Even if Mozilla isn't happy about some of the changes in Windows 10, the company still needs to work to optimize its software for the new OS. Mozilla updated the Firefox web browser with a tweaked interface and safety features, making the browser more secure and easier to use.
The key focus of these updates was to give Firefox a more streamlined feel, and to overcome the search issues in Windows 10 that Mozilla previously complained about. Although Cortana is designed to work only with Bing, Mozilla stated that, after installing its browser, all Windows 10 web search functions, including those done with Cortana, will be carried out via your default search engine in Firefox.
Currently, Mozilla uses Yahoo as the default search provider on its Firefox browser, and as such, after installing Firefox, Cortana will also carry searches out in the Yahoo search engine. However, this can easily be changed inside of Firefox's settings if you desire to do so.
Although it wasn't the primary focus of this update, Mozilla also instituted some security features related to its browser add-ons. Add-ons allow users to customize the functionality and design of the web browser to suit their needs, but virtually anyone can create them. As a result, someone could use these add-ons for malicious purposes without Mozilla knowing.
To guard against this, Mozilla pushed out a series of guidelines that add-on developers must follow to ensure security. All current add-ons will continue to work during this transitional period, but a warning will be displayed on uncertified add-ons. Mozilla stated that future releases of the Firefox browser will disable these add-ons in the future, though.
Clearly, the recent Windows 10 release and the new Edge browser from Microsoft have destabilized the balance of power in the web browser market, at least in terms of perception. These feature updates and improved security policies may help Mozilla stave off Microsoft's Edge browser.
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