Mozilla is taking a fresh approach to artificial intelligence integration. Instead of launching a new AI-powered browser, the company is enhancing its popular Firefox browser by allowing users to choose Perplexity AI as their default search engine.

The company announced on Tuesday that users can now access Perplexity’s conversational AI search experience directly from Firefox.

This move gives users the flexibility to explore the web through AI-assisted search responses, rather than traditional lists of web links.

Previously, Mozilla had tested the Perplexity integration in select regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.

Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from those markets, the feature is now being expanded globally for desktop users, with mobile support expected in the coming months.

Once activated, Perplexity delivers answers in a conversational format, complete with citations for transparency — a stark contrast to conventional search engines like Google.

Users can easily switch between Perplexity and other search engines through the unified search button in Firefox’s address bar or by adjusting their default search settings.

Mozilla had earlier indicated that if the Perplexity pilot proved successful, it would consider adding more AI-powered search engines to Firefox.

Perplexity’s privacy stance, which emphasizes that user data is neither sold nor shared, aligns with Mozilla’s long-standing commitment to user privacy and may have influenced its initial selection.

In addition to the AI integration, Mozilla announced the full rollout of browser profiles — a feature that allows users to maintain different setups for work, school, or personal browsing.

The company also revealed it is continuing to test Google Lens visual search for users who set Google as their default search engine on desktop.

By adding Perplexity, Mozilla underscores its mission to give users more control and choice in how they explore the web — blending the reliability of Firefox with the evolving intelligence of AI-powered search.

Source: Techcrunch