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Software·1 min read

Firefox 160 Adds Pinnable Mini Windows and Local Speech Recognition

Mozilla has released Firefox 160 with pinnable mini windows, on-device speech recognition through the Web Speech API and more flexible Picture-in-Picture playback speed.

Firefox browser window with a small pinned mini window floating above the desktop.
Image: iX Magazin
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Mozilla has released Firefox 160. The update centers on three changes: pinnable mini windows, local speech recognition via the Web Speech API and more flexible playback speed in Picture-in-Picture mode.

Mini windows that stay in view

The headline addition is a set of small browser windows that can be pinned so they stay visible while you work in other windows. Mozilla positions them as a lightweight way to keep content at hand without rearranging a full browser layout.

Speech recognition on the device

For web developers, Firefox 160 brings local speech recognition through the Web Speech API. Processing speech locally means voice input in web apps no longer has to depend on sending audio to an external service, which can matter for privacy and for use without a stable connection.

The Picture-in-Picture player also gets more freedom when it comes to speed. Users can adjust playback tempo more flexibly while a video floats above other windows, which suits tutorials, lectures and long recordings.

What it means

Taken together, the release is aimed at everyday multitasking and at web apps that use voice input. Firefox 160 is available now from Mozilla, and existing installations typically receive it through the built-in update mechanism.

Apps worth a look

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Tags:firefoxmozillafirefox 160web speech apipicture-in-picturebrowser

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