Firefox adds Perplexity AI as new search option
▼ Summary
– Mozilla is adding Perplexity as an optional AI-powered search engine in Firefox, allowing users to choose AI for web searches without switching browsers.
– Perplexity provides conversational search results with citations instead of traditional web links, accessible via Firefox’s address bar search button.
– The feature is now available globally on desktop after positive feedback and will expand to mobile devices in the coming months.
– Mozilla may add more AI answer engines in the future, starting with Perplexity due to its privacy policy of not sharing or selling user data.
– Firefox is also rolling out browser profiles for switching between setups and testing Google Lens visual search for desktop users with Google as their default.
Mozilla is introducing Perplexity AI as a new search option within Firefox, offering users an alternative to traditional search engines without needing to switch browsers. This move comes as many tech firms develop dedicated AI browsers, but Firefox is integrating the technology directly into its existing platform. Starting this week, desktop users worldwide can select Perplexity to handle their web searches, with a mobile version expected to launch in the coming months.
Previously, the feature was only available in a limited number of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It was initially unclear whether Perplexity would become a permanent fixture alongside established providers like Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. Mozilla has now confirmed that positive user feedback from the pilot program led to the decision for a global rollout.
When users activate Perplexity, they experience a fundamentally different way of finding information. Instead of receiving a simple list of website links, the AI provides direct, conversational answers to queries, complete with citations that show the source of the information. This option is accessible through the unified search button located in the browser’s address bar, allowing for quick switching. Users retain full control and can set Perplexity as their default search engine through Firefox’s settings menu.
Mozilla indicated that if this initial integration proves successful, it will likely explore adding other AI-powered answer engines in the future. The choice of Perplexity as the first partner may be linked to the company’s strong privacy stance, as it publicly commits to not sharing or selling users’ personal data.
In related news, Mozilla is also making its browser profiles feature available to all users following an extended testing period. This tool lets people easily switch between distinct browser environments tailored for different purposes, such as work, school, or personal browsing.
Additionally, the company is continuing to test a visual search capability powered by Google Lens. This experiment is currently available to desktop users who have set Google as their primary search provider.
(Source: TechCrunch)
