Mozilla is introducing new widgets to Firefox’s New Tab page, including a daily crossword puzzle generated from AI-summarized news.
Crossword is powered by Particle, an AI news reader that summarizes articles and creates puzzles based on current headlines. This feature is being gradually rolled out, and users on Firefox 153 or later can enable the widget manually via about:config.
Mozilla has not announced a specific rollout date, but the feature is already documented on its support site.
Firefox’s new tab widget includes a daily crossword
The crossword is updated daily and taken from current news topics. Clues are pulled from stories Particle has already processed, and users can click on source articles for reference.
To play, users click on a square to switch between cross and down, type the answer, and use the hint button if stuck. The puzzle is also available outside Firefox via direct web link.
Although Crossword is similar to earlier browser-based word games, it is different because it uses AI-processed news content, ensuring that the puzzles change daily and remain relevant to current events. The feature extends Firefox’s use of AI beyond search and into the user interface.
Crossword is available with other New Tab widgets, such as a to-do list, timer, stock checker, world clock, weather widget, privacy report and a rotating photo of the day.
All widgets are optional. Users can rearrange, resize, or disable them as needed. A “Show less widgets” option is also available, which TechSpot notes can make room for sponsored stories.
How to Enable Firefox’s New Widgets
The features are being tested with small groups before a wider rollout. Some users already have access to specific areas and locations. Users wanting quick access can enable the widget manually:
- Update to Firefox 153 or later, as manual settings are available from this version onwards.
- Open a new tab, enter about:config in the address bar, and accept the warning to proceed.
- Find the settings that control the widget area and available tools, then turn them on.
- Return to the new tab page to configure, resize, or disable individual widgets as desired.
Because widgets are not enabled by default, TechSpot notes that users should expect specific warnings for features in testing, including potential changes or instability before a wider release.
Mozilla is releasing the widget slowly and continues testing with small groups before a wider release. Documentation is available on the support site, but no definite rollout date has been announced.
TechSpot says these changes coincide with Firefox’s faster release cycle and the upcoming Nova redesign. The regions and locations that will receive the next widget, as well as when the crossword will be enabled by default, have not been confirmed.
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