Mozilla launches Firefox 22 with 3D gaming, video calls

Mozilla this week launched the latest version of its Firefox browser, seeking to woo users with new features including 3D gaming and video cals.

 

In a blog post, Mozilla also said the latest iteration of Firefox now allows file-sharing directly within the browser as well.

 

"Firefox allows developers to create amazing high-performance Web applications and enables video calls and file-sharing directly in the browser, all without the need for plugins or third-party software. What has been difficult to develop on the Web before is now much easier, faster and more fun," it said.

 

It cited a "supercharged" subset of JavaScript (asm.js) that lets developers create high-intensity applications, like 3D games and photo processing, directly on the Web.

 

Mozilla and Epic earlier teamed up to demonstrate the possibilities of 3D gaming within the browser with the Unreal Engine 3.

 

"Now developers have a low-cost solution to bring high performance games and applications to the Web with technologies like JavaScript, Emscripten and WebGL," it said.

 

Also, Mozilla said Firefox now allows Web applications to support video calls, voice calls and file sharing without additional software or third-party plugins.

 

It said this is possible with Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC), which allows the integration of these features into Web apps "with just a few lines of code."

 

Mozilla said it and Ericsson demonstrated this at Mobile World Congress, to show how Firefox can integrate seamlessly with a users’ mobile phone "and make voice or video calls and share files."

 

"This technology makes it possible to place and receive video calls from a mobile or desktop browser or share live video, files and images with friends and family," it said.

 

Meanwhile, a separate article on The Next Web said Firefox is not the only browser to support WebRTC—Google's Chrome began integrating it last October.

 

Also, it said third-party services like Tokbox are already supporting WebRTC.

 

The Next Web also said the latest features for Firefox will give developers a better chance of getting users to install their apps. —VC, GMA News