Firefox can now connect directly to microcontrollers, development boards, 3D printers, power meters, and other serial-connected hardware from the web. Starting in Firefox 151 for Desktop, support for the Web Serial API allows web applications to communicate with compatible devices without requiring native software.
[...]
Ports are allowed on a per-site and per-port basis. The Web Serial API requires websites to call navigator.serial.requestPort(), which lets the user choose which port to allow access to, or disallow all access entirely. This means websites do not receive a list of connected devices and there is no useful fingerprinting information outside of the port the user selects.
[...]
While Web Serial still resides in the Web Incubator Community Group (WICG), we’re optimistic there’s a path to standardization given its scope and long-running incubation. We are pursuing standardizing the Web Serial API in the WHATWG in a new Workstream proposal and are excited to work with ecosystem partners and standards bodies to help shape access to peripherals on the web.
Is this the same thing that allows devices like Keychron keyboards to be configured from a webpage? I can do it from Chrome and Edge, but I can't do it from Firefox
Is this the same thing that allows devices like Keychron keyboards to be configured from a webpage? I can do it from Chrome and Edge, but I can't do it from Firefox
It's possible, though it likely use WebUSB instead, a related API. One would have to look into which specific approach their app is using. Firefox have historically taken a negative stance on...
It's possible, though it likely use WebUSB instead, a related API. One would have to look into which specific approach their app is using.
Firefox have historically taken a negative stance on supporting WebUSB (standards positions, discussion), so future support is less likely there. Though it's possible they're reconsidering their stance on hardware interaction now, in light of this release.
There is also an addon that provides WebUSB support, though it requires a little more setup than usual.
From the article:
[...]
[...]
Is this the same thing that allows devices like Keychron keyboards to be configured from a webpage? I can do it from Chrome and Edge, but I can't do it from Firefox
It's possible, though it likely use WebUSB instead, a related API. One would have to look into which specific approach their app is using.
Firefox have historically taken a negative stance on supporting WebUSB (standards positions, discussion), so future support is less likely there. Though it's possible they're reconsidering their stance on hardware interaction now, in light of this release.
There is also an addon that provides WebUSB support, though it requires a little more setup than usual.
No, that is WebUSB. Firefox refuses to support it because of security/privacy reasons.
Related and possibly also supported now, not sure 100%