Firefox 58 released with speedier WebAssembly compiler

[CyberTech]

Mozilla has released Firefox 58, it brings with it a decent speed boost thanks to a new two-tiered WebAssembly compiler which supports streaming compilation. The browser maker says the new compiler is able to compile code faster than the network could otherwise deliver it.

The release notes for Firefox 58 shed some light on what else users can expect from the new update, aside from the new WebAssembly compiler. Some of the new features in this release include support for credit card autofill, support for WebVR on macOS, and improved page rendering speeds for Windows users thanks to Off-Main-Thread painting. One downside to this update is that user profiles are now no longer compatible with previous versions. Those wanting to go to the ESR release will need a new profile.

On the mobile front, support for full-screen bookmark management with folder support has been added, Firefox on Android now supports FLAC media, and support for progressive web apps has been added. The Firefox Search widget has been removed.

You can grab Firefox 58 from Mozilla right now, if you're using an older version of Firefox your browser should update automatically soon.

Source: Mozilla release notes | Image via Mozilla (Medium)​

 

[Itachi Sempai]

Those wanting to go to the ESR release will need a new profile.

isnot firefox automaticly converting old profile to the new one?

 

[zzz00m]

isnot firefox automaticly converting old profile to the new one?

If you upgrade to 58, your profile should be fine. The comment regarding the ESR release does not relate to version 58. ESR is intended for organizations and for those wishing to remain on a legacy version of Firefox, but with extended support for security updates.

Firefox Extended Support Release for Your Organization, Business, Enterprise

 

[amico81]

The web browsing speed is amazing. Great step in the right direction

 

[Itachi Sempai]

ESR is intended for organizations and for those wishing to remain on a legacy version of Firefox, but with extended support for security updates.

then why someone will need a new profile if they go to ESR? probably author meant that if you upgrade to 58 and after that you want to downgrade or go to ESR you gonna need a new profile?


p.s. didnot knew about ESR... its pretty nice going to use it in some places

 

[GonzitoVir]

Since the update I'm having problems loading videos in Youtube.. I get a "If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device" message:

 

[Faybert]

Since the update I'm having problems loading videos in Youtube.. I get a "If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device" message:

I also had problems with videos, crashed several times, especially in high resolution, horrible performance.

 

[XhenEd]

Updated upon system bootup.

 

[GonzitoVir]

I also had problems with videos, crashed several times, especially in high resolution, horrible performance.

I have restarted my laptop and nothing. The problem persists. I hope Mozilla releases a fix soon!

 

[GonzitoVir]

I'm also having problems with videos in Facebook...

 

[Faybert]

I have restarted my laptop and nothing. The problem persists. I hope Mozilla releases a fix soon!

For some time I have performance issues with videos with Firefox, I thought it was just me. Strange is that I have a powerful machine, it was not supposed to happen, with Opera and Chrome, I have a great performance, but when I use Firefox, it's to cry.

 

[GonzitoVir]

OK, it's solved now. Applied the old procedure of uninstalling and installing again


p.s oh but, still having problems with Facebook videos...

 

[vanvulinh01]

Very good download speed, quite strong and stable

 

[amico81]

tested with youtube and facebook videos...no problems here

 

[Evjl's Rain]

OK, it's solved now. Applied the old procedure of uninstalling and installing again


p.s oh but, still having problems with Facebook videos...

did you enable DRM option? many youtube and FB's videos use DRM.
Ever since the latest update, I can't watch netflix. How can I fix this? | Firefox Support Forum | Mozilla Support

 

[travolta133]

Good step, I actually use both Chrome and FireFox browsers but sometimes Firefox slows down my PC and undoubtedly Chrome is faster. I hope this version improves.

 

[Handsome Recluse]

Seems to have incompatibilities with my existing Exploit Protection settings.

 

[Sunshine-boy]

existing Exploit Protection settings

Can you pls share these settings with me?

 

[GonzitoVir]

did you enable DRM option? many youtube and FB's videos use DRM.
Ever since the latest update, I can't watch netflix. How can I fix this? | Firefox Support Forum | Mozilla Support

Hi. Yes I did. I have updated Flash, restarted Windows, changed DNS but the problem persists.
Will keep investigating as Youtube videos -again- are not working... they load once after Windows reboot and then doesn't work anymore.

 

[Evjl's Rain]

Hi. Yes I did. I have updated Flash, restarted Windows, changed DNS but the problem persists.
Will keep investigating as Youtube videos -again- are not working... they load once after Windows reboot and then doesn't work anymore.

can you try to install this addon? Then, try to press F5 and play the same video again
h264ify – Add-ons for Firefox

if it doesn't work
- try to disable hardware acceleration
- still doesn't work -> switch youtube html5 player to flash player:
+ installing Enhancer for YouTube™ – Add-ons for Firefox -> force youtube player to flash