Firefox 3.1 Alpha Officially Released By Mozilla

Firefox Web browser of the Mozilla Corporation came up with its latest alpha 3.1 testing version.

The release of Firefox 3.1 alpha came within days of Google’s competing Chrome browser’s release.

The software, which bears code name Shiretoko, is a testing version intended for software developers and testers only, with the recommended version of Firefox being 3.0.1.

Mozilla spokesperson said in a statement that the testing version of Firefox introduced several new features, including the browser's highly anticipated support for a new video tag element introduced with the HTML 5 standard to provide more functionality around the amount of video that is increasingly being delivered through Web browsers.

Shiretoko allows its users to drag and drop tabs between browser windows, improves performance in some areas and provides better integration with Windows Vista's Aero 'Glass' theme for those who wish to add extra themes on top of Firefox.

The speed is enhanced in the new version, particularly with the JavaScript handling. This feature has also been highlighted as a strong point in Google’s Chrome browser which was also released in testing form.

Mozilla prepares to integrate a faster JavaScript engine, named TraceMonkey, into Firefox. This is, however, not made available in the software released overnight but it could be tested by following few instructions posted on its website.

New Firefox release, alpha 3.1, is available for download at Mozilla's website.