Firefox Project Nova Redesign Adds Universal AI Kill Switch on May 21

According to Mozilla, Firefox unveiled Project Nova on May 21, featuring a comprehensive visual overhaul with a new settings control to disable all AI features entirely. The redesign includes rounded tabs, a refreshed fire-inspired color palette, and compact mode, but the headline feature is plain-language controls offering "controls for turning off AI features entirely," with no buried menus or dark patterns.

The move counters growing backlash against AI in browsers. Chrome holds roughly 66% global market share while running undeletable Gemini Nano models on users' PCs. Brave responded in April by launching Brave Origin, a one-time $60 purchase (free on Linux) that strips out all AI features, Rewards, Wallet, and telemetry. Firefox's Project Nova bets that visible, honest control is a differentiator in 2026, as the company continues to hold approximately 4.44% market share.