US
In the US Firefox 4 beta 1 coverage was mostly positive to neutral and focuses on the UI changes, such as tabs on top, a hiding menu bar as well as the feedback button. Other themes in coverage include Firefox 4 beta support for HTML5 and WebM as well as performance increases in the browser.

The most recent coverage has been more in-depth with many publications taking readers on a “visual tour” of Firefox 4 beta and outlets getting “hands on” with the latest release.

Channel Web: Four Things To Know About Mozilla’s Firefox 4 Beta
Computerworld: Firefox 4 beta 1 is smart-looking, snappy
Conceivably Tech: Firefox 4.0 Beta 1 Hits 100,000 Downloads
CNET: Firefox’s future looks like other browsers (video)
Download Squad: Firefox 4.0 beta 1 released, get it while it’s hot!
Engadget: Firefox 4 Beta 1 now available for download
eWEEK: Enterprise Applications: Mozilla’s Firefox 4 Web Browser Gets an Overhaul, Inside and Out
Geek Sugar: Firefox 4 Beta Ready For Download
The Guardian: Firefox 4: New look, more speed
InformationWeek: Mozilla Releases Firefox 4 Beta 1
InternetNews.com: Firefox 4 Beta Debuts With New Windows UI
Macworld: First Look: Firefox 4 beta
Mashable: Firefox 4 Beta 1 Released
PC Mag: Hands On with Firefox 4 Beta 1
PC World: Mozilla Launches Firefox 4 Beta
The Register: Mozilla stokes Firefox 4 with first beta build
Softpedia: Firefox 4.0 Beta 1 – the New UI
TechWorld: Mozilla Firefox 4 Beta 1
Ubergizmo: Firefox 4 Beta 1 Released To The Public
VentureBeat: Firefox 4 Beta 1 ready for its closeup
Wall Street Journal: Amid New Browser Wars, Next Version of Firefox Debuts
WIRED: Firefox 4 Beta 1 Now Available for Download
ZDNet: Mozilla releases Firefox 4 beta version

France
French press focused on the sneak preview aspect of what will be the next Firefox 4.0 with factual descriptions of the features and incoming innovations of this new release. Some articles really underline the challenge to launch this new version with a very different browser landscape compared to previous releases.

http://www.pcinpact.com/actu/news/58121-firefox-4-beta-1-nouveautes-telechargements-mozilla.htm
http://www.lesnumeriques.com/telecharger-firefox-4-version-beta-news-14722.html
http://www.itespresso.fr/navigateur-version-beta-firefox-40-est-deja-la-35906.html
http://www.echosdunet.net/dossiers/dossier_5457_firefox+40+beta+1+est+arrive.html
http://www.01net.com/editorial/519076/firefox-4-0-les-nouveautes-en-images/
http://www.20minutes.fr/article/584123/Web-Firefox-4-beta-le-test.php
http://hightech.nouvelobs.com/actualites/depeche/20100708.ZDN2477/firefox-4-beta-1-est-disponible-en-telechargement.html
http://www.silicon.fr/fr/news/2010/07/07/mozilla_livre_la_premiere_beta_de_firefox_4
http://www.clubic.com/navigateur-internet/mozilla-firefox/actualite-351376-mozilla-beta-firefox.html
http://www.generation-nt.com/telecharger-firefox-4-beta-mozilla-actualite-1047321.html
http://www.journaldugeek.com/2010/07/07/firefox-4-beta-1-en-telechargement/
http://www.programmez.com/actualites.php?titre_actu=Firefox-4-arrive-en-version-beta&id_actu=7851
http://www.erenumerique.fr/firefox_4_0_beta_1_quoi_de_neuf_-news-19541.html
http://www.maxisciences.com/firefox/firefox-4-une-premiere-version-beta-disponible_art8268.html

Germany
We have seen a lot of coverage on Firefox 4 Beta 1 in Germany with more than 200 articles published. All the major technology media and some of the important business media wrote about the Beta 1. There is a lot of excitement about the new version, and speed and UI changes are consistent themes. German media says that after Firefox broke IE’s dominance in Germany it is now under pressure itself.

Süddeutsche: First insight into Fx4
Handelsblatt: New Fx4 in new look should be faster
Heise: First Beta from Fx4 in new look
ComputerBild: First Beta of Fx4 released now
CHIP: Tips, tricks and more add-ons for Fx4 Beta
ZDNet: Fx4 Beta 1 ready for download
PC Welt: Fx4 Beta 1 can be tested now
DerStandard Austria: Fx4 should be a generation ahead of the competition

Poland
In Poland, journalists commend Firefox 4 on support for the WebM video format, a new Add-ons Manager and extension management API and privacy and performance improvements as well as crash protection from out of process plugins.

http://technologie.gazeta.pl/internet/1,104530,8113467,Firefox_4_w_wersji_Beta_1_juz_do_sciagniecia.html
http://www.chip.pl/news/internet-i-sieci/przegladarki-internetowe/2010/07/firefox-4-pierwsza-beta-gotowa-do-testow
http://webhosting.pl/Firefox.4.beta.1.do.pobrania
http://www.komputerswiat.pl/blogi/blog-redakcyjny/2010/07/firefox-4-beta-1-wglad-pod-maske.aspx
http://www.pcformat.pl/index.php/news/nid/5765/t/firefox-4-beta-1-ju-oficjalnie-i-dla-wszystkich
http://www.heise-online.pl/newsticker/news/item/Firefox-4-pierwsza-wersja-beta-Uzupelnienie-1033996.html
http://pclab.pl/plik1275_Mozilla.Firefox.4.0.Beta.1.html
http://tech.wp.pl/cid,18731,i,Firefox-4-beta-1,info_id,27161,plikinfo.html?ticaid=1a840
http://www.benchmark.pl/sterowniki/pliki/Pliki_Mozilla_Firefox_4_Beta_1-29746.html
http://vbeta.pl/2010/07/07/firefox-4-beta-1-juz-jest/
http://ittechblog.pl/2010/07/07/mozilla-firefox-4-beta-1/

UK
In the UK, coverage was neutral/positive with the majority of pieces recognizing that while Firefox 4 beta 1 is very much a work in progress, it should be seen by Firefox users as an opportunity to have their voices heard, by giving feedback on what they would like to see in the full version of Firefox 4. One of the main themes highlighted across the majority of UK news pieces, was the change in layout, especially the decision to move the tabs to above the address bar.

Telegraph.co.uk
The Guardian Blog
Metro
The Independent
V3.co.uk
PC Pro
Web User
Pocket Lint
Tech Radar
T3
Electricpig.co.uk
TG Daily

Italy
There was a lot of attention in Italy on the arrival of Firefox 4 beta 1. IT professional, consumer’s webzines and blogs heavily covered the release for both user and developer audiences. Among the most highlighted themes were the UI changes, such as the decision to put tabs on top, the replacement of the menu bar with a single button, as well as speed and performance increases.

01net.it: First beta for Firefox 4
Pcworld.it: “Firefox4 Beta vs Chrome: interfaces comparison”
Punto-informatico.it: “FF4, a beta of news”
Wired.it: “FF4, now available in beta version for download”
ilsoftware.it: A first “taste” of FF 4.0 is available”
Pctuner.net: “Firefox 4 Beta1 release, Mozilla learns by Chrome and Opera”

Mozilla announced that it was submitting its iPhone app, Firefox Home, to Apple’s App Store on June 30. Firefox Home uses your browser data, securely synced from Firefox on your desktop to the cloud, to let you search and browse it quickly and efficiently.

The news out of the announcement has been very positive. More than 50 outlets have covered the news from places all over the globe. Coverage notes that it is likely Firefox Home will get accepted into Apple’s App Store.

Coverage highlights include:

9to5 Mac: Mozilla submits Firefox Home to the App Store team
CNET News: Firefox on the iPhone? Mozilla submits Firefox Home to Apple
Cult of Mac: Firefox Home Waiting For App Store Approval
Engadget: Mozilla submits Firefox Home to Apple App Store, considers approval a formality (video)
Fierce Mobile Content: Mozilla submits cloud-based Firefox Home app for iPhone
Geek Smack: Firefox Home submitted to App Store
Gizmodo: Mozilla Submits Firefox Home App, Awaits Apple’s Approval
iPhone Buzz: iPhone 4 antenna better than 3GS, Facebook app gets iOS4 update, Firefox Home submitted for App Store
Mashable: Mozilla Submits Firefox Home to iPhone App Store
MobileCrunch: Firefox Home, the browser that isn’t, is now awaiting App Store approval
PC Mag: Mozilla Sends Firefox Home to iPhone App Store
The Register: Mozilla submits browserless Firefox to Jobsian app police
TechCrunch: Mozilla Submits Firefox Home iPhone App. Apple Should Approve It
TUAW: Mozilla submits Firefox Home to the App Store

Mozilla released Firefox 3.6.4 beta, designed to create more stability in the browser by isolating plugins like Flash, Quicktime, and Silverlight in a separate process so they don’t take down the entire browser when they crash. Coverage of the release continues to come in and is positive-neutral noting that the technology helps to give users a smoother browsing experience. Some publications including the Register highlight the large push around this beta to get the community involved in testing the stability of the release.

Sean Michael Kerner at InternetNews.com writes,

I’ve been running the earlier Lorentz release and in my experience it has made Firefox a better browser – hands down. Yes this is something that Chrome already has, but so what? Now Firefox will have it too and that’s a good thing for the 300 million plus users that rely on it for their web browsing.

Firefox 3.6.4 Beta Coverage:

Beta News: Firefox starts reining in Flash, Silverlight, QuickTime
Blogsdna: Mozilla Project “Lorentz” Makes its Public Appearance with Firefox 3.6.4 Beta
Bit-tech: Firefox 3.6.4 Beta released
CNET News: Chrome gets updated, Firefox ‘Lorentz’ enters beta
Crenk: Firefox 3.6.4 Beta Available for Download
Ghacks.net: Firefox 3.6.4 Beta Released
The H: Firefox 3.6.4 beta isolates crashing plug-ins
The Inquirer: Next Firefox will shrug off Flash crashes
InternetNews.com: Firefox 3.6.4 Lorentz Hits Beta – Out-of-Process is Here!
Lifehacker: Firefox 3.6.4 Fixes Many Bugs in Lorentz Beta
Little About: Firefox 3.6.4 Beta available for download
Neoseeker: Firefox 3.6.4 promises better Flash crash handling
PC Pro: Flash isolation technology hits Firefox 3.6.4 beta
The Register: Mozilla to cordon off plugin crashes with Firefox 3.6.4 beta
Softpedia: Download Firefox 3.6.4 Beta
Softpedia: Firefox 3.6.4 Beta Public Downloads Live
TechRadar.com: Firefox beta 3.6.4 released by Mozilla
Trusted Reviews: Firefox Overhaul Should Cut Down Crashes
White Hat News: Mozilla Firefox 3.6.4 release on May 4, second test version on April 27
Zath: Firefox 3.6.4 Beta Released = Less Crashing?

On Friday, Mozilla released Firefox 3.6.3 to fix a security vulnerability that was found by security researcher Nils at the Pwn2Own hacking contest at this year’s CanSecWest. The news was picked up by  outlets including Computerworld, eWeek, Lifehacker  and more, with coverage being mostly positive. Computerworld noted that for the second year in a row, Mozilla was the fastest of all browser vendors to fix the exploits found at Pwn2Own. It took eight days to patch the vulnerability after it was discovered, which is an improvement over 2009′s contest when it took 10 days to patch the vulnerability. Several news outlets also urged readers to update their Firefox browsers.

Coverage highlights include:

CNET News: Mozilla fixes security hole with Firefox 3.6.3
Computerworld: Mozilla beats Apple, Microsoft to Pwn2Own patch punch
eWeek: Mozilla Patches Firefox Bug from Pwn2Own Hacker Contest
Ghacks: Firefox 3.6.3 Released. Update Now!
The H Security: Firefox 3.6.3 closes a critical hole
Hard OCP: Firefox 3.6.3 Security Update Now Available
InternetNews: Mozilla Rushes Out Fix for Firefox Hack
IT Chuiko: Mozilla Firefox 3.6.3: update of browser and love of Europeans
Lifehacker: Firefox Updates to 3.6.3, Patches Pwn2Own Security Exploit
O’Grady’s Power Page: Mozilla releases Firefox 3.6.3 update
Softpedia: Download Firefox 3.6.3
Techie Buzz: Firefox 3.6.3 Patches Pwn2Own Flaw, Back to Security

On Wednesday, Mozilla announced its first quarterly analyst report “The State of the Internet” which garnered more than 10 original stories in outlets including CNET News, GigaOm and ReadWriteWeb. Most of the coverage was neutral to positive and noted our estimated 30 percent market share. Media were also interested in the Firefox growth by region and the Test Pilot data about tab usage.

Coverage highlights: CNET News, GigaOm, The Inquirer, PC Pro, ReadWriteWeb, The Register,  ZDNet

While we received the bulk of coverage around the Firefox 3.5 launch in June, some great pieces are still being written. Last week, Financial Times writer Paul Taylor published a positive review of Firefox 3.5. Taylor notes,

No other browser can match the variety or sophistication of the add-ons already available for Firefox, and none has gone as far as Firefox in embracing the technology standards that will help power tomorrow’s internet-based applications.”

In other Firefox news…last Friday, Mozilla released Firefox 3.6 alpha. There have been several positive press articles emphasizing speed improvements and new features.

Coverage Highlights: Computerworld, Lifehacker, CNET,  PC Magazine,  TechSpot, Internetnews.com, IT Pro, Webmonkey, Ars Technica

Last Friday, the official Spread Firefox download counter reached one billion. To date, there have been more than 80 original pieces of coverage with most of the coverage being extremely positive and excited about the billion download achievement.

David Colker from the L.A. Times commented on the milestone:

Quite a feat for a browser that unlike Microsoft’s Internet Explorer or Apple’s Safari is run by a nonprofit organization with fewer than 250 employees.  Despite it’s lack of big corporate backing –or maybe partially because of that lack—Firefox has become hugely popular worldwide”

John Paczkowski from All Things D quoted Mozilla CEO, John Lilly:

As Mozilla CEO John Lilly told me this morning, ‘It’s a billion votes–a billion intentional decisions–for people to take control of how they interact with the Web. We–the whole Mozilla community, really–are really proud to have been part of building a product that’s been downloaded so many times, but more importantly, we’re all proud to have helped people take more control over their online lives by making intentional decisions.’”

And Ryan Paul from Ars Technica said:

Firefox has transformed the Internet by bringing innovation and a strong standards-based browsing experience to the masses. Its swift rate of advancement has been accompanied by rapid adoption, leading to the emergence of an enormous following of loyal users. The Firefox phenomenon has contributed greatly to leveling the playing field on the Web and reigniting competition in the browser market.”

Coverage highlights include: BBC News, CIO Today, CNET, Examiner, Fast Company, Geek.com, Information Week, Info World, Lifehacker, The Mirror, PC Magazine, PC World, The San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, The TechHerald, TecZone, The Guardian, ZDNet, ReadWriteWeb, TechCrunch, VentureBeat,