Firefox 3.6 beta 1 available

The first beta version of Firefox 3.6, Mozilla's next-generation browser, is now available to download.

Coming just four months after the launch of Firefox 3.5, the new version offers little in the way of visible changes, but many improvements to stability and speed, the company said.

It does boast some new features, such as being able to detect the orientation of the screen on some devices.

This enables the browser to rotate itself so it can be read no matter which way the screen is pointing and will be especially useful for 'tablet'- style devices.

According to Mozilla, laptops such as the MacBook Pro and Lenovo ThinkPads are capable of utilising this feature as they have accelerometers built in - devices which can detect which way is up.

It will also alert you when you have out-of-date plug-ins installed.

There is no official date for the release of the full version of Firefox 3.6 yet but Mozilla said it would happen before the end of the year.

Download Firefox 3.6 beta 1