Mozilla Firefox, one of the largest web browsers of today, seems to be upgrading themselves for the benefit of their users. Just recently, Mozilla’s Windows 64 project page had some updates added to it. On the same page, it is stated that a 64 bit version of their flagship browser could be launched soon..
In this department though, Mozilla’s biggest competitors, Google and Microsoft, have already taken a step ahead as they have already applied the 64 bit version of their respective web browsers namely, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer.
Javaun Moradi, the Project Manager of Mozilla Firefox, released a statement regarding the project saying that the project’s development was already nearing its completion and plug-in compatibility work, and installer work are the two major problems that remain to be done.
Moradi also declares that the decision to focus on a 64 bit version was reached when they realized that the amount of people who use 64 bit operation systems (OS) have increased drastically. As he, Moradi, has estimated, approximately 50% of internet users run a 64 bit based OS. In statement, Moradi says, “We’ve reached a threshold where the effort makes sense.”
Furthermore, according to Moradi, there are a number of reasons he could cite for hopping on the 64 bit version, but the reason to not be left behind by the major competitors of Mozilla Firefox, namely Microsoft and Google, are one of the key factors, especially if Microsoft ever decides not to continue with a 32 bit version in Windows 10.
Moradi also made a commentary on the competitive landscape of a 64 bit OS. He also says that there was no significant first mover advantage even if you use a 64 bit version. According to Moradi, as well, a 64 bit OS offers may offer a large advantage in technological terms, but it is not a consumer feature. He also says that in applying the 64 bit OS, they’d rather do it right than be the first. In addition, Moradi also confesses that they are learning from Google Chrome’s roll-out of their 64-bit version.
Firefox will be launching their version of a 64 bit OS by means of a selection in the program to target 1% of the users. They also state that there are only a limited number of roll-outs that help with analyzing the performance of the software. In relation to the subject, Mozilla Firefox also stated that it may help stamp out bugs, but eventually an automatic update will be required.