Firefox Sync 1.5 now available

We’re very happy to announce the availability of version 1.5 of the Firefox Sync add-on. This release has several changes that make it easier to set up Sync for first time users. We have also made some back-end changes that will require some action on your part. Please read on for the details.

Are you using the Sync add-on?

If so, you should update to version 1.5 of the add-on on all your devices. Once you update to 1.5 on one of your computers, you will need to update all of your other devices to that version as well to continue syncing.

Are you using the integrated Sync feature with Firefox 4 Beta?

If so, then you will need to do one of two things.
1. Install version 1.5 of the add-on on all your devices (you can safely disable it when you update to the next Beta release of Firefox 4) OR
2. Switch to using the nightly version of Firefox 4 (Warning: only recommended for advanced users).

If you are already using the Firefox nightly builds on desktop or mobile, you will not need to do anything.

Firefox Home users – if you haven’t already, you will need to update to the latest version (1.0.2).

Installation and setup improvements

If you are setting up Sync for the first time using the add-on on Firefox 3.5 or 3.6, you will simply be asked for an email address and password. We have removed the need for a separate username to use Sync. Existing users can either switch to using their email address or continue using their existing usernames – both will continue to work.

Also, during the installation process, the install wizard will automatically generate a Sync Key for you. The Sync Key (formerly called the secret phrase) protects your data by encrypting it on your computer before uploading it to our servers. This Key ensures that you and only you get to see your data at all times. Existing users can either switch to using an autogenerated Sync Key (you will need to update all of your devices with the new Key) or continue using their secret phrase – both will continue to work.

Backing up your Sync Key

Since Mozilla does not store your Sync Key on our servers, we strongly recommend that you make a backup copy of your Key. You can save it to a file or print it (and lock it away in your file vault). You will need this Key when you set up Sync on your other computers, mobile phone or when you set up Firefox Home.

We are working hard on making the Sync experience rock for our users. This release helps set the stage for a streamlined setup and installation experience for new users who are starting to try Sync.

As always, if you have any questions on any of this, please hop on to the Sync forums or #labs on our IRC server.

1 response

  1. Pingback from Firefox 4 Beta for Android and Maemo is Now Available :: The Mozilla Blog on :

    […] Firefox 4 Beta includes Firefox Sync to create a seamless Web browsing experience between desktop and mobile. With Firefox Sync, you can take your browsing history, bookmarks, tabs, passwords and form-fill data with you anywhere so you never have to retype passwords or long URLs again. Your Firefox data is completely encrypted end-to-end between your computers so that only you have access to it. (For those using Firefox Sync, be sure you’re up to date.) […]