Firefox 4 Beta 1 unveiled

Surfers can now download and install the first beta version of Firefox 4, which has been unveiled by open-source software organisation Mozilla.

Though the browser is still in beta, with several more test versions expected before the final Firefox 4 launch, surfers are encouraged to install the software and provide feedback about bugs and areas for improvement.

"Stay tuned, because there is more to come and we plan to release new beta versions every two to three weeks. Your feedback is essential to help shape the product which is why we're launching now to hear from you early in our development process," said Mozilla's Mike Beltzner.

Firefox 4 is the successor to Firefox 3.6, which was officially launched in January after first coming into beta in November 2009.

Back in May, Mozilla released some early details about what we'd be able to do with Firefox 4.

The beta is available for Windows, Mac and Linux systems and features improved privacy protection and crash protection, according to Mozilla, as well as a new Add-ons Manager and support for HD video.

"To make it easier to give feedback, Firefox 4 Beta includes a new Feedback add-on. Any time you run across something you like or don't like, just click the Feedback button and tell us about it," Beltzner said.

Of course, Mozilla also claims that Firefox 4 is faster than its predecessor. You can download it for free from the Mozilla website.