Firefox 8 disables add-ons by default

Mozilla has been forced to make changes to the way its Firefox browser accepts "unwanted add-ons" due to the number being installed without seeking user permission first.

From Firefox 8, released today, add-ons that are installed without permission will be disabled by default until the user explicitly opts in to running them.

The change will cut down start-up and page load times, said Mozilla's Add-Ons product manager, Justin Scott.

"(T)hey can slow down Firefox start-up and page loading time, they clutter the interface with toolbars that often go unused, they lag behind on compatibility and security updates, and most importantly, they take the user out of control of their add-ons," he said.

Twitter search added

Twitter search is now an additional option to the major search engines. Mozilla warns, however, that a bug may cause Twitter to appear multiple times in the search provider list.

Users will be able to search hashtags and Twitter user names in English, Portuguese, Slovenian and Japanese, with more languages to come.

Firefox 8 for Android will be equipped with Master Password to protect saved user names and passwords on the device.   

Firefox 9 is due for release on 20 December.