Google looks to be fully shutting down unsupported extensions and ad blockers in Chrome – which might push some folks to switch to Firefox
www.techradar.com
Manifesting a future where Firefox is more successful?

Clearly, Google is serious about trying to oust ad blockers from its browser, or at least those extensions with fuller (V2) levels of functionality. One of the crucial twists with V3 is that it prevents the use of remotely hosted code – as a security measure – but this also means ad blockers can’t update their filter lists without going through Google’s review process. What does that mean? Way slower updates for said filters, which hampers the ability of the ad-blocking extension to keep up with the necessary changes to stay effective.

(This isn’t just about browsers, either, as the war on advert dodgers extends to YouTube, too, as we’ve seen in recent months).

At any rate, Google is playing with fire here somewhat – or Firefox, perhaps we should say – as this may be the shove some folks need to get them considering another of the best web browsers out there aside from Chrome. Mozilla, the maker of Firefox, has vowed to maintain support for V2 extensions, while introducing support for V3 alongside to give folks a choice (now there’s a radical idea).

  • AlternateRoute@lemmy.caEnglish
    227·
    3 months ago

    The lack of HVEC/h.265 support is kind of a deal breaker in firefox (windows nightly builds don’t count as done). I need it to view h.265 security cameras and the occasional movie streamed via browser.

    Edit: For those suggesting multiple browsers I could just use Edge if I wanted to… still better compatibility as it is essentially chromium.

    I have a list of other things that don’t work reliably in Firefox such as various video conferencing tools so no, I am not going to switch to Firefox as my primary browser again anytime soon.

    I was a Firefox user for many years but there are too many daily things I use now that prevent me from using it as a primary browser for work and causal use.

    • ramble81@lemm.eeEnglish
      25·
      3 months ago

      Cool thing is you can run multiple browsers. So just use Chrome for your cameras and Firefox for everything else.

      • AlternateRoute@lemmy.caEnglish
        211·
        3 months ago

        Why would I use multiple browsers if I can achieve nearly everything in one? I would much rather use Edge or Safari for everything than Firefox plus another browser.

        • ramble81@lemm.eeEnglish
          16·
          3 months ago

          Because Edge has also moved to Manifest V3 and Safari uses WebKit which doesn’t have the same degree of blocking. I mean, you do you, enjoy your ads.

          • AlternateRoute@lemmy.caEnglish
            21·
            3 months ago

            True, but the other argument is just try adblock lite, it works fine… It isn’t as powerful but I would rather have a fully functional daily browser than one with lesser video playback and conferencing functions.

    • x00za@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      6·
      3 months ago

      Use Chromium for the security cameras, and use something sensible for all your normal browsing usage?

      • AlternateRoute@lemmy.caEnglish
        12·
        3 months ago

        I guess, but the comment is a direct assertion against Firefox growing from this change. You sort of prove my point by suggestion another sub variant of the chrome ecosystem.

        • x00za@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          2·
          3 months ago

          Well I’m guessing you want that codec for a reason, but I would just use something I can actually use in Firefox.

          • AlternateRoute@lemmy.caEnglish
            21·
            3 months ago

            guessing you want that codec for a reason

            It is the default most widely used codec for devices and video 4K and higher resolution. It is just what nearly all new / modern cameras come with. You don’t really get a choice.

    • iopq@lemmy.worldEnglish
      6·
      3 months ago

      I guess when edge stops supporting v2 you’ll just look at ads then

      I won’t

      • AlternateRoute@lemmy.caEnglish
        22·
        3 months ago

        Ad block lite does a good enough job without me changing to be honest, again the point being is that there are more problems with me using Firefox as a primary browser than ad blocking benefits.