Firefox 4 Beta 4 Hits Android

Mozilla have released the Firefox 4 Beta 4 for Android, which promises faster page-loading, better JavaScript execution and allows users to install add-ons without needing to restart.

Firefox Warms up to Android

Here’s the list of what has changed:

Add-ons

• There are now over 100 add-ons for Firefox for Mobile, and counting.

Performance and Memory Usage

• Startup speed has improved visibly. This was a top request from Beta 3 users.
• JavaScript is much faster - almost 15% performance improvement in Beta 4 compared to Beta 3.
• Memory and CPU usage is reduced, making the browser more responsive and stable.

Android

• Fixed several keyboard issues (top feedback from Beta 3)
• Improved support for tablets (like the Samsung Galaxy Tab) and small-screen devices (like the Motorola Droid Pro)

Firefox Sync

• Improved user interface for easy connection with desktop Firefox

User Interface

• Added an option to resize text to fit the screen when you double-tap to zoom in, to optimize the reading experience. This feature can be activated in the Firefox preferences. (This is also based on top feedback from Beta 3 users.)
• Many miscellaneous bug fixes, usability improvements, and optimizations for a better experience

For developers

• Support for restartless add-ons
• Support for HTML5 online/offline events

Flash is still not supported though, because Mozilla believes enabling the Flash plugin “results in a compromised user experience across Firefox for mobile.” Anyway, head on over to Firefox.com/m on your Android Phone or Nokia N900 (yes, it’s available for Maemo too) to download the beta.