Based on Digitimes report, Firefox for Android can now be used on millions of additional devices due to added support for many smartphones running ARMv6 processors. Previously, the app was only supported on phones using ARMv7 processors, as well as running Android 2.2 or higher. This furthers Mozilla’s stated mission to "bring the Web to as many people as we can.â€
According to the announcement, about 50-percent of the almost 500 million Android smartphones out there are running ARMv6 processors. The addition of support for the architecture gives Mozilla a massive jump in the number of potential users it has. In addition to the subset of ARMv6 support, Firefox for Android also brings with it some new accessibility features.
The first new accessibility feature is TalkBack integration, which is a screen reader that speaks to users and provides vibration feedback. With the integration, no extra settings need to be arranged or configured. Instead, the app will work seamlessly with TalkBack when enabled in Accessibility under the Settings menu in Android.
In addition, Firefox for Android has support for other Android accessibility features, including Explore by Touch and Gesture Navigation. This feature aids the visually impaired by providing speech, as well as sound and vibration feedback. Finally, you’ll find Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean support for H.264 video, AAC audio, and MP3 audio decoding. [IS]
