The organization, which also developed the original engine powering most web browsers, aims to grow its supporting member base and is planning global anniversary events.- Morning MetaverseMozilla Firefox Desktop has released version 151.0.1, introducing new features, updates, and fixes. The update was noted by Frans.
- Morning MetaverseMozilla has released updates for its web browsers, including Mozilla Firefox 151.0 and Mozilla Firefox ESR versions 140.11.0 and 115.36.0. These updates bring new features, fixes, and general improvements to the browsing experience.
6 million more people are using Firefox because of new EU rules, which is good news for Chrome haters like meMozilla's Firefox web browser has seen a significant increase of six million users since 2024, attributed to the European Union's Digital Markets Act. The author, a long-time Firefox user, expresses concern over the browser's low market share but notes this recent growth as positive news, particularly in contrast to Chrome and Edge.- Safari's latest trick could be automatically organizing your tabs into groupsApple is reportedly planning to introduce an "Organize Tabs" feature for its Safari web browser. This new functionality, detailed by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, aims to automatically group open tabs, potentially with the next major software update.
If You're Trying To Watch YouTube On Switch 2, You'll Now Get An Error CodeUsers attempting to access YouTube on the Nintendo Switch 2 via the game Super Animal Royale are now encountering an error code. This follows a brief period where players could access the video platform through an in-game web browser. YouTube has stated that an official app is expected to be available on the Switch 2 soon.- You Can Watch YouTube On Switch 2, But It Isn't PrettyA workaround allows users to watch YouTube on the Nintendo Switch 2 via its web browser, accessed through the game Super Animal Royale. This method is functional but limited, offering only 360p resolution and no option to sign in, making it a compromised experience compared to an official app.
- Chrome on Android will now let you share your approximate locationGoogle Chrome on Android is introducing a new feature that allows users to share their approximate location. This functionality is also slated for release on desktop versions of the browser in the near future.
- Morning MetaverseMozilla has released Firefox version 150.0, introducing an improved Split View feature and enhancements to its PDF editor. The update also includes several other new functionalities for users.
- Google Chrome makes it easier to wrangle different tabs in AI ModeGoogle is rolling out an update to Chrome for desktop users in the US that enhances its AI Mode's ability to interact with and understand browser tabs. The new features allow the AI chatbot to maintain context across multiple tabs, browse new webpages side-by-side with the chatbot interface, and factor existing tabs, images, and PDFs into new searches. This update aims to reduce tab switching and improve user focus, with plans to expand globally soon.
- Opera adds Browser Connector for integrating AI chatbotsOpera has introduced Browser Connector, a new feature for Opera One and Opera GX users that allows integration with AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude. This feature enables chatbots to access page content and use information from open tabs for context. The company has also been experimenting with AI-focused services, including the agentic AI browser Opera Neon.
- Chrome finally adds support for vertical tabs.Google Chrome has begun rolling out a vertical tab organization feature for desktop users, a functionality previously available in competing browsers like Firefox and Safari. The update also includes an enhanced reading mode for a less distracting browsing experience. The rollout may take a few days to reach all devices.
- Morning MetaverseTor Browser has been updated to version 15.0.8. The update is attributed to Desktop General and Ant.
- Morning MetaverseGoogle has reportedly made changes to its browser agent team amidst a growing interest in OpenClaw. The article also mentions a personal anecdote about switching to a self-hosted search aggregator.
Opera GX is now available for LinuxThe gaming-focused web browser Opera GX has officially launched for Linux, fulfilling numerous user requests. This release brings features like performance limiters (GX Control), integrated Twitch and Discord access, customization options, ad blockers, and a built-in VPN to Linux users, aligning with the platform's emphasis on control and customization.