WebM Enters the Firefox Trunk
Open source codec support enters the browser's nightly build cycles.
Less than a month after the announcement that the WebM codec would go open source, Mozilla has already incorporated support into the Firefox trunk. This ensures that WebM videos will be playable natively when the HTML5 video tag is present.
Mozilla developer Chris Pearce credits Chris Double, Matthew Gregan and himself for integrating support into the Firefox trunk.
Windows programmers can build WebM into Firefox without extra changes to the build configuration, assuming they aren't building on Win32. In that case, MASM is necessary to compile the libvpx optimized assembly. Win64 is not supported at this time.
For programmers working in Linux x86, Mac x86 or Mac x86_64 with YASM already installed, the libvpx library builds optimized assembly code automatically.
Firefox is the first browser to feature WebM support into its trunk. Nightly releases are available on Mozilla's FTP.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.