Mozilla announced two new versions of its Firefox browser, an official release with valuable new IM features, and another beta version that adds advanced privacy controls. Credit: Al Sacco There’s a lot going on with Firefox. Two new versions of the browser debuted in just two days; one’s ready to go, and the other, more interesting one is still in beta. The finished version, Firefox 41, offers a number of tweaks, but its main claim to fame is an enhanced instant messaging (IM) feature. Firefox 42 is all about making it harder for sites to track people who visit them. One of the best things about the Mozilla Foundation, and its Firefox browser, is the “openness;” the beta version is open to anyone who cares to tinker with it, as long as they understand that it may have some rough edges. (You can download Firefox 42 here.) I tried both new versions on Windows 7 and Windows 10 and didn’t notice any significant problems. I’ve used Firefox as my main browser for years, and although it’s not as popular among Web surfers as it once was, it gets the job done without unnecessary drama. If you already use Firefox, I see no reason not to upgrade to Firefox 41. Ordinarily, I don’t encourage people to use beta products, but my experience with Firefox 42 has been smooth so far. It’s worth a download, but keep in mind that issues certainly could arise, and Mozilla might add or delete certain features. Firefox 41 gets IM A while back, Mozilla built a new video communications feature it called “Hello.” Firefox users can now use Hello to send and receive IMs during video calls in the browser on Windows, Mac and Linux. The people on the other end of those calls or chats do not have to use Hello. You can simply send an invitation from Firefox to the recipient via email, and if he or she is using Chrome, Opera or Firefox and chooses to accept, you’re connected. Unfortunately, the feature only currently works in the desktop version of Firefox. The release also includes updates that let users personalize their Firefox accounts with photos, and sync seems to work a bit better, so it’s easier to share browsing data, such as passwords, bookmarks, and history, across your various devices. Firefox 42 and privacy The private modes in most of today’s browsers purposefully don’t save your history. Firefox 42 takes private browsing a step further. From Mozilla: “The experimental Private Browsing enhancements ready for testing today actively block website elements that could be used to record user behavior across sites. This includes elements like content, analytics, social and other services that might be collecting data without your knowledge.” The feature also blocks some ads, but that’s not its primary purpose. If ads don’t contain trackers, Firefox 42 will load them. The new private browsing mode also has a “Control Center” that provides quick access to all of Firefox’s security and privacy controls. It’s a notable enhancement, because it makes it easier for users to take advantage of the safeguards. And because some websites won’t load if you disable tracking, Mozilla added a button to the toolbar that lets you turn off the no-tracking feature for individual sites. Related content opinion Consumers love to hate the companies that deliver pay TV and broadband A survey of thousands of consumers shows that a lack of competition and u201cabysmalu201d customer service make cable companies and ISPs the most disliked industries in the country. By Bill Snyder May 24, 2017 3 mins Broadband Consumer Electronics opinion Get ready to say goodbye to T-Mobile A Japanese conglomerate wants to buy T-Mobile and merge it with Sprint. What a disaster for consumers that will be. By Bill Snyder May 12, 2017 4 mins Small and Medium Business Consumer Electronics Mobile opinion Cunning hack attacks built-in Windows anti-malware software Quick action by Google and Microsoft appears to have put out the fire. But itu2019s another reminder that running old versions of Windows can be dangerous. By Bill Snyder May 10, 2017 2 mins Small and Medium Business Malware Windows Security opinion How to survive a move when your ISP can’t go with you Moving is a huge hassle, but hereu2019s a two-step solution that will keep you connected to the Internet without busting your budget. By Bill Snyder May 05, 2017 4 mins Internet Consumer Electronics Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe