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Mozilla lays off 60 people, wants to build AI into Firefox (arstechnica.com)
submitted 2 years ago by [M, B] to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Mozilla lays off 60 people, wants to build AI into Firefox::Memo details layoffs, "strategic corrections," and a desire for "trustworthy" AI.

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[–] 16 points 2 years ago (8 children)

If AI integration is to happen [...], then this to me seems to be the best way to do it.

Well, to me the best way to do it would be for Mozilla to focus on being the best bare-bone, extendable browser.

Then - if people want an AI in their browser - people should be able to install an AI extension that does these things. It's a bit annoying they're putting random stuff like Pocket, and now an AI in the core of the browser, instead of just making it an option to install extendable

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  • [–] 5 points 2 years ago* (4 children)

    You forget people DON'T want to personalize, and most Firefox users aren't power ones. If a browser has a feature, they want it bundled.

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago (3 children)

    What browser do power users use?

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (2 children)

    That sounds great for a power user that loves to research what extensions and such to have in their browser, and likes to customise their system to be just how they like it, but it doesn't sound like something with the wide-market appeal that Mozilla needs if they're to become a mainstream name again.

    Those people will just wonder why FF is missing basic functionality, then switch back to Chrome.

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 child)

    Well @ @TheGrandNagus and @SSUPII - I think a lot of Firefox users are power users. And a lot of the non-power Firefox users, like my friends and family, they're only using Firefox because I recommended them to use it, and I installed all the appropriate extensions to optimize their browser experience.

    So if Firefox alienates the power users - who are left? I'm gonna move on to Waterfox or Librewolf, but they are even more next-level obscure browsers. My non-tech friends know about Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, so I can convince them to use one of those... But I kinda doubt I can get them to use Librewolf. If I tell them Firefox sucks now too, they'll probably default to chrome

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

    That's not what I said at all. I said Firefox needs to have broad appeal and right now it doesn't.

    That was very very clear from my comment.

    There's no point in doubling down on only appealing to the tiny amount of people that by and large already use Firefox or a derivative.

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