Firefox 13 to Release in Mid-2012

[Tom172]

Mozilla is on a mission. No less than three more Firefox releases will be launched by the end of 2011. Another four will follow in the first half of next year. By mid-2012 Mozilla users will be able to download and run Firefox 13 Final.

Earlier this month, Firefox 6 was made available for download, and early adopters got Firefox 7 Beta, Firefox 8 Aurora, and Firefox 9 Nightly for testing.

Mozilla overhauled its development process and the release cycle of the open source browser after Firefox 4.0 shipped, and the company intends to stick with it.

Users holding their breath, waiting for the good old days of one major Firefox version release per year, should exhale and get comfortable, because they’re in for quite a ride.

Link

 

[Hungry Man]

Good. This is a great new direction.

 

[jamescv7]

Seems they are now well planned in releasing so good to see that.

 

[Shadow Death]

Though I don't see a need for the big number gap between releases, I like the rapid release system.

 

[K__M]

Maybe Mozilla wants a higher release number then Google

 

[Deleted member 178]

welcome to FF 12687922 beta 1

 

[HeffeD]

Though I don't see a need for the big number gap between releases, I like the rapid release system.

Exactly... Major release version numbers should be saved for major changes. Minor fixes should follow the tried and true system of increasing the numbers following the decimal point.

A rapid release schedule does not mean they need to try and match Chromium's crazy numbering scheme... :s

 

[jamescv7]

I don't mind the rapid system just to catch up with Chrome version number.

For me its a very pleased when every major version of Firefox release cause it brings major improvements and fixes or even new features.

 

[HeffeD]

For me its a very pleased when every major version of Firefox release cause it brings major improvements and fixes or even new features.

But see, that's the point. Now a major version release does not mean major improvements or fixes... Much like in Chromium.

 

[Hungry Man]

Every release for Chrome has had something major. The last few releases have focused on GPU acceleration and security features.

They don't force the schedule either, they waited almost a full week after the scheduled date to release 13.

 

[NathanF1]

Though I don't see a need for the big number gap between releases, I like the rapid release system.

Exactly... Major release version numbers should be saved for major changes. Minor fixes should follow the tried and true system of increasing the numbers following the decimal point.

A rapid release schedule does not mean they need to try and match Chromium's crazy numbering scheme... :s

Yes, attempting to play it Chromium-style is falling for Google's "trap" :s, and "fighting" a lost cause. There's no need to try and match the perceived notion that Chromium is better purely because its version numbers are skyrocketing. To me, it's an attempt at marketing game, which should not be the leading reason for rapid release cycle - the stability, speed and improved functionality are. And don't we all benefit from this, regardless of our browser allegiances?

Another point they would need to consider is the corporate market, I think the jury is still out on how their rapid releases would be looked upon by the business - not only would they have to deal with the internal pressure of Agile development in their own business projects, now they would have to anticipate the added complexity and potential project risks associated with every new FF release, and adding time-consuming compatibility-related tasks to the project scope [and ultimately release schedules].

The good news is the intended new features, which to me is what the focus should be really be on. Quote from ghacks.net:

Verdict

Mozilla has a lot in store for Firefox users over the coming release cycles. Some features are really improving the user experience, like the ability to block add-ons and plugins before they make their way into the web browser. Interested users can take a look at the Features listing over at Mozilla Wiki for an extended list of upcoming features.

Full Article

Mozilla Wiki

 

[Jack]

Mozilla has been very clear about its release scheduler...every 6 weeks a new version is released...
Using high numbers on each built is also a marketing strategy , nobody has a problem when Google is doing it but when Mozilla does it , it seems strange because for previous to Chrome they've only manage to reach v3....

 

[Hungry Man]

I think people just aren't used to it and Chrome also autoupdates so people don't even always realize they've moved up a full version (since Chrome hasn't changed its UI very much in 3 years.)

Firefox has made these updates VERY noticeable with lots of constant UI changes and notifications of extensions being out of date.

 

[win7holic]

GREAT plan from mozilla

 

[Jack]

Firefox has made these updates VERY noticeable with lots of constant UI changes and notifications of extensions being out of date.

Well that's true..but now the game has changed.This rapid release cycle is ultimately brings a + for the users...New features and new web browser possibilities are now ahead.HTLM 5 is a good example.

 

[serj960]

waiting for it

 

[Deleted member 178]

you are not alone, im sure