Firefox 4 Beta 1: now available for Android and Maemo

Firefox releases version beta of Firefox 4 for mobile, compatible with Android , and Maemo. As we had announced long ago Mozilla has decided to develop its browser Firefox Mobile for systems Maemo and Android, but let’s see what’s new.

Firefox 4 beta 1 for mobile

Mozilla has finally made available on-line Firefox beta 4 for Maemo and Android, this is a new step forward for the development of the final version that wants to give a real alternative to the native solution of the two systems, based on engine WebKit.

So Mozilla says:

It ‘s based on the same technology as Firefox optimized for desktops but for navigation on mobile phones. Firefox for mobile beta has some features that popular on the PC version, as FirefoxSync, Add-On and the Awesome Bar

The main changes concern the presence of Electrolysis and Layers. The first was already integrated in the alpha stage, in practice, the interface allows you to work on a process different from that which handles the rendering greatly increasing responsiveness. With regard to the Layers were included in the Beta, and increase the overall performance of those image areas as scrolling, zooming, and animation.

Also Firefox 4 beta also integrates Firefox Sync, so you always have everything in sync between your desktop and your smarphono. In fact you have the history, bookmarks, cards, passwords and information for auto-forms in sync in both locations. But not all other functionality is available to pinch-to-zoom and Awesome Screen, which offers instant access to your history, favorites and tabs with a simple touch of the Awesome Bar.

According to Arstechnica, the performance of the Beta are not yet optimal, even if they are improved. The real problem is the space occupied, because installation requires 30 MB on Android and more when you first start unpacking 14MB takes about 15 seconds. According to Ryan Paul have made much progress although there is still a lot of work.

The news are so many who wanted to know more about these are the release notes, you can also download the beta, of course, after waiting for your comments.