Mozilla Confirms Firefox Will Get Built-in VPN, Split View, and Other Features Next Week

If you are waiting for Firefox version 149, the release date is finally here. Mozilla has announced that the upcoming version will be released on March 24th. Ahead of the release, the company has detailed a handful of new features that you may want to take note of.

Firefox 149 is landing on March 24 with built-in VPN

Among the new features coming with Firefox 149 is the built-in VPN. Last October, we reported on the “Browser Only” Firefox VPN. At the time, the company was testing the feature with a small group of Firefox users. Now, it’s coming for everyone. As Mozilla notes in the announcement, the built-in VPN will route browser traffic through a proxy to hide IP addresses and locations, which will offer added privacy without requiring extra downloads.

The rollout will begin in select regions, including the U.S., France, Germany, and the U.K., with a monthly data limit of 50GB. Mozilla also highlights that this VPN is designed around its privacy principles, addressing concerns often linked to free VPN services. Speaking of security, Firefox will also introduce the Sanitizer API, a new web standard that blocks malicious content before it reaches users. It positions the browser as an early adopter of proactive web protection.

Some productivity features are also making their way to the browser

Besides built-in VPN and security features, Mozilla has also confirmed some productivity features to launch with Firefox 149. Among them is Smart Window, previously known as AI Window, which offers quick summaries, definitions, and comparisons directly within a webpage. The feature will be optional to use and will be opt-in. The company adds that those looking to use it can join the waitlist by visiting this webpage.

Other additions include Split View, which we saw in the leaked mockup of Firefox’s overhauled UI redesign, codenamed “Nova.” As the name suggests, it allows users to do side-by-side browsing. Meanwhile, Tab Notes is also dropping with the next version for quick in-tab note-taking. It will be available in Firefox Labs starting March 24. Moreover, Mozilla has further confirmed improvements to the Settings page for easier navigation and customization. You can expect those changes to be available in Firefox Nightly starting in April.

As a side note, let’s not forget that Mozilla has also introduced a new mascot for Firefox. The long-time Fox has now been replaced by Kit. You can learn more about it in the video embedded below.