Google is pushing developers to adopt Manifest V3, phasing out older extensions. While other browsers are discontinuing support for Manifest V2 entirely, Firefox maintains compatibility with both Manifest V2 and V3.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Chrome 134 released with quick settings pane and various improvements
Google has released Chrome 134 to the stable branch. The update adds quick settings with several options that open in the sidebar. Also, the ManifestV3 enforcement has become active for more users. Finally, Chrome is actively using AI in its various components. This release uses it for detecting fraud pages, autofil forms.
Thunderbird 136.0 released, represents a new type of app updates
Thunderbird 136.0, a community-driven email client based on Mozilla technologies, has been officially released. This version is built on the Firefox 136 codebase and represents an intermediate release, with updates scheduled to be delivered prior to the next major version. Additionally, Thunderbird 128.8.0 has become available in the Extended Support Release (ESR) branch, which offers long-term support and receives updates throughout the year.
Firefox 136 Released with Vertical Tabs
Firefox 136.0 stable version released with improvements and updates, including Vertical Tabs, improved sidebar, hardware video decoding for AMD GPUs enabled by default on Linux, and much more. Mozilla has published installers and binary files for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Windows Copilot is now a native WinUI3 app
Microsoft introduces a truly native Copilot App for Windows. Version 1.25023.106.0 features a modern, Windows 11-style user interface built using the XAML markup language, offering a more integrated and polished design.
Microsoft has announced Dragon Copilot, a new AI assistant
Microsoft has introduced Dragon Copilot, an AI-powered assistant designed for medical environments. The tool leverages technology from Nuance Communications, which Microsoft acquired in 2021, combining the speech recognition capabilities of Dragon Medical One and the conversational AI capabilities of DAX Copilot.
Mozilla has removed the “do not sell user data” promise from Firefox’s user agreement
Mozilla has removed multiple sections from its license agreement and FAQs that previously addressed user privacy. Specifically, statements asserting that Mozilla or Firefox does not sell user data have been eliminated. This change has sparked significant criticism and skepticism toward the company. Users started expressing concerns that it may now share data with advertisers or use it to train AI models. As a result, Mozilla faces accusations of potentially compromising user privacy, leading to widespread distrust among its user base.
Microsoft: Skype Will Shut Down on May 5, 2025
Microsoft has officially confirmed the cessation of further development for Skype, with the service set to shut down on May 5, 2025. As a replacement, the company recommends users transition to the free consumer version of Microsoft Teams, which will offer similar functionality.
Windows 11 Build 27802 (Canary) adds file sharing to the taskbar, new battery tray icon, more
Windows 11 Build 27802 is rolling out to the Canary channel. The improved battery tray icon, Desktop spotlight, and the ability to share files right from the taskbar are among the changes.
Windows 11 Build 26120.3360 (Dev & Beta) is available to Insiders
Microsoft has released Windows 11 Build 26120.3360 (KB5052090), to Windows Insiders using the Dev and Beta channels. Recently, Insiders in the Beta channel have been receiving the same Windows 11 version 24H2 builds that are released to the Dev channel. The updates are currently optional, so you can choose the right time to upgrade to the new OS version.
