Here is what is new and changed in Firefox 77.0

[harlan4096]

Firefox 77.0 is the latest stable version of the Firefox web browser. It was first offered on June 2, 2020 as an in-browser upgrade and direct download from Mozilla's website.

All previous stable versions of the Firefox web browser, including Firefox 76.0 and 76.0.1, will be upgraded to the new version if automatic updates are enabled.

Other Firefox channels are also updated to new versions. Firefox Beta and Developer editions are moved to Firefox 78.0, Firefox Nightly is moved to Firefox 79.0, and Firefox ESR is upgraded to 68.9.

Firefox for Android is also updated to version 68.9.

The next stable version of Firefox is scheduled to be released on June 30, 2020.

Executive Summary

Firefox 77.0 download and update

The rollout of Firefox 77 starts on June 2, 2020. The new version will be pushed to Firefox installations automatically if automatic updating functionality is enabled.

Firefox users may run a manual check for updates by selecting Menu > Help > About Firefox. Note that the new version will only be picked up if Mozilla has released it already at that point.

The following pages list direct downloads for supported Firefox channels (will be available later on June 2, 2020)

• Firefox Stable download
  
• Firefox Beta download
  
• Nightly download
  
• Firefox ESR download
  

Firefox 77.0 Changes

• Mozilla introduces support for optional permissions in Firefox.
  
• Certificates can now be managed on about:certificate.
  

Introduction of optional permissions

Mozilla introduces optional permissions in Firefox 77. These permissions won't trigger a permissions prompt anymore during installation or upgrade. The following permissions may be declared as optional by the developer:

• management
  
• devtools
  
• browsingData
  
• pkcs11
  
• proxy
  
• session
  

Mozilla provides two explanations for the move. First, that users were often overwhelmed by permission prompts, and second, that ignoring new permission requests during extension updates would leave users "stranded on older versions".

Optional permissions are listed in the manifest.json file under optional_permissions but are not displayed anymore during installations or upgrades.
Additionally, the unlimitedStorage permission no longer throws a permissions prompt during installation or update.

Developers may furthermore request some permissions during runtime; these are also listed under optional permissions but when they are needed, a permissions prompt is displayed. A basic example is the permission to look up geolocation information. When a user interacts with a map, a geolocation permission prompt could be displayed instead of asking for permission during installation of the extension.

Additional information is available on the Extension Workshop site.

Manage certificates on about:certificate

Firefox 77 users may load about:certificate in the browser to manage certificates in the browser. Firefox separates certificates into server and authorities on the page.

Options to display individual certificates as well as export them are provided.
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