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Tag: Mozilla

  • Kevin Rose Eyes Pocket: Digg Founder’s Acquisition Bid

    Kevin Rose Eyes Pocket: Digg Founder’s Acquisition Bid

    Digg Founder Kevin Rose Offers to Buy Pocket

    Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg, has reportedly made an offer to acquire Pocket from Mozilla. This move signals a potential shift in ownership for the popular read-it-later service. Rose’s interest highlights Pocket’s value and strategic importance in the content-saving and consumption space.

    The Offer

    According to reports, Kevin Rose has expressed his desire to purchase Pocket. While the details of the offer remain undisclosed, the news has sparked discussions about the future direction of the application. Mozilla has not yet officially commented on the potential sale.

    Potential Implications

    An acquisition by Kevin Rose could bring significant changes to Pocket. Rose’s experience in building and scaling Digg, a social news aggregator, may influence Pocket’s development and integration with other platforms. We may see innovative features or a renewed focus on content discovery, driven by Rose’s vision for the platform.

    Pocket’s Current Standing

    Pocket currently operates as a service that allows users to save articles, videos, and other web content for later viewing. This functionality makes it an invaluable tool for those who frequently encounter interesting content but lack the time to consume it immediately. Under Mozilla’s ownership, Pocket has maintained a strong user base and has continued to offer seamless reading and viewing experience.

    Mozilla’s Perspective

    Mozilla acquired Pocket in 2017 to enhance its Firefox browser and provide users with better content consumption options. While the reasons for considering a sale are not entirely clear, Mozilla may be re-evaluating its portfolio to focus on core strategic initiatives. Selling Pocket could free up resources and allow Mozilla to concentrate on other areas of development. If Mozilla decides to sell Pocket, it will be interesting to see if it will be purchased by another company.

  • Pocket App to Shut Down by Mozilla

    Pocket App to Shut Down by Mozilla

    Mozilla Discontinues Pocket App Support

    Mozilla has announced it will shut down Pocket, its popular read-it-later app, on July 8, 2025. Users will have until October 8, 2025, to export their saved items, after which all user data will be permanently deleted. The Pocket web extension and app were removed on May 22, 2025, but previously installed apps can be re-downloaded until October 8. Subscriptions will be automatically canceled, and prorated refunds issued for annual plans. The Verge

    Originally launched in 2007 as Read It Later, Pocket was integrated into Firefox in 2015 and acquired by Mozilla in 2017. Mozilla attributes the shutdown to evolving user habits and plans to reallocate resources to more relevant projects, including AI-powered browser enhancements. Additionally, Mozilla is discontinuing Fakespot, its AI-based fake review detection tool, with the Firefox-integrated Review Checker ending on June 10, 2025. The Verge

    Despite these closures, Pocket’s email newsletter, Pocket Hits, will continue under the name “Ten Tabs,” albeit without a weekend edition. Mozilla emphasizes its commitment to developing a more personalized and powerful browser experience. The Verge

    For more details, you can read the full announcement here: The Verge.

    Impact on Pocket Users

    The shutdown will affect many Pocket users. The read-it-later service has been a popular tool for those who want to save articles, videos, and other web content for viewing at a more convenient time.

    • Users will need to find alternative solutions for their read-it-later needs.
    • Existing saved content may need to be migrated to other platforms.

    Alternative Read-It-Later Apps

    While Pocket’s departure leaves a gap, several alternatives offer similar functionality:

    • Instapaper: A well-established read-it-later app with a focus on readability and organization.
    • Evernote: Although primarily a note-taking app, Evernote can effectively save and organize web content.
    • Raindrop.io: A versatile bookmarking tool that also functions as a read-it-later service.

    Mozilla’s Future Strategy

    Mozilla’s decision to shut down Pocket highlights a strategic shift toward focusing on core offerings like Firefox and integrating AI technologies. This move aims to streamline operations and concentrate on areas where Mozilla can deliver the most value.

    📌 Why Mozilla Is Shutting Down Pocket

    Pocket, originally launched as Read It Later in 2007 and acquired by Mozilla in 2017, will cease operations on July 8, 2025. Users have until October 8, 2025, to export their saved content. Mozilla cites evolving user habits and the need to reallocate resources to more impactful projects as reasons for the shutdown .The Verge

    🔄 Strategic Refocus on Firefox and AI

    In early 2024, Mozilla announced a strategic realignment to prioritize Firefox and the integration of trustworthy AI. This included scaling back investments in products like Mozilla VPN, Relay, and Hubs, and resulted in layoffs affecting approximately 60 employees . By consolidating efforts, Mozilla aims to enhance the Firefox browser with features such as vertical tabs and smart search, ensuring it remains a competitive and independent choice for users .gHacks Technology NewsArs Technica

    📧 Continued Content Curation

    Despite discontinuing Pocket, Mozilla will continue offering curated content through its email newsletter, now rebranded as “Ten Tabs.” This ensures users still receive personalized content recommendations, aligning with Mozilla’s commitment to enhancing user experience .BetaNews

    🔗 Learn More

    For a detailed overview of Mozilla’s decision and future plans, read the full article on The Verge: Mozilla is shutting down Pocket

    For more details you can read the original report here.