Mozilla launches mobile Firefox

Fennec browser becomes available for Nokia's Maemo platform

Firefox for mobile will be available first on the Nokia N900

Mozilla has finally released the long awaited version of its popular Firefox web browser for mobiles.

Available initially for Nokia's Maemo platform, version 1.0 of Fennec is engineered with key design principles in mind such as "minimal typing, seamless synchronisation with desktop Firefox and the ability to take your Firefox with you", said Mozilla's Erica Jostedt in a blog posting.

"Bringing Firefox to mobile devices is the next step towards fulfilling Mozilla's mission of providing one web that everyone can access, regardless of device or location," she wrote.

"Secure, powerful and customisable, Firefox is the most modern mobile web browser available and is optimised for a mobile experience."

Currently available on the Nokia N900 smartphone, the new browser features tabbed browsing, location aware browsing and the 'awesome bar', a new feature which delivers "intelligent and personalised searching" to take the user to their favourite sites, the firm said.

Also included is a "weave sync" feature which allows users to synchronise Firefox tabs, history, bookmarks and passwords between desktop and mobile devices, according to Jostedt.

However, the main feature which Mozilla hopes will give it the upper hand in the mobile browsing space is support for add-ons, which are designed to help users customise the browser by adding small incremental pieces of new functionality.

"Firefox is the first mobile web browser to support add-ons. With add-ons, you can customise your Firefox by adding features that help make your browser your own," wrote Jostedt.

"Add-ons like AdBlock Plus, URL Fixer, TwitterBar, language translators and geo guides become especially handy when you're out and about on your mobile device."