Topic: Stealth Firefox updates to cure permissions fatigue

[Simon]

Mozilla is considering “silent” updates for its Firefox browser in a bid to prevent update fatigue among users.

With a six-week upgrade cycle in its browser, Mozilla said it wanted to take the annoyance out of updating the software by preventing Windows from always asking for permission for new versions.

“The rapid release process has some very positive side effects, like delivering new web technologies faster, and attracting world class developers who like to see their code ship fast," said Brian Bondy, lead developer on the project, in a blog post. "But rapid releases also have some negative side effects."

“One of the negative side effects is that minor annoyances with software updates suddenly become much more noticeable," Bondy said. "Most users don’t want to think about software updates nor version numbers, and now they are being forced to do so every six weeks.”

Read more: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/370375/stealth-firefox-updates-to-cure-permissions-fatigue

[GillE]

Blimey - is Mozilla trying to make Google and Microsoft look like the good guys?

[Simon]

I think it'll backfire.  That said, there's plenty of people who really don't want to know what's going on, as long as it works. 

[GillE]

Backfirefox, eh?

 

[Clive]

Chrome has always done that. 

[Rik]

Backfirefox, eh?

 

[Rik]

I think it'll backfire.  That said, there's plenty of people who really don't want to know what's going on, as long as it works. 

I certainly don't like the idea.

[Baz]

so whats the difference between this and what it does now...when I check for updates it automagically just downloads and installs without asking 

what if you were happy with whatever version you had then you just have to accept the new one?


thats what it does on my system any way, doesnt ask just installs

[Simon]

I'm guessing you won't have to check for updates, and it will just download and install without notification. 

[GillE]

That'll do the independently produced plug-ins a lot of good.

[Simon]

Indeed.  One would assume it would still notify of any incompatible add-ons. 

[Clive]

What's a plug-in?      

[Simon]

A socket. 

[Rik]

  Or is it an it?

[Clive]

   I suppose I should look into them now that I've bonded with Chrome. I may be missing out of something!