So, you like using Firefox 3 as your browser of choice over other options such as Safari 4, Opera 9, Google Chrome or Internet Explorer 8? Hey, that’s not a bad thing at all and Firefox 3 is my proud browser of choice (I like it a WHOLE lot better than IE8, Safari 4 and Chrome– and I never really got into Opera). I really love its simplicity and speed, and today Mozilla, the guys behind Firefox, today have officially released the next version of Firefox 3– nicely named Firefox 3.5.

For all the info on what’s new in 3.5 and for a little first take, hit the more link.

Ok, so what’s new in Firefox 3.5? Well, honestly, not a whole lot in the amazing new features department, more refinements on the existing Firefox 3 software. For example, it is said to be 2x the speed of Firefox 3– already considered by many as one of the fastest, if not THE fastest, browsers out there. Not only does Mozilla say it’s faster, but they say it uses less of your computers resources like memory– which you may not immediately notice depending on the specs of your computer–  this is definitely a nice update in my opinion. There also is the “Private Browsing” feature similar to those found in the on the other browsers, which I find ideal for use on public computers as it saves none of the things you did– such as what sites you went to, or the things you entered on sites like your username and password for sites like your email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

That’s just a very brief rundown of some of the bigger things in the update. For a video preview of the new things in Firefox 3.5, see this video here.

I’m actually writing this post using Firefox 3.5, so lemme give you a little first take on it as well.

The download and install took maybe 3 minutes total, probably less (I didn’t time it), and this was on a not “blazing fast” internet connection (the file itself is a tiny 7.7 MB so it should download pretty fast anywhere you have an ok connection). I do notice a slight improvement in speed when viewing multiple sites like ESPN, Facebook and of course TeenTechBlog, as well as other sites at the same time (ESPN is a site that used to actually give me some problems as it is one of the more intense sites design wise because of all the videos and moving objects on the page– the fact that it loads well now in 3.5, especially with other tabs open, is a very good sign to me). The “Private Browsing” feature is a nice add in, and works like regular Firefox. I do though wish they implemented a feature of “Top Sites”, or a tabbed list of your most frequented sites, when opening new tabs like in Chrome and Safari.

Overall though, a nice update and you should definitely try it for yourself. You can download Firefox 3.5 for Windows XP, Vista (which I tested it on), Linux and Mac OS X for free at Mozilla’s site here.

It has been a long time since Microsoft gave their Xbox 360 the ability to download and watch HD Movies and TV shows, but starting this summer, Sony will install the same feature in their PS3 system. For the details on this new add on to the PS3 hit the more link.

Now how exactly this new TV and Movie service will all be packaged is unclear– this feature though is already available on their Braiva TVs, sold under the brand name “Bravia Internet Link“.

Three possibilities on how Sony will work this new system:

1. Go rental service with a tie-in to Netflix for renting movies online
2. Go like Hulu (where we mentioned here) and offer free video with ads supporting it
   
3. Go like iTunes and charge for downloading movies and TV shows (unlikely due to Sony’s long failed history of digital downloads in contrast to the successful Apple)

Time will tell which way Sony goes, but we do know this: Sony’s Bravia Internet Link TV’s, and therefore, presumably, their PS3′s as well, will offer movies before they go on DVD and Blu-ray (one example is the upcoming Will Smith movie Hancock).

So PS3 owners- you gonna try this? and if so which way do YOU want Sony to go? And to potential PS3 owners: is this gonna sway you now into the PS3 corner–the ability to now play HD video games; view Blu-ray HD movies; browse the Internet straight from you PS3; and now download movies and TV shows to it? Let your opinions out in the comments.

Information here adapted from Cnet’s Crave

Transmission:
Now, I don’t advocate illegal downloading. In fact…I support our Robot RIAA Overlords. However, every now and then, you just have the urge to use torrents to send LEGAL files to your friends. Transmission is a torrent application, simple in it’s design, and in it’s use. Download the torrent, and it does the rest. Highly suggested and recommended! Get it here.