Mozilla today announced more than 400 new extensions (software that adds new features or functionality to the browser) for Firefox for Android users on Mozilla’s AMO Android page. This milestone marks the launch of a new open ecosystem for extensions on mobile devices where developers are now free to create and publish extensions and users can easily access and install them on Firefox for Android.
“Extensions were initially created as a way for people to customize their Internet experience, from artists who design themes to developers who wanted to create extensions to improve people’s web experience,” said Vicky Chen, vice president of engineering at Firefox. “We’re excited to bring this experience to Firefox for Android, as we’re the only major Android browser that supports an open extension ecosystem. In the coming months, we plan to enable more extensions for people to choose from and personalize their mobile Internet experience.”
Our journey to an open ecosystem that extends to benefit everyone
Browser extensions have become an essential part of everyone’s daily Internet experience. Nearly half of Firefox desktop users have installed an extension to customize their online experience. Extensions offer a wide range of powerful features — from privacy tools like anti-trackers and ad blockers, to productivity tools, tab managers, translators, and more.
Building on Mozilla’s mission to provide an open and accessible Internet for everyone, Firefox works with an independent community of developers to deliver extensions for people who want more personal agency from their online experience. On desktop, there are thousands of add-ons to help you become a better writer, get a job, or clean up a cluttered desktop. While the new Android ecosystem will take time to develop the robust diversity of content offered by desktop extensions, a fair number of major desktop extensions are already available on Firefox for Android, such as the privacy-focused content blockers uBlock Origin and Ghostery, an anti-virus gem. Badger Privacy Tracking and Dark Reader Color Customizer.
In August, we announced that we had finished building the infrastructure needed to support an open extension ecosystem on Firefox for Android. We were ready for the next chapter: adding extensions. Since then, we’ve been working with developers to test hundreds of extensions and make them compatible with mobile devices. So, are you ready to personalize your mobile browsing experience to make it faster, safer, or simply more fun? Look no further with the release of today’s add-ons for Firefox for Android.
Accessories to help on the go, just in time for the holidays
We rely on our mobile devices for many things — quick information searches, reading articles, listening to music, and looking up recipes (like cookies for our annual holiday cookie exchange). Therefore, we recognize the value of having simple, predictable experiences that free up time to focus. Here are some plugins available today to help achieve this flow.
- Midnight lizard – Easier reading
We view our mobile devices in many different environments. Whether it’s outside in the sun or inside a dimly lit room, our eyes are working hard to adapt. Midnight Lizard is one of those eyeliners that your eyes will feel the difference and thank you. It can change page colors, increase or decrease brightness and contrast. Add a blue light filter, screen tinting, and of course the popular night mode. Midnight Lizard will keep your eyes in good condition! - Dark background and light text – Keep it simple
This extension is very popular with thousands of users due to its simplicity. It’s useful for people who prefer to work in dark mode, or those with poor vision where reading dark text on a white background is a challenge. You’re free to customize it so that all web pages are displayed in this elegant way, or just select the pages. - Radio all over the world -Getting into the groove
You can access over 50,000 radio stations from around the world directly from the Firefox browser for Android. Are you in the mood for a little Brazilian samba? How about some traditional Indian Hindustani? Techno beats from Berlin? World music and real-time talk radio are literally at your fingertips.
Many thanks to our developer community
We’d like to thank all the developers who worked with us to make their extensions compatible with this launch of the open ecosystem on Firefox for Android. Hundreds of people attended our webinars and brought amazing creative energy to this project.
“The opportunity for innovation is huge,” said Giorgio Natelli, director of engineering at Firefox. “It’s exciting to see extension developers embracing this moment and creating new browsing experiences and features for Firefox for Android users. People don’t have to browse the mobile web in a completely individualized way anymore. With extensions, you have the freedom to change the way Firefox for Android looks And it works. It will only get better as more developers innovate in this exciting new space.
As more developers create mobile-optimized content, you can expect a new wave of Firefox extensions for Android to appear in the coming months. In the meantime, download the latest version of Firefox for Android and shape your Internet experience with Android extensions.
Attention all tech-savvy individuals! If you’re a fan of Firefox for Android, then hold onto your hats because we have some exciting news for you. New extensions are now available on Firefox for Android, taking your browsing experience to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for ad blockers, password managers, or productivity tools, these extensions have got you covered. Get ready to explore a whole new world of possibilities on your mobile device with these amazing new additions to Firefox for Android.