It’s noticeable that numerous technology firms are integrating artificial intelligence across their offerings, and Firefox is no exception. For those who do not frequently engage with AI tools, this trend can feel overwhelming. Many users may feel they don’t require AI assistance for composing emails or generating hyper-realistic videos potentially misleading viewers. Additionally, concerns arise about unverified information surfacing during online searches.

However, Firefox has introduced a new AI-driven feature that offers genuine practicality. Unlike other applications that create content for users, this recent addition merely summarizes webpage content, providing a clearer indication of whether a link is worth exploring. Mozilla initially revealed these AI-generated link previews last month, and they were included in Firefox version 139. Currently undergoing testing, user feedback is encouraged to enhance this feature.

How the AI Link Previews Work

In its present form, the function operates like this: when a user hovers over a hyperlink and utilizes the specific keyboard shortcut, Firefox fetches and assesses the webpage’s HTML without fully loading it. The browser identifies relevant metadata to help craft the title, description, and cover image of the page. Once this information is acquired, it is presented in a small pop-up window.

If the summary appeals to you, feel free to click through for the complete content. If not, simply continue browsing the other options. Providing the summaries are precise, this feature could become a valuable tool for determining article relevance—assuming Mozilla resolves existing issues.

Getting Started with AI Link Previews

To experience these AI link previews, ensure your browser is updated to Firefox 139 or a newer version. To check your current version, navigate to Settings > General in Firefox, then scroll to Firefox Updates. Install any available updates and relaunch the browser.

After the update, return to Settings and select Firefox Labs. Under the “Customize your browsing” section, activate the feature by clicking the checkbox next to “Link previews.”

Testing the AI Link Preview Feature

Once activated, visit any website, hover over a link, and press Shift + Alt (on Windows) or Shift + Option (on Mac). This action should trigger a pop-up window displaying the webpage’s title alongside a concise description. In the forthcoming moments, the cover image will appear, followed by a summary of the page’s “Key points.”

Are AI Link Previews a Game-Changer?

Experiences with this feature may vary. At times, it efficiently provides concise summaries encapsulating the essence of an article. Other occasions, however, may see direct quotes extracted from the text being presented. While this approach raises concerns about originality, it is challenging to gauge the comprehensive nature of an article when the “key points” merely mirror initial ideas expressed within the content.

Part of the challenge lies in the website configurations affecting how the AI interprets content. For instance, summaries from DailyHackly often replicated text verbatim, whereas articles from different sources received varied treatments. As this feature is still under refinement, adjustments are necessary to ensure its utility across diverse websites. Yet, compared to other AI functionalities, this offering shows promise, which is a refreshing change in 2025.