Technologies

Mozilla Adds Option to Disable New AI Features Coming to Firefox Browser

Mozilla says the new version will be available on desktop-only on Feb. 24.

Mozilla Firefox is adding new AI features this month, but you’ll have the option to turn them off, according to a Tuesday blog post from Firefox head Ajit Varma.

«AI is changing the web, and people want very different things from it,» Varma wrote in the post. «Listening to our community, alongside our ongoing commitment to offer choice, led us to build AI controls.»

Varma said in a November blog post that Mozilla planned to expand AI features for Firefox. This includes an AI chatbot sidebar and AI-powered summaries. But in this new post, Varma said many people want nothing to do with AI, so Mozilla will include a button to turn off AI in the latest update.

A Mozilla spokesperson told CNET that Firefox is making its AI features optional, transparent and easy to control or turn off entirely. «The goal is always for a better browsing experience, one that keeps people in control of how they experience the web and now AI, as it becomes more common across the web,» the spokesperson said via email.

The new version of Firefox, 148, will go live on desktops on Feb. 24. The Mozilla spokesperson clarified that the new version will be desktop-only starting out, saying «we are focused on getting the experience right before expanding further. We’re closely watching early feedback and using those learnings to inform what comes next.»

Artificial intelligence permeates the internet nowadays, and the new version of the Firefox browser with AI features joins other leading browsers that have decided to integrate AI. Apple’s Safari and Microsoft’s Edge both offer AI features.

Firefox embraces AI

With around 200 million active monthly users, Firefox, which is run by the Mozilla Foundation, is by far the largest nonprofit-backed internet browser. When the updated version of Firefox rolls out this month, people will find a new menu in the settings with toggles for each AI feature, allowing them to turn on and off any or all AI options.

This new Firefox will include AI in regular internet browsing in several ways. The toggles for users that Varma mentions in his post can turn off AI for language translation, PDF alt text, tab grouping suggestions, link preview summaries, and the sidebar chatbot, which also allows people to select a specific chatbot, such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini.

In a July blog post, Mozilla AI product leader Jolie Huang outlined Firefox’s stance concerning AI and emphasized a privacy-first focus. Huang laid out the AI features coming to Firefox and also wrote about privacy, a key feature of the browser for a long time.

«Our ongoing commitment to privacy-preserving AI drives us to continuously develop and enhance features that respect and protect your personal information,» Huang wrote. «At Firefox, AI is about creating a smarter, more intuitive browsing experience that boosts productivity without sacrificing privacy.»

You can try out the AI features early using Firefox Nightly, the in-development version of Firefox that is less stable and updated daily.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im