Mozilla Firefox I just got an update that made me want to take a look Start menu with wandering eyes. Firefox version 149 includes Split View, a free VPN, and improved PDF performance when using public Wi-Fi.
The update also adds security and privacy features such as automatically blocking notifications and revoking permissions when viewing websites flagged as harmful.
Article continues below
Microsoft Edge is my primary browser. I use it for general web browsing and work. I rely on several of its features, including Sidebar, Read Aloud, and Split View. While some of these features are not exclusive to Edge or can be replicated through extensions, I enjoy and am comfortable with Microsoft’s implementation of them.
But Edge lost focus over the years. AI creeps into every crevice and even so reveals one of my favorite features. Firefox and Edge handle AI very differently.
Firefox has a settings section for AI controls. There, prominently at the top, you’ll see the “Block all AI enhancements” option. You can also turn specific AI features on or off within a section.
In contrast, Edge’s AI features are spread across the browser’s settings page. You’ll have to search for both “AI” and “Copilot” and click around for a while to find all the AI features. Edge actually has an “AI Innovations” section in its settings, but that’s just for turning “Copilot Mode” on or off.
When Edge loses focus and AI kicks in, Firefox becomes an attractive alternative. Now that Firefox includes its own version of Split View, the gap between browsers is even smaller.
The privacy and security features added in Firefox version 149 are also nice, although I admit I’m more concerned with ease of use when it comes to day-to-day web browsing. I wouldn’t use a secure browser if it doesn’t have the tools to do the job.
Join us Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your thoughts and discuss our latest news, reviews and more.
