While many AI companies, startups, and other organizations are introducing their own web browsers that deeply integrate AI services into the web surfing experience, Mozilla’s Firefox is taking a different approach. Instead of building a new browser, Firefox is allowing its users to swap out their default search engine for an AI-powered search option within the browser they already use. The company announced that it is bringing the AI answer engine Perplexity to Firefox, letting customers decide if they want to use AI to search the web and find new information.
Mozilla had previously announced it was testing this integration, but the option was only available in select markets, including the U.S., U.K., and Germany. At that time, it was not yet determined if Perplexity would become a permanent addition to Firefox’s list of web search providers, which includes others like Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo.
Now, the company says that positive user feedback has led it to make Perplexity available to its global users on the desktop version. The feature will arrive on mobile devices in the coming months.
Once enabled, Perplexity offers a conversational search experience where answers appear with citations, as opposed to a traditional list of web links like Google provides. The option will appear in the unified search button in the address bar, which lets you quickly switch to search with Perplexity as needed. Users can also configure their default search provider in Firefox’s settings.
Mozilla had earlier stated that if the Perplexity pilot was successful, it would look to add more AI answer engines or search options to its browser in the future. It likely started with Perplexity because that company claims it does not share or sell users’ personal data.
Alongside the news of the AI search option, Mozilla also noted it is making its browser profiles broadly available to all users after months of tests and a gradual rollout. This feature lets you switch between different browser setups, such as those for work, school, or personal use.
Additionally, the company continues to test visual search with Google Lens among those who set Google as their default search provider on the desktop.