Mozilla Pulls the Plug on Pocket - Here's What You Need to Know!

In a surprising announcement on Thursday, Mozilla declared it will officially shut down Pocket, the beloved read-it-later app acquired back in 2017, on July 8. But that’s not all! The tech giant is also closing Fakespot, its browser extension aimed at identifying unreliable reviews.

In a blog post, Mozilla stated, “Pocket has helped millions save articles and discover stories worth reading. However, as the way we engage with the internet evolves, we’re reallocating our resources to projects that align better with today’s browsing habits.”

What Happens Next?

For now, users can continue utilizing Pocket and its browser extensions until the cutoff date. Following July 8, Pocket will transition into an export-only mode, giving users until October 8 to retrieve their treasured saved articles, favorites, and highlights.

Why Is This Happening?

While Mozilla hasn’t explicitly stated the reasons behind the discontinuation, they assured users that they would still focus on helping people discover and engage with quality web content. They plan to do this through enhancements to their New Tab experience, email newsletters, and more. The New Tab feature will now showcase shortcuts to frequently visited sites, recently viewed pages, and bookmarks.

The Fate of Fakespot

As for Fakespot, Mozilla remarked that while the idea behind it resonated with many, it didn’t align with a sustainable model moving forward.

The User Impact

Though the exact user count for Pocket remains a mystery, the application has certainly nurtured a passionate community over the years. Following the news of its impending shut down, many users took to social media, expressing their discontent and nostalgia for the app that once helped them manage their reading lists.

As Mozilla pivots to new projects, the tech landscape prepares to see how these changes will affect users' online experiences. Will you be able to say goodbye to Pocket, or will you be desperately searching for alternatives? Stay tuned!