Firefox 6Release Report

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Browser AdoptionBrowser AdoptionBrowser AdoptionWorldwide statistics for the top five browsers from January 2011 to July 2011*Worldwide statistics for the top five browsers from January 2011 to July 2011*Worldwide statistics for the top five browsers from January 2011 to July 2011*

Browser TypeBrowser TypeBrowser Type

Internet Explorer 44.44%

Firefox 29.48%

Chrome 18.56%

Safari 5.07%

Opera 1.88%

OverviewDate Launched: August 16, 2011

Firefox 6 was released on August 16, 2011, and is the second version of the popular browser that falls under Mozilla’s rapid-release program. Future versions of the browser will be released at shorter intervals. Rather than the usual months or years between browser releases expect future releases to occur every few months.

Mozilla plans to release Firefox 7 in the third quarter of 2011.

FeaturesFirefox 6 sports many under the hood improvements such as:

• Enhanced HTML5 and CSS3 support• Stability and security improvements• Improved JavaScript rendering• Improved Canvas support for 2D and bitmap image

rendering• Overall, faster web page loading

IE Firefox Chrome Safari Opera

1.88%5.07%

18.56%

29.48%

44.44%

Adop

tion

Rat

e

Browser VersionBrowser VersionBrowser Version

Internet Explorer 8 29.14%

Firefox 3.6 17.75%

Internet Explorer 7 8.02%

Firefox 4 6.15%

Chrome 12 4.48%

IE 8 FF 3.6 IE 7 FF 4 Chrome 12

4.48%6.15%8.02%

17.75%

29.14%

Adop

tion

Rat

e

* Source: gs.statcounter.com

Firefox 6Release Report

185 Frederick Street, Toronto, ON, M5A 4L4 P:416-363-6316 P:1-877-363-6316 E: sales@devlin.ca www.devlin.ca

Impact AssessmentIn the short term, the Firefox 6 release should have little impact on most websites. New browser updates often take time to reach critical adoption. With Mozilla’s rapid-release program, there is the possibility that adoption rates will slow and fragment as users experience upgrade fatigue.

However, long-term impact is positive. Richer interactive experiences will be possible while maintaining high levels of accessibility. Video and audio support will require fewer browser plug-ins, making the browsing experience much simpler.

As older browser versions lose market share, implementation of newer browser-supported technologies should be considered.

Recommended ActionsBased on the current status of Firefox 6 and the Firefox release map, we recommend the following actions:

• Perform a Firefox 6 go-live test once released, to ensure final release works as expected

• Include Firefox 6 in future Quality Assurance practices• Begin leveraging new technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, and

Javascript to enhance user experience and interactivity on websites, while providing fallback options for users with older browsers

BenefitsThe following benefits are a result of new browser technologies and the utilization of HTML5 and CSS3, which Firefox 6 supports.

• Lessen reliance on Flash – embed videos that load quicker, run smoother and work on most mobile devices

• Create more interactive and engaging content using JavaScript while maintaining or improving website performance and responsiveness

• Embed video without the use of third-party plug-ins, ensuring a more accessible user experience

• Geolocation –plot users on map (for an enhanced Find a Dealer experience)

• Forms – enhance styling, validation and interaction (autofocus on page load)