In a move that's left tech enthusiasts both nostalgic and frustrated, Mozilla is shutting down Pocket, its long-standing read-it-later service. The announcement marks the end of an era for a tool that once promised to revolutionize how we consume online content.
When Mozilla acquired Pocket in 2017, it seemed like a match made in digital heaven. The service offered users a clean, simple way to save articles for later reading, with features like offline access and content curation that made it stand out in a crowded market. For many, it was more than just a bookmarking tool - it was a digital library of potential knowledge.
But the writing was on the wall. Online commentators have been noting Pocket's gradual decline for years, with complaints about its search functionality, content recommendations, and overall lack of innovation. The service that once felt innovative began to feel stagnant, struggling to keep up with changing user behaviors and the rise of alternative reading platforms.
Mozilla's explanation is predictably corporate - claiming that "the way people save and consume content on the web has evolved." Translation: Pocket wasn't making enough money or drawing enough users to justify its continued existence. The shutdown also coincides with Mozilla's broader pivot towards AI-driven projects, suggesting a strategic reshuffling of resources.
For users, the news means scrambling to export saved articles and find alternative services. The market is now filled with self-hosted options like Wallabag, Raindrop, and Linkwarden, each promising to fill the void left by Pocket's demise. It's a familiar tech narrative - another promising service consumed by the relentless cycle of digital innovation and obsolescence.