Waterfox G3.1.0 introduces support for installing Chrome and Opera extensions

[harlan4096]

A new version of the Waterfox web browser has been released yesterday. Waterfox G3.1.0 updates the third generation build of the web browser to a new version and introduces support for installing Google Chrome and Opera web browser extensions in the browser.

Waterfox Third Generation is available as a direct upgrade and download from the official project site. The new version addresses the data loss issue that some users experienced with the Waterfox G3.0.0 update. Affected users may complete the following steps to restore their data in the new version of Waterfox:

1. Load about:profiles in the Waterfox address bar.
   
2. Locate the old profile on the page and use the "set as default" button to make it the default profile going forward.
   

If the button is not displayed, users should try the "launch profile in new browser" button instead. Waterfox users may also use the page to refresh profiles.

The new version of Waterfox G3 is based on Firefox ESR, in this case Firefox 78.7. Security patches are included in the release.

The main new feature in Waterfox G3.1.0 is support for installing Chrome Web Store and Opera Web Store extensions. The implementation is still ongoing but users may visit the stores using Waterfox to install extensions directly. Extension pages displays a "add to Waterfox" button that may be used to install the extensions. Not all will work at this point in time but it improves the browser significantly.

The new Waterfox version includes options to bring the status bar and tab positions back. Tabs can once again be displayed underneath the address bar or at the bottom of the screen.

Both options are found on about:preferences#general.

Waterfox users who have used the main menu to restart the browser find the option to do so restored in the menu as well.

Waterfox G3.1.0 includes a number of fixes. The supported Bing Translation API was upgraded from v2 to v3; users may add the API key on about:config to make use of it. Profile import and language option issues have been fixed as well in the release. Firefox and Classic Waterfox profiles can be imported into the browser once again.

Closing Words

The ability to install Chrome and Opera extensions is a welcome addition to Waterfox, one that could attract users. The feature is still in development though at this point.

Now You: Have you tried the new Waterfox?
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