Few days ago released beta version was announced of a major new branch of the email client Thunderbird 102, based on the code base of the ESR version of Firefox 102.
For those who are not familiar with Thunderbird, you should know that this is a popular free and open source cross-platform email client, news client, RSS client and chat client developed by the Mozilla Foundation.
Main news of the Thunderbird 102 beta
In this beta version that is presented stands out as the built-in client for the Matrix decentralized communications system. The implementation supports advanced features such as end-to-end encryption, sending invitations, lazy loading participants, and editing sent messages.
Another novelty that stands out in Thunderbird 102 beta is that added a new import and export wizard which supports transfer of messages, settings, filters, address book, and accounts from various setups, including migration from Outlook and SeaMonkey.
In addition to this, it is also highlighted that added the ability to insert thumbnails for preview of the content of links in emails. When you add a link while writing an email, you are now prompted to add a thumbnail of the associated content for the recipient to see.
Instead of the Wizard to add a new account, the first time you start it, a summary screen is displayed with a list of possible initial actions, such as setting up an existing account, importing a profile, creating a new email, setting up a calendar, chat, and news feed.
On the other hand, it is also highlighted that a new address book implementation is proposed with vCard support and added a slots sidebar with buttons to quickly switch between program modes (email, address book, calendar, chat, plugins).
Also, improved handling of dragging and dropping attached URLs in the compose window and fixed a bug where Linux GTK theme colors were not used when the Thunderbird system theme was active.
Made various UI styles and themes fixes: Profile Manager, Contact Edit Panel, Plugin Permissions Panel, Events Summary
Of the other bugs fixed in this new version:
- Changed the layout of email headers.
- Dropdowns for autocomplete and select fields were not being displayed on browser-based login forms
- It was not possible to set up multiple SMTP accounts using the same server
- IMAP folder subscription changes on servers using OAuth2 authentication were not reflected in the folder pane until Thunderbird was restarted
- Empty Trash on Exit did not work with IMAP accounts using OAuth2 authentication
- Changes to the IMAP server hostname were not reflected in the Folder Properties dialog
- Account types provided by a plugin were not available Account Setup with a new profile
- Plugins update automatically when Thunderbird is updated even though plugin updates are disabled
- "Chat" and "Plugins and Themes" icons were not showing in the Customized dialog box on the toolbar
- Chat room icons were not showing in notifications
- Matrix messages with push rule action "notify" were not marked as starred
- Accept a recurrence exception to an accepted event event associated with the original recurring event instead of the exception
Finally if you are interested in knowing more about it about this new version, you can consult thes details in the following link.
It is also worth mentioning that the release of the stable version is scheduled for June 28.
Get Thunderbird 102 beta
For those who are interested in installing this new version, they should know that only available in direct download and automatic upgrade from previous versions is not provided.