Mozilla pulls the plug on Pocket, Fakespot to focus on 'better browsing'

Image: Mozilla

Mozilla is discontinuing its popular bookmarking tool, Pocket, and its fake review detector, Fakespot, in a move signalling a strategic shift. The company said this decision allows them to concentrate resources on developing features that align with evolving user browsing habits and online needs.

Pocket, initially launched as "Read It Later" in 2007 and acquired by Mozilla in 2017, will cease operations on July 8. Users will have until October 8, to export their saved content, after which all user data will be permanently deleted. Mozilla will automatically cancel subscriptions and issue prorated refunds for annual plan subscribers starting on the shutdown date.

The Pocket web extension and app were removed on May 22, though existing app users can re-download it until the data deletion deadline. While the standalone Pocket service is ending, its email newsletter, "Pocket Hits," will continue under the new name "Ten Tabs," albeit without the weekend edition.

Adding to the streamlining efforts, Mozilla is also sunsetting Fakespot, the artificial intelligence-powered tool acquired in 2023 to help users identify unreliable product reviews. Mozilla explained that while the concept resonated, it wasn't a sustainable model. The Fakespot-powered "Review Checker" integrated into Firefox will also be discontinued on June 10.

Mozilla emphasized that this strategic pivot will enable them to focus on "shaping the next era of the internet" with upcoming features like vertical tabs, smart search, and more AI-powered functionalities. "This shift allows us to shape the next era of the internet — with tools like vertical tabs, smart search and more AI-powered features on the way," the company stated. "We’ll continue to build a browser that works harder for you: more personal, more powerful and still proudly independent."

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