Mozilla is best known for its free and open-source Firefox browser, which has long been a major player in the browser wars against the likes of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. However, in recent years Firefox’s market share has been steadily declining as users flock to alternatives. This, combined with Mozilla’s over-reliance on revenue from Google to keep Firefox afloat, has led to an existential crisis for the company.

In an effort to turn things around, Mozilla has brought in a new interim CEO, Laura Chambers, and is embarking on a major strategic shift to refocus on its core strength – Firefox. Last week it was announced that around 60 employees would lose their jobs as Mozilla restructures and merges teams working on side projects into a new unit responsible for bringing “trustworthy AI into Firefox”.

Exactly what AI features we can expect to see added to Firefox remains unclear. Mozilla likely hopes to match initiatives from Google and Microsoft, who have been rapidly integrating AI into Chrome and Edge. However, with those browsers already so far ahead, Mozilla’s move may be too little too late.

The projects being cut or scaled back include Mozilla’s own Mastodon social network, its VPN, online privacy tools, Metaverse efforts and more. While a renewed focus on Firefox makes sense given its shrinking market share, it’s uncertain how Mozilla will reliably monetize the browser without revenue from its side services. Currently, Mozilla relies heavily on Google for search revenue.

Nonetheless, the increased priority given to Firefox should be welcomed by loyal users. Important features like full extension support on mobile have taken too long to arrive after Firefox’s 2020 rewrite. With AI integration now the top priority, other long-requested updates like a tablet interface may also finally materialize.

Firefox fans will hope this back to basics strategy can return the browser to its former glory. However, with Google and Microsoft’s headstart on AI, it remains to be seen whether Mozilla’s core product alone can keep the company competitive. This may be Firefox’s last real chance to regain relevance in a browser market increasingly dominated by AI-driven competitors.