<![CDATA[Geeks for your information - Browsers News & Tips]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:41:43 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Google to End Manifest V2 Support in Chrome, Disabling uBlock Origin and Other Ad Blo]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22076 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:55:34 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22076 Quote:Google will remove support for Chrome extensions built on the older Manifest V2 framework later this month. This change means workarounds that kept ad blockers like uBlock Origin partially functional in Chrome will no longer work.

The update will be effective with Chrome versions 150 and 151, expected to be released this summer. After that, only extensions based on Manifest V3 will be compatible with Chrome.

Google engineer Devlin Cronin explained on the Chromium review site, "MV2 extensions are no longer allowed in any supported version of Chrome, and we are removing support for them and the associated functionality.

We won't be able to provide or maintain this functionality indefinitely due to the complexity and tech debt, as well as the security risks it entails."

Why Ending Manifest V2 Support Hits Ad Blockers Like uBlock Origin

Manifest V3 does not explicitly ban ad blockers, but it introduces restrictions that substantially reduce the effectiveness of tools like uBlock Origin.

The framework limits the number of filtering rules an extension can apply and removes dynamic blocking, a feature that allowed uBlock Origin to respond in real time to quickly evolving ad delivery methods.

Last year, Google disabled most Manifest V2 extensions with Chrome 138, although workarounds kept some functionalities available for a time. The Chrome 150 and 151 releases have now permanently removed those workarounds.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Google will remove support for Chrome extensions built on the older Manifest V2 framework later this month. This change means workarounds that kept ad blockers like uBlock Origin partially functional in Chrome will no longer work.

The update will be effective with Chrome versions 150 and 151, expected to be released this summer. After that, only extensions based on Manifest V3 will be compatible with Chrome.

Google engineer Devlin Cronin explained on the Chromium review site, "MV2 extensions are no longer allowed in any supported version of Chrome, and we are removing support for them and the associated functionality.

We won't be able to provide or maintain this functionality indefinitely due to the complexity and tech debt, as well as the security risks it entails."

Why Ending Manifest V2 Support Hits Ad Blockers Like uBlock Origin

Manifest V3 does not explicitly ban ad blockers, but it introduces restrictions that substantially reduce the effectiveness of tools like uBlock Origin.

The framework limits the number of filtering rules an extension can apply and removes dynamic blocking, a feature that allowed uBlock Origin to respond in real time to quickly evolving ad delivery methods.

Last year, Google disabled most Manifest V2 extensions with Chrome 138, although workarounds kept some functionalities available for a time. The Chrome 150 and 151 releases have now permanently removed those workarounds.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Edge Moves to Two-Week Release Cycle Starting With Edge 152 in August]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22067 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:44:38 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22067 Quote:Microsoft has announced that it will switch to a two-week release cycle for Microsoft Edge starting with Edge 152, which is set to reach the Stable channel on August 27. Each update will include roughly half as many new features as previous releases, but will come twice as often.

Microsoft states that this change will allow users to receive new features and security updates more quickly. The Extended Stable channel, introduced in 2021 for organizations seeking a more predictable schedule, will continue to follow its existing eight-week update cycle.

What Changes in Edge’s Release Cycle and What Happens to Extended Stable

Microsoft Edge currently releases new versions roughly every four weeks. Under the updated schedule, stable updates will be released every two weeks.

This change means users will see new features and platform improvements sooner. Since each update is smaller, it can also simplify validation for IT teams.

Security updates will continue to be rolled out to both the Stable and Extended Stable channels. Critical security patches apply to both, with the main difference being how quickly new features arrive in each channel.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Microsoft has announced that it will switch to a two-week release cycle for Microsoft Edge starting with Edge 152, which is set to reach the Stable channel on August 27. Each update will include roughly half as many new features as previous releases, but will come twice as often.

Microsoft states that this change will allow users to receive new features and security updates more quickly. The Extended Stable channel, introduced in 2021 for organizations seeking a more predictable schedule, will continue to follow its existing eight-week update cycle.

What Changes in Edge’s Release Cycle and What Happens to Extended Stable

Microsoft Edge currently releases new versions roughly every four weeks. Under the updated schedule, stable updates will be released every two weeks.

This change means users will see new features and platform improvements sooner. Since each update is smaller, it can also simplify validation for IT teams.

Security updates will continue to be rolled out to both the Stable and Extended Stable channels. Critical security patches apply to both, with the main difference being how quickly new features arrive in each channel.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Firefox free VPN is unlimited for the summer]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22051 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:32:15 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22051 Quote:Hi again. Earlier this year, we announced a free built-in VPN in Firefox with a 50GB bandwidth cap. 

With summer travel season starting up and a lot more people browsing on public Wi-Fi, we’re making a few temporary updates to Firefox’s free built-in VPN experience that are now live where VPN is available:
  1. The bandwidth cap is removed for the summer, so unlimited GB now through August 31st.
  2. For a limited time, we’re also expanding the number of VPN locations you can choose to browse from.
The full set of countries available during this summer period include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United States.

Be sure to update to the latest version of Firefox. We’ll continue sharing updates here as they roll out.
- Firefox Team

https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/comment...he_summer/ ]]> Quote:Hi again. Earlier this year, we announced a free built-in VPN in Firefox with a 50GB bandwidth cap. 

With summer travel season starting up and a lot more people browsing on public Wi-Fi, we’re making a few temporary updates to Firefox’s free built-in VPN experience that are now live where VPN is available:
  1. The bandwidth cap is removed for the summer, so unlimited GB now through August 31st.
  2. For a limited time, we’re also expanding the number of VPN locations you can choose to browse from.
The full set of countries available during this summer period include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United States.

Be sure to update to the latest version of Firefox. We’ll continue sharing updates here as they roll out.
- Firefox Team

https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/comment...he_summer/ ]]> <![CDATA[Browser Coalition Sends Open Letter to Microsoft CEO Demanding End to Edge Promotion]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22043 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:54:21 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22043 Quote:The Browser Choice Alliance, a group of web browser developers, has sent an open letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, accusing the company of abusing its dominant position in the PC market to promote Edge.

The letter calls on Microsoft to change its approach to browser competition and to adopt policies that give users more choice.

In 2024, the BCA already petitioned the European Commission regarding Microsoft's browser practices. This latest letter marks a more direct challenge to Microsoft's leadership.

What Microsoft Is Accused Of and What the Browser Choice Alliance Is Demanding

The BCA's letter points out several specific tactics it claims Microsoft uses to distort competition among browsers:

"Rebate programs that discourage PC manufacturers from pre-installing rival browsers on Windows devices, the inability to completely uninstall Edge from Windows, system updates that bring back Edge integration within the OS, intrusive and confusing prompts and ads when users try to download third-party browsers, and deep Edge integration within apps like Teams, Outlook, and Windows Search."

The letter also highlights the lack of a simple one-click option to fully replace Edge with an alternative browser. The coalition stated that

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:The Browser Choice Alliance, a group of web browser developers, has sent an open letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, accusing the company of abusing its dominant position in the PC market to promote Edge.

The letter calls on Microsoft to change its approach to browser competition and to adopt policies that give users more choice.

In 2024, the BCA already petitioned the European Commission regarding Microsoft's browser practices. This latest letter marks a more direct challenge to Microsoft's leadership.

What Microsoft Is Accused Of and What the Browser Choice Alliance Is Demanding

The BCA's letter points out several specific tactics it claims Microsoft uses to distort competition among browsers:

"Rebate programs that discourage PC manufacturers from pre-installing rival browsers on Windows devices, the inability to completely uninstall Edge from Windows, system updates that bring back Edge integration within the OS, intrusive and confusing prompts and ads when users try to download third-party browsers, and deep Edge integration within apps like Teams, Outlook, and Windows Search."

The letter also highlights the lack of a simple one-click option to fully replace Edge with an alternative browser. The coalition stated that

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Microsoft Edge Removes Master Password Feature, Switches to Windows Hello for Saved P]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22038 Sun, 07 Jun 2026 15:15:43 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22038 Quote:Microsoft has removed the Custom Primary Password (master password) feature from Microsoft Edge starting June 4, 2026. Users who previously activated the feature will now need to use device-based authentication methods to access their saved passwords.

This includes options such as Windows Hello with PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition, or the device's standard operating system login. The change was first introduced with the release of Edge version 145 and aligns with Microsoft's broader shift toward passwordless authentication.

This shift also includes the announced phaseout of SMS two-factor authentication for personal Microsoft accounts last month.

What Changed in Microsoft Edge and Why The Custom Primary Password Was Removed

The Custom Primary Password feature allowed users to set a master password to secure access to their saved passwords in Edge. Microsoft replaced this with device-based authentication, so access now depends on the login method used to secure the device itself.

Microsoft announced: "On June 4, Custom Primary Password will be fully removed for users who opted in. After this date, Microsoft Edge will automatically use device-based authentication, such as Windows Hello, device password, or OS-level authentication, to protect saved passwords."

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Microsoft has removed the Custom Primary Password (master password) feature from Microsoft Edge starting June 4, 2026. Users who previously activated the feature will now need to use device-based authentication methods to access their saved passwords.

This includes options such as Windows Hello with PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition, or the device's standard operating system login. The change was first introduced with the release of Edge version 145 and aligns with Microsoft's broader shift toward passwordless authentication.

This shift also includes the announced phaseout of SMS two-factor authentication for personal Microsoft accounts last month.

What Changed in Microsoft Edge and Why The Custom Primary Password Was Removed

The Custom Primary Password feature allowed users to set a master password to secure access to their saved passwords in Edge. Microsoft replaced this with device-based authentication, so access now depends on the login method used to secure the device itself.

Microsoft announced: "On June 4, Custom Primary Password will be fully removed for users who opted in. After this date, Microsoft Edge will automatically use device-based authentication, such as Windows Hello, device password, or OS-level authentication, to protect saved passwords."

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Brave Software Launches Origin, a Paid Bloat-Free Version of Brave Without Crypto, AI]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22034 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:51:16 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=22034 Quote:Brave Software has introduced Brave Origin, a paid version of the Brave browser that removes features related to cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, rewards, and other monetization methods. The browser can be downloaded separately or as an upgrade to existing Brave installations.

The one-time license costs $59.99 and supports up to 10 devices. Linux users can access Brave Origin for free. Brave describes Origin as tailored for users who want a simple, privacy-oriented browser without the company's optional revenue features.

What Brave Origin Removes, and Why Some Users Are Criticizing It

Brave Origin disables several features found in the standard Brave browser, including:
  • Brave Rewards,
  • Brave Wallet,
  • Brave VPN promotions,
  • Brave Leo AI,
  • Brave News,
  • Brave Talk, sponsored images, and other promotional and monetization components.
The browser's built-in privacy and ad-blocking system, Brave Shields, remains fully functional when using Origin.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Brave Software has introduced Brave Origin, a paid version of the Brave browser that removes features related to cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, rewards, and other monetization methods. The browser can be downloaded separately or as an upgrade to existing Brave installations.

The one-time license costs $59.99 and supports up to 10 devices. Linux users can access Brave Origin for free. Brave describes Origin as tailored for users who want a simple, privacy-oriented browser without the company's optional revenue features.

What Brave Origin Removes, and Why Some Users Are Criticizing It

Brave Origin disables several features found in the standard Brave browser, including:
  • Brave Rewards,
  • Brave Wallet,
  • Brave VPN promotions,
  • Brave Leo AI,
  • Brave News,
  • Brave Talk, sponsored images, and other promotional and monetization components.
The browser's built-in privacy and ad-blocking system, Brave Shields, remains fully functional when using Origin.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Mozilla Adds Web Serial Support to Firefox 151 With Adafruit Hardware Collaboration]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21997 Tue, 26 May 2026 06:55:00 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21997 Quote:Mozilla has added support for the Web Serial API in Firefox on desktop with the release of Firefox 151. The API enables the browser to communicate directly with hardware devices like microcontrollers, development boards, and other serial-connected equipment without needing additional software.

This update brings Firefox closer to feature parity with Chromium-based browsers, which have supported Web Serial for several years. Mozilla views this change as mainly useful for developers, makers, educators, and embedded device communities rather than the general user base.

What the Web Serial API Enables in Firefox 151

Web Serial enables web pages to connect and communicate with hardware devices over a serial connection. Common uses include programming microcontrollers directly from a browser, configuring development boards through web-based tools, reading sensor data into a web app, and updating firmware on embedded devices.

Previously, many of these tasks required users to use Chrome or Chromium-based browsers, as Web Serial was not available in Gecko. However, with Firefox 151, these workflows are now possible in Firefox without additional setup for many projects.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Mozilla has added support for the Web Serial API in Firefox on desktop with the release of Firefox 151. The API enables the browser to communicate directly with hardware devices like microcontrollers, development boards, and other serial-connected equipment without needing additional software.

This update brings Firefox closer to feature parity with Chromium-based browsers, which have supported Web Serial for several years. Mozilla views this change as mainly useful for developers, makers, educators, and embedded device communities rather than the general user base.

What the Web Serial API Enables in Firefox 151

Web Serial enables web pages to connect and communicate with hardware devices over a serial connection. Common uses include programming microcontrollers directly from a browser, configuring development boards through web-based tools, reading sensor data into a web app, and updating firmware on embedded devices.

Previously, many of these tasks required users to use Chrome or Chromium-based browsers, as Web Serial was not available in Gecko. However, with Firefox 151, these workflows are now possible in Firefox without additional setup for many projects.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Vivaldi 8.0 Launches With Unified Design and No AI Features, Free for Windows, macOS,]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21984 Thu, 21 May 2026 10:33:34 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21984 Quote:Vivaldi 8.0 is launching may 20th at 9 AM CET as a free download for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The update focuses on a new Unified design that combines browser toolbars, tabs, side panels, and other interface elements into a single seamless surface around the web content.

Unlike many recent browser releases, this version does not introduce new AI features, such as AI search, summaries, or chatbots.

What Vivaldi’s New Unified Design Changes

In earlier versions of Vivaldi, tabs, toolbars, and side panels appeared as separate visual blocks surrounding the web content. With Vivaldi 8.0, these boundaries have been removed, creating a unified interface where all core elements form a single seamless surface. This change is purely visual and structural, with no impact on functionality.

Users who prefer the previous layout can switch back at any time. Vivaldi continues to support its longstanding approach of making interface options optional rather than mandatory.

The update also introduces a new set of default themes to highlight the unified design. These themes range from minimalist options to designs inspired by Norwegian heritage. If users do not find a suitable default, they can create their own themes or choose from more than 7,000 community-submitted options available in the Vivaldi theme gallery.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Vivaldi 8.0 is launching may 20th at 9 AM CET as a free download for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The update focuses on a new Unified design that combines browser toolbars, tabs, side panels, and other interface elements into a single seamless surface around the web content.

Unlike many recent browser releases, this version does not introduce new AI features, such as AI search, summaries, or chatbots.

What Vivaldi’s New Unified Design Changes

In earlier versions of Vivaldi, tabs, toolbars, and side panels appeared as separate visual blocks surrounding the web content. With Vivaldi 8.0, these boundaries have been removed, creating a unified interface where all core elements form a single seamless surface. This change is purely visual and structural, with no impact on functionality.

Users who prefer the previous layout can switch back at any time. Vivaldi continues to support its longstanding approach of making interface options optional rather than mandatory.

The update also introduces a new set of default themes to highlight the unified design. These themes range from minimalist options to designs inspired by Norwegian heritage. If users do not find a suitable default, they can create their own themes or choose from more than 7,000 community-submitted options available in the Vivaldi theme gallery.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Firefox 151 Launches With VPN Location Selection, Expanded Mobile AI Controls, and Pr]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21983 Thu, 21 May 2026 10:32:39 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21983 Quote:Mozilla has released Firefox 151, introducing three notable updates for both desktop and mobile users. The new version adds the ability to select VPN locations using the free built-in VPN, expands AI controls on iOS and Android devices, and includes a new one-click reset button for Private Browsing sessions.

VPN Location Selection in Firefox’s Free Built-In VPN

[Image: VPN-Location-2X.webp]
(Source: Blog-Mozilla)

The built-in VPN in Firefox now allows users to select their location in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada. People in these countries can route their browsing through any of these supported locations. By default, Firefox recommends the closest location, but users can change it at any time.

Mozilla has said that more locations are planned for future updates. Browsing will still be subject to the local laws and content restrictions of the region chosen.
Mozilla also reports that over one million users have signed up for the free Firefox VPN since its launch about two months ago.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Mozilla has released Firefox 151, introducing three notable updates for both desktop and mobile users. The new version adds the ability to select VPN locations using the free built-in VPN, expands AI controls on iOS and Android devices, and includes a new one-click reset button for Private Browsing sessions.

VPN Location Selection in Firefox’s Free Built-In VPN

[Image: VPN-Location-2X.webp]
(Source: Blog-Mozilla)

The built-in VPN in Firefox now allows users to select their location in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada. People in these countries can route their browsing through any of these supported locations. By default, Firefox recommends the closest location, but users can change it at any time.

Mozilla has said that more locations are planned for future updates. Browsing will still be subject to the local laws and content restrictions of the region chosen.
Mozilla also reports that over one million users have signed up for the free Firefox VPN since its launch about two months ago.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Firefox Gains 6 Million Users Since EU Browser Choice Screen Rules Took Effect]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21979 Mon, 18 May 2026 07:22:48 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21979 Quote:Since 2024, Firefox has gained 6 million users, mainly due to browser choice screens introduced under the EU Digital Markets Act, according to data from The Register. Other independent browsers such as DuckDuckGo, Opera, Vivaldi, and Aloha have also experienced growth following the same regulatory change.

The Digital Markets Act mandates that gatekeepers like Apple and Google display alternative browser options to users on new devices through dedicated selection screens, rather than exclusively promoting their own browsers.

Where Firefox’s New Users Are Coming From

Firefox has experienced a 113% rise in users within Apple's ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. In contrast, the increase among Android users has been only 12%. Mozilla explains the difference by how each operating system handles browser selection.

When iPhone and iPad users open Safari for the first time, they see the browser choice screen, making the selection part of their usual experience. On Android devices, the selection screen appears only during initial setup or after a factory reset, which means fewer users encounter it during regular use.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Since 2024, Firefox has gained 6 million users, mainly due to browser choice screens introduced under the EU Digital Markets Act, according to data from The Register. Other independent browsers such as DuckDuckGo, Opera, Vivaldi, and Aloha have also experienced growth following the same regulatory change.

The Digital Markets Act mandates that gatekeepers like Apple and Google display alternative browser options to users on new devices through dedicated selection screens, rather than exclusively promoting their own browsers.

Where Firefox’s New Users Are Coming From

Firefox has experienced a 113% rise in users within Apple's ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. In contrast, the increase among Android users has been only 12%. Mozilla explains the difference by how each operating system handles browser selection.

When iPhone and iPad users open Safari for the first time, they see the browser choice screen, making the selection part of their usual experience. On Android devices, the selection screen appears only during initial setup or after a factory reset, which means fewer users encounter it during regular use.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Expect more Firefox updates in the future, beginning with Firefox 151]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21968 Wed, 13 May 2026 06:09:12 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21968 Quote:Mozilla releases a new stable version of its open source Firefox web browser every four weeks. This new version introduces new features, bug and security fixes. Up until now, smaller updates were released between two major releases.

These point updates do not include new features usually but fix security issues and/or non-security issues. The releases were not predictable up until now. While you could almost be certain that a point update would be released, it was never really certain when.

This changes with the release of Firefox 151. Mozilla is switching to the same point update release rhythm that Google uses for its Chrome web browser currently.

Put simply, Mozilla plans to release a point update every week going forward. This means three Firefox point releases at the very same day of the week in-between major releases. Three point updates will follow the release of Firefox 151 and any other major browser release that follows.

The organization confirmed the change on the official Wiki (via Sören Hentzschel):
 
Quote:Starting with Fx151, we now have 3 weekly dot releases for Desktop and Android
Release calendar updates will be live shortly

Other than that, there is no explanation from Mozilla regarding the change yet. Considering that Google announced recently to shorten Chrome release cycles to two weeks, it is likely an attempt to stay ahead of major developments and push out fixes faster to the user base.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Mozilla releases a new stable version of its open source Firefox web browser every four weeks. This new version introduces new features, bug and security fixes. Up until now, smaller updates were released between two major releases.

These point updates do not include new features usually but fix security issues and/or non-security issues. The releases were not predictable up until now. While you could almost be certain that a point update would be released, it was never really certain when.

This changes with the release of Firefox 151. Mozilla is switching to the same point update release rhythm that Google uses for its Chrome web browser currently.

Put simply, Mozilla plans to release a point update every week going forward. This means three Firefox point releases at the very same day of the week in-between major releases. Three point updates will follow the release of Firefox 151 and any other major browser release that follows.

The organization confirmed the change on the official Wiki (via Sören Hentzschel):
 
Quote:Starting with Fx151, we now have 3 weekly dot releases for Desktop and Android
Release calendar updates will be live shortly

Other than that, there is no explanation from Mozilla regarding the change yet. Considering that Google announced recently to shorten Chrome release cycles to two weeks, it is likely an attempt to stay ahead of major developments and push out fixes faster to the user base.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[423 Firefox Flaws Fixed as Browser Gains Support for Claude, Mythos, and More]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21947 Sat, 09 May 2026 05:53:01 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21947 Quote:Mozilla has successfully identified and patched 423 latent security vulnerabilities in Firefox using advanced artificial intelligence models, notably Claude Mythos Preview.

Two weeks after initially announcing their AI-assisted security initiative, Firefox developers have shared a behind-the-scenes look at how they engineered a highly effective threat-hunting pipeline.

This milestone marks a significant shift in open-source security, demonstrating that AI-generated bug reports have evolved from being inaccurate, unwanted noise into high-fidelity, actionable intelligence that dramatically hardens software against sophisticated attacks.

The breakthrough in automated vulnerability discovery was driven by a combination of vastly improved AI capabilities and Mozilla’s innovative approach to harnessing them.

[Image: image-11-1024x576.png]

Firefox security bug fixed (Source: Mozilla)Developers integrated agentic AI systems directly into their existing fuzzing infrastructure, enabling models such as Claude Opus 4.6 and Claude Mythos Preview to test hypotheses and generate reproducible proof-of-concept exploits dynamically.

Unlike early AI audits that produced high rates of false positives, this new pipeline successfully parallelized bug hunting across multiple virtual machines.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Mozilla has successfully identified and patched 423 latent security vulnerabilities in Firefox using advanced artificial intelligence models, notably Claude Mythos Preview.

Two weeks after initially announcing their AI-assisted security initiative, Firefox developers have shared a behind-the-scenes look at how they engineered a highly effective threat-hunting pipeline.

This milestone marks a significant shift in open-source security, demonstrating that AI-generated bug reports have evolved from being inaccurate, unwanted noise into high-fidelity, actionable intelligence that dramatically hardens software against sophisticated attacks.

The breakthrough in automated vulnerability discovery was driven by a combination of vastly improved AI capabilities and Mozilla’s innovative approach to harnessing them.

[Image: image-11-1024x576.png]

Firefox security bug fixed (Source: Mozilla)Developers integrated agentic AI systems directly into their existing fuzzing infrastructure, enabling models such as Claude Opus 4.6 and Claude Mythos Preview to test hypotheses and generate reproducible proof-of-concept exploits dynamically.

Unlike early AI audits that produced high rates of false positives, this new pipeline successfully parallelized bug hunting across multiple virtual machines.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices With]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21940 Wed, 06 May 2026 08:04:39 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21940 Quote:Google Chrome has been quietly downloading around 4GB of Gemini Nano AI model weights to user devices without their consent, and it automatically re-downloads the files if they are deleted. This behavior has been confirmed on Windows 11, Apple Silicon, and Ubuntu systems, with user reports indicating it has been happening for about a year.

The files are stored in a folder named OptGuideOnDeviceModel. On Windows 11, the path is %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\OptGuideOnDeviceModel.

What Chrome’s 4GB Gemini Nano Download Is Used For

The 4GB folder isn't used for Chrome's main AI features. The AI Mode that appears in the address bar and in Google Search runs on Google's servers, not from the locally stored weights. The downloaded model is only used for writing assistance and a few other features that are accessible through several menus in the browser.
Users who haven't enabled or looked for those features might have the model stored on their device without realizing it serves any function they use.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Google Chrome has been quietly downloading around 4GB of Gemini Nano AI model weights to user devices without their consent, and it automatically re-downloads the files if they are deleted. This behavior has been confirmed on Windows 11, Apple Silicon, and Ubuntu systems, with user reports indicating it has been happening for about a year.

The files are stored in a folder named OptGuideOnDeviceModel. On Windows 11, the path is %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\OptGuideOnDeviceModel.

What Chrome’s 4GB Gemini Nano Download Is Used For

The 4GB folder isn't used for Chrome's main AI features. The AI Mode that appears in the address bar and in Google Search runs on Google's servers, not from the locally stored weights. The downloaded model is only used for writing assistance and a few other features that are accessible through several menus in the browser.
Users who haven't enabled or looked for those features might have the model stored on their device without realizing it serves any function they use.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Firefox 151 Adds Server Location Selection to Built-In VPN With Five Countries at Lau]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21927 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:37:34 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21927 Quote:Firefox 151, set to be released on May 19, will include a new feature that allows users to select server locations within the browser's built-in VPN, according to Soren Hentzschel. This change addresses a significant limitation of the feature since its initial launch, which lacked an option to choose the country through which traffic is routed.

At launch, supported server locations will include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Germany. Firefox has not confirmed whether more countries will be added in future updates.

What’s New for the Built-In VPN in Firefox 151

The built-in Firefox VPN masks IP addresses and encrypts browser traffic, but does not allow users to select a server location. With the Firefox 151 update, a location picker has been introduced for the five supported countries, bringing this feature in line with the core functions of standalone paid VPN services.

The VPN remains free and is integrated directly into the browser, with a monthly data limit of 50GB. It only covers browsing traffic within Firefox and does not encrypt all traffic on the device. This differentiates it from Mozilla's paid Mozilla VPN, which offers full device coverage.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Firefox 151, set to be released on May 19, will include a new feature that allows users to select server locations within the browser's built-in VPN, according to Soren Hentzschel. This change addresses a significant limitation of the feature since its initial launch, which lacked an option to choose the country through which traffic is routed.

At launch, supported server locations will include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Germany. Firefox has not confirmed whether more countries will be added in future updates.

What’s New for the Built-In VPN in Firefox 151

The built-in Firefox VPN masks IP addresses and encrypts browser traffic, but does not allow users to select a server location. With the Firefox 151 update, a location picker has been introduced for the five supported countries, bringing this feature in line with the core functions of standalone paid VPN services.

The VPN remains free and is integrated directly into the browser, with a monthly data limit of 50GB. It only covers browsing traffic within Firefox and does not encrypt all traffic on the device. This differentiates it from Mozilla's paid Mozilla VPN, which offers full device coverage.

Continue Reading... ]]> <![CDATA[Mozilla Firefox 150 Released With Fixes for Multiple Code Execution Vulnerabilities]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21896 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:10:54 +0000 harlan4096]]> https://www.geeks.fyi/showthread.php?tid=21896 Quote:Mozilla has released Firefox 150 to patch 41 security vulnerabilities, including multiple high-severity flaws that could lead to remote code execution.

Users should immediately update their browsers to protect against these critical memory corruption and use-after-free bugs.

Critical Vulnerability Details

The most dangerous flaws include use-after-free vulnerabilities in the DOM (CVE-2026-6746) and WebRTC (CVE-2026-6747) components.

These occur when the application incorrectly uses a freed memory pointer, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary malicious code or crash the system.
Security researchers notably utilized Anthropic’s Claude AI to help discover several of these complex memory safety bugs.

This update resolves a wide spectrum of issues ranging from high-severity memory corruption bugs to low-impact denial-of-service vulnerabilities.

Continue Reading... ]]> Quote:Mozilla has released Firefox 150 to patch 41 security vulnerabilities, including multiple high-severity flaws that could lead to remote code execution.

Users should immediately update their browsers to protect against these critical memory corruption and use-after-free bugs.

Critical Vulnerability Details

The most dangerous flaws include use-after-free vulnerabilities in the DOM (CVE-2026-6746) and WebRTC (CVE-2026-6747) components.

These occur when the application incorrectly uses a freed memory pointer, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary malicious code or crash the system.
Security researchers notably utilized Anthropic’s Claude AI to help discover several of these complex memory safety bugs.

This update resolves a wide spectrum of issues ranging from high-severity memory corruption bugs to low-impact denial-of-service vulnerabilities.

Continue Reading... ]]>