Mozilla says its Firefox “Project Nova” redesign will bring a rounded new look, bubble-like tabs, and—most importantly—easier-to-find privacy settings, including a switch to turn off all present and future AI features. Mozilla also rolled out new capabilities
Firefox is getting a face-lift, but it’s the privacy controls that are stealing the spotlight.
Mozilla calls the coming redesign “Project Nova. ” and it’s built around one promise: making it simpler to find and use privacy settings. including a clear switch for turning off all present and future AI features. The visual changes are meant to make the browser feel more approachable—rounded UI elements throughout. bubble-like tabs. and a refreshed fire-inspired color palette. Mozilla is also updating icons to keep them visually consistent across light and dark themes.
For anyone trying to understand how Firefox’s AI features actually work. Mozilla says a key part of the situation is unchanged: Firefox’s AI features and models aren’t downloaded to your computer unless you choose to use them. even if you haven’t turned on the complete block in the settings. But if you do have any installed. it’s already easier to see which ones are present and how much space they’re taking up—something Mozilla frames against Google Chrome’s contentious 4GB download. The redesign aims to bring that kind of clarity closer to the controls people will actually use.
Even with “Project Nova” arriving later this year. Mozilla moved quickly on Thursday to add a new capability that’s available now. Firefox 151, released this week, includes support for the Web Serial API. Mozilla describes the change with a straightforward example: “For example. websites can control devices or deliver firmware without requiring native applications or installers.”.
Firefox 151 also brings a refreshed design for the Firefox Home page. new wallpapers. and a new option to merge multiple PDFs together in the browser’s PDF viewer. On the productivity side. Mozilla says the new design will bring back Firefox’s compact mode. condensing browser controls like the forward and backward buttons.
The company also plans to make everyday navigation feel less cluttered. The redesign will make it easier to access tab groups, split view, and vertical tabs—features power users often rely on, but that can be harder to reach quickly.
“Project Nova” isn’t just about where controls live. Mozilla says it’s adding more customization starting with new wallpapers and themes. Those color themes will apply to the whole browser window. include light and dark modes. and are described as similar to Chrome’s color themes. Mozilla’s blog post also says it’s “exploring” controls for the shape of tabs and other UI elements.
One day this week, Web Serial API support opens a door for device control and firmware delivery from the browser. Later this year, Mozilla wants to make sure the settings page feels just as navigable—so the line between browsing and privacy choices is harder to miss.
Firefox Mozilla Project Nova privacy settings AI features Web Serial API Firefox 151 rounded redesign compact mode vertical tabs split view PDF merge browser customization
So basically Chrome is downloading 4GB of AI and Firefox isn’t? idk but I like the sound of that switch.
Bubble tabs?? Cool I guess. But I don’t even trust the “turn off all future AI” thing, like future update will just sneak it back right.
Wait, so they say the AI models aren’t downloaded unless you choose… but if you already have them installed then it’s easier to see them? I’m confused like are they already there or not? Also “Web Serial API” sounds scary for some reason.
I don’t really care what it looks like, rounded tabs won’t stop trackers. “Project Nova” sounds like another rebrand. If it’s really easier to find privacy settings, then great, but I bet most people still won’t notice the AI toggle.