Mozilla has recently introduced new personalization features for the Firefox New Tab page in version 138, allowing users to set custom background images. Previously, users could select from a limited set of curated images or solid colors, but now they have the freedom to upload their own images.
This enhancement caters to those who prefer a personalized experience, as having the ability to choose a custom image fosters greater customization. For users more inclined towards colors, a custom background color option is also available, giving users the freedom to select bold or subtle shades according to their preference.
To enable this feature, users can navigate to Settings > Mozilla Labs in Firefox 138, check the box for “Choose a custom wallpaper or color for New Tab”, and immediately see the changes without needing to restart the browser. For those using the snap version on Ubuntu 24.04, enabling the new features may require manual adjustments in about:config. Users need to set the following preferences to true:
browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.newtabWallpapers.customWallpaper.enabledbrowser.newtabpage.activity-stream.newtabWallpapers.customColor.enabled
In addition to these personalization options, Mozilla has plans to revamp the "Recommended Stories" feature, allowing users to tailor their content based on specific topics of interest. This will enhance the relevance of recommended articles on the New Tab page.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential commercialization of the New Tab experience. The new version has made it more difficult to disable sponsored content and shortcuts on the New Tab page, which users can still manage via the Settings > Privacy option, at least for now.
Overall, these updates signify Mozilla’s commitment to enhancing user experience while walking a fine line between personalization and potential commercialization.