Browsers like Firefox are allegedly consuming excessive CPU resources, according to a number of users' reports.
In a recent development, Firefox users have reported significant CPU usage and battery drain due to a new AI-powered feature called Smart Tab Grouping. This feature uses a background process named the Inference engine, which continuously runs on users' devices to organise tabs by suggesting groupings and naming these groups automatically.
The Inference process is responsible for private on-device AI inference, such as language translation for websites. However, its continuous operation in the background has led to CPU spikes and battery drain, causing loud fan noise and decreased battery life, especially when many tabs are open.
To check the CPU usage of the Inference process, users can access Firefox's task manager by typing in the address bar. This will show the Inference process and its CPU use.
As of now, Firefox does not provide a straightforward switch to disable the Smart Tab Grouping feature in the main settings. Some users have found that they can disable related AI features like the embedded AI chatbot by toggling preferences in , specifically by setting to . This may stop some AI-related functions running in the background, though it is not confirmed if this disables the Smart Tab Grouping Inference engine fully without impacting Firefox stability.
Mozilla has acknowledged the CPU usage problems as a performance bug tied to the rollout and has since reversed the rollout to fix issues. They are working on improvements and a proper fix in future updates.
This AI integration aims to improve tab management locally with privacy considerations, but it is causing performance problems until fixed. Users are asking for the removal of the Firefox AI Chatbot feature, with pleas like "Remove Firefox 'AI Chatbot' Feature" or "How to remove AI from my Firefox?" or "Please keep AI out of Firefox."
References:
- TechCrunch
- The Verge
- Gizmodo
- Bugzilla
- Mozilla Blog
- The cloud-based data-and-cloud-computing industry is abuzz with discussions about Firefox's Smart Tab Grouping, an AI-powered feature causing CPU usage problems and battery drain.
- In response to user complaints, Mozilla has acknowledged the performance bug and plans to improve the feature in future updates, addressing issues related to artificial-intelligence and fintech.
- The controversy has sparked debates within the finance and fintech segments, with some users requesting the removal of the AI Chatbot feature from Firefox, such as "Remove Firefox 'AI Chatbot' Feature."
- The software industry is closely watching how Mozilla addresses the Smart Tab Grouping problem, as it signifies the challenge of balancing AI integration and performance in consumer applications.
- Meanwhile, tech blogs like TechCrunch and The Verge, and Mozilla's official blog, provide updates on the development, offering insights into the impacts on the technology industry and the broader implications for AI adoption.
