Mozilla Adds Web Serial Support to Firefox 151 With Adafruit Hardware Collaboration

Mozilla has added support for the Web Serial API in Firefox on desktop with the release of Firefox 151. The API enables the browser to communicate directly with hardware devices like microcontrollers, development boards, and other serial-connected equipment without needing additional software.

This update brings Firefox closer to feature parity with Chromium-based browsers, which have supported Web Serial for several years. Mozilla views this change as mainly useful for developers, makers, educators, and embedded device communities rather than the general user base.

What the Web Serial API Enables in Firefox 151

Web Serial enables web pages to connect and communicate with hardware devices over a serial connection. Common uses include programming microcontrollers directly from a browser, configuring development boards through web-based tools, reading sensor data into a web app, and updating firmware on embedded devices.

Previously, many of these tasks required users to use Chrome or Chromium-based browsers, as Web Serial was not available in Gecko. However, with Firefox 151, these workflows are now possible in Firefox without additional setup for many projects.

Adafruit Collaboration Brings Browser-Based Hardware Workflows to Firefox

Mozilla is launching the feature alongside a collaboration with Adafruit, the open-source hardware community known for CircuitPython, programmable microcontrollers, and education-focused electronics kits. Adafruit's browser-based hardware workflows, including its WebSerial ESPTool, now work directly in Firefox.

Users can experiment with projects involving CircuitPython programming, board flashing, sensor input, and microcontroller communication without leaving the browser or installing dedicated client software.

Mozilla has published a detailed engineering post on Hacks.mozilla.org for developers interested in the implementation details behind Web Serial support in Gecko.

Availability of Web Serial in Firefox 151

Web Serial support is now available in Firefox 151 on desktop. Mozilla has not announced if the API will be added to Firefox on Android or iOS, where browser engine restrictions on iOS limit how Web Serial could be implemented even if Mozilla decided to include it.

The update also includes other features in Firefox 151, such as VPN location selection, expanded language support for Shake to Summarize, and a one-click private browsing reset button.

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Mozilla Adds Web Serial Support to Firefox 151 With Adafruit Hardware Collaboration appeared first on gHacks.