Reports are now centering on Mozilla's latest layoffs which were done in order to refocus the company on improving more of what it has to offer, with it circling back to the Firefox browser and a possible generative AI upgrade. As part of these layoffs, the company also shut down several projects it has ongoing, as well as "scaling back" on several more from its developments.
However, the internal memo retrieved from the company mentioned a significant push in the future, with AI taking the spotlight soon.
Mozilla Firefox May Be Getting Generative AI Soon
(Photo : LEON NEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Ars Technica reported that the recent layoffs in Mozilla are hinting at future generative AI developments for its rediscovered focus on the Firefox browser. This was based on an acquired internal company memo that mentioned the rising status of generative AI from 2023, with Mozilla seemingly looking to make a jump toward this experience.
While there are several AI features on Firefox already, it is unlike what competitors like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera's AI browser have to offer.
Mozilla's focus will be on Firefox again, and this time, with a possible delivery of new generative AI features soon, empowering more of the renowned open-source browsers.
Bloomberg first reported about the 60-employee layoffs that took place in Mozilla amidst its change in management, with this being the first move from its new interim CEO. This centered on different divisions of the company, also leading to the shutting down of several new projects slated for its team to work on, especially with non-browser businesses.
With this, the company is looking to refocus its team, one that would gravitate toward Firefox and its possible AI features soon.
Mozilla and its Famed Firefox
Firefox has been around for quite some time now, and it provides users an option from the many top browsers available, offering a light and fast experience for all browsing needs on mobile and computer platforms. Recently, Mozilla has focused on developing new AI features for the Firefox browser, centering on a safer and more secure experience.
This is through the company's massive focus on creating a "trustworthy" technology, and this is thanks to their recent acquisition of the company called Fakespot. This acquired company uses AI to detect fake or fraudulent product reviews on the internet, as well as verify other information on shopping websites to keep users away from scams or clickbait items.
With the latest Fakespot acquisition, Mozilla is now building itself a new experience on Firefox and its other products to deliver a safer experience on the internet. Amid its employee layoffs which cut 5 percent of its workforce, Mozilla mentioned the generative AI trend and its recent acquisition, hinting at a future where it would be available on Firefox, like it is in Chrome, Edge, and more.
