Mozilla has announced that it will be discontinuing Pocket, a read-it-later service it acquired in 2017, effective July 8. Additionally, the company will also be shutting down Fakespot, its browser extension designed to help users identify untrustworthy reviews.
According to Mozilla, “Pocket has enabled millions of users to save and discover valuable articles.” However, the company notes that “as the way people interact with the web has changed, we are redirecting our resources to projects that better align with their current browsing habits and online requirements.”
Until July 8, users will still be able to utilize the Pocket app and browser extensions. After this date, the service will transition to an export-only mode, allowing users to export their saved content, including lists, archives, favorites, notes, and highlights, until October 8.
Although Mozilla has not provided a specific explanation for the discontinuation of Pocket, the company has stated that it will continue to invest in initiatives aimed at helping users discover and “access high-quality web content.” This will be achieved through its New Tab experience, email newsletter, and other channels. The New Tab experience offers shortcuts to frequently visited sites, recent pages, and bookmarks.
Regarding Fakespot, Mozilla stated that although the concept was well-received, it did not fit into a sustainable model for the company.
While the exact number of Pocket users is unknown, the service has built a dedicated user base over the years. The news of its discontinuation has prompted users to express their disappointment on social media.
Mozilla emphasized that this shift will enable the company to “shape the next generation of the internet” with features such as vertical tabs, intelligent search, and AI-powered tools. The company will continue to develop a browser that is “more personalized, more powerful, and proudly independent.”
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