Firefox Won't be Able to Update Silently Until Version 12

News
By Wolfgang Gruener
published

Mozilla just announced that the silent update feature for Firefox will not make into version 10. Mozilla has delayed the integration of this feature until version 12.

Version 12 is not scheduled for a final release until April 24 of 2012. According to the recent platform meeting minutes, the removal of the OS security dialog in Windows was moved out to version 11 and background updates were moved to version 12. "Risk" was the reason for both delays.

While silent updates are a somewhat controversial feature that could alienate some Firefox users who want to retain control over the browser by default, there is no doubt that the mainstream user actually prefers silent updates. Chrome has benefited from silent updates since its launch in 2008 and has since then changed the perception of silent updates being "forced" updates to "convenient" updates.

The delay on Mozilla's side raises concerns about the overall competitiveness of the browser, given a recent development that saw Firefox' market share dropping from second to third rank - behind Google's Chrome. Mozilla can't afford any delays in its product roadmap and this one could have impact on Firefox' market share in 2012 as well as chances at a successful comeback.

The history of browser market share has shown that new features in browsers typically require a setting time of about four to six months to show effect. Other new features waiting in the pipeline include Chrome migration tools and the Home Tab App.

Wolfgang Gruener
33 Comments Comment from the forums
  • SchizoFrog
    So, in about 6 months then.
    Reply
  • SchizoFrog
    Ha... I made the first comment before I even read the article.
    Reply
  • Th-z
    How about give the option to turn on or off? A lot of these "like and dislike" problems can be solved by giving people options.
    Reply
  • ianj14
    This is so that a silent update cna get through that breaks the browser and screws up my PC, giving me work to reset my system for the sake of it.

    Please let us have a 'switch off silent updates' option.
    Reply
  • _Pez_
    I do not like the idea of Forced Updates, If Firefox will do so, I see myself changing the browser to other like k-meleon.
    Reply
  • Benihana
    I never understood the purpose of silent updates for a web browser. The only time you need an updated browser is when you're going to peruse the web. So why not just update when you run it? I guess the rapid development cycle is planning to speed up to perhaps daily updates, where it might make sense.
    Reply
  • amk-aka-Phantom
    I LOATHE silent installs. Very annoying to keep track of.
    Reply
  • nikorr
    No harm done : )
    Reply
  • lucky015
    Th-zHow about give the option to turn on or off? A lot of these "like and dislike" problems can be solved by giving people options.Simple Tickbox under General in the Settings. Firefox is favored by many because of its ability to be customized, Continue with it FFS.
    Reply
  • I run on 500 MB a month because I am at uni. If firefox goes to silent updates, I might aswell go back to IE.

    Google never changed the perception of FORCED updates. People just deal with it because it's a fast browser, and most people don't even know what is happening.

    The best things to focus on for Mozilla is to minimize memory consumption, maximize speed and fully conform with open standards. They already have every other browser beat when it comes to the rest of the garbage.
    Reply