Smart Window AI in Firefox (opt-in): Overview

Mozilla is testing a Smart Window AI in Firefox (opt-in), a separate optional window where users can chat with an AI of their choice while browsing, and the waitlist is open at firefox.com/ai. The Smart Window sits alongside Classic and Private modes, stays off unless a user turns it on, and lets users choose when, how, or whether to use AI. Mozilla says the Smart Window is user-controlled and built in the open to gather tester feedback.

Browser AI is described as a privacy battleground, and the open-source code behind these tools allows external researchers to verify claims. Mozilla aims to appeal to a broader user base while maintaining privacy-first roots by offering an assistant with an off-switch and by building features in the open to gather tester feedback. Project Nova redesigned Firefox to give a single control to disable all AI features at once. Mozilla has stated that users can decide when, how, or whether to use AI at all.

Brave has its own LEO assistant built with Anthropic and is presented as a privacy-first alternative. Other browser AI offerings named include Perplexity Comet, Microsoft Edge, and Opera Neon. OpenAI discontinued its Atlas browser to focus on other development. Google attempted to enhance its browser with AI by silently downloading a locally-run model.

Mozilla says AI should be “open, accessible, and driven by choice.” The open-source code behind these tools allows external researchers to verify claims.

Mozilla has described its approach to integrating AI in Firefox as one that seeks to attract a broader user base while maintaining privacy-first principles. The company presents an assistant option alongside existing features and emphasizes controls that let users disable AI functionality. Mozilla has stated that AI should be “open, accessible, and driven by choice.” The Smart Window builds on features already shipped in Firefox and is framed as an optional, user-controlled extension of those capabilities.

Mozilla highlights an off-switch intended to make the integration of AI appealing to privacy-conscious users, and Project Nova redesigned Firefox to give a single control that disables all AI features at once. The Smart Window is described as user-controlled, built in the open to gather feedback from testers, and it remains off unless a user activates it. The window sits alongside Firefox’s Classic and Private modes, and Mozilla states that users can decide when, how, or whether to use AI.

Mozilla frames these controls and the open development process as part of its privacy-first stance and emphasis on user choice. The company is gathering tester feedback as it develops the Smart Window and related AI features.