AfterDawn: News

Mozilla to release a premium version of Firefox

Mozilla CEO Chris Beard has revealed a rather strange development for the web browser developers. The company responsible for the popular Firefox browser is going to be releasing a premium version of the browser.

At this point he doesn't reveal what kind of price people are required to pay to access this new piece of Mozilla software, but needless to say it will include some improvements over the free version.



In an interview with Germal publication t3n, Beard says that the new version might include things like integrated VPN service as well as free and safe cloud storage, although not all features have yet been decided.

He ensures that in no universe is Mozilla going to get rid of the free version, however. This also won't affect the new features that have already been promised to the free version in upcoming updates.

Firefox has lost much of its traction to Google's Chrome over the years, and it currently hold the second place in market share with measly 10%, when it topped 30% around ten years ago before Chrome.

According to the company this is one of the ways it is seeking new revenue streams.

The premium version will be entering a test phase in October.


Written by: Matti Robinson @ 11 Jun 2019 10:33

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• 11 comments

• ivymike

  #fail
  

  11.6.2019 18:46 #1

• tranquash

  So the logic is that because they're loosing their market share they will ask for money for some features? The most probable reaction from people will be to switch to other browsers.
  
  Anyone willing to pay for something that's free?
  

  Chuck
  
  "Men are slower to recognize blessings than misfortunes." Titus Livius (59BC-17AD)
  

  12.6.2019 07:14 #2

• 8686

  I'd maybe pay $5 per month max if it included an unlimited vpn.
  

  12.6.2019 11:38 #3

• lamain

  I will wait to judge. I really do not like Chrome so I hope the paid version is for added features worth paying for on there own.
  

  14.6.2019 16:49 #4

• moontampa

  Why would anyone pay for a browser when there are so many to choose from.
  

  Larry Almeda

  29.6.2019 15:06 #5

• MN_yankeigh

  Microsoft emasculated IE and attempted to fob off an Edge disaster on my systems. I went to Mozilla and loaded Firefox and I have never looked back. I might trust Chrome with reading news. Absolutely nothing personal or financial.
  The concept of an Edge[Chrome mongrel?? That seems a double whammy. So not just no --- NO!
  At this point I will continue to use FF Free version. Switching to the premium is not a given for me. If I feel that their premium bundle is worth the cost - I have no problem paying for valuable trusted applications.

  29.6.2019 15:27 #6

• moontampa

  I just read the comment above and IE is still in windows 10.
  
  It's hidden.
  Just go to Program files 86 and go to Internet Explorer folder and it's in there if you would rather use it.
  I hope this helps.
  

  Larry Almeda

  30.6.2019 08:49 #7

• MN_yankeigh

  @moontampa Oh yes IE is still an alternative browser. My problem with after Edge was forced on to my system was that IE was next to useless. I hung on as long as I could stand it - when every time I used IE I was reminded that Edge was the preferred (or to that effect) W10 browser. Apparently MS eventually allowed Edge to fold and became an amalgam of the worst traits of Edge and Chrome. Not even going there. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me!".
  

  30.6.2019 16:26 #8

• moontampa

  Go to your personalization and go to app folder that shows the default app
  then go to default apps click on the edge browser and a window should pop and give you the option of browsers you have installed and click on your preferred browser and you should be good to go.
  Hope this helps.
  

  Larry Almeda

  30.6.2019 16:50 #9

• MN_yankeigh

  Originally posted by moontampa: Go to your personalization and go to app folder that shows the default app
  then go to default apps click on the edge browser and a window should pop and give you the option of browsers you have installed and click on your preferred browser and you should be good to go.
  Hope this helps. Thanks again @moontampa. I have done all I am interested in doing - no matter what I opt for in settings or elsewhere depending on how I approach browsong Edge remains the MS default app - cannot delete the sucker, nor avoid it. Just never use it - steal the url and load into Firefox. F4 Edge!
  
  
  

  30.6.2019 17:08 #10

• moontampa

  Sorry that did not work.
  
  

  Larry Almeda

  1.7.2019 05:21 #11