In Mozilla Firefox’s new version titled Firefox 34, you will see a browser switch from Google to Yahoo. After ten years, Mozilla decided to part ways with Google and switch to using Yahoo as its default search provider for the popular Firefox web browser. The deal stated that Yahoo would take over as the default search provider in the U.S. across mobile and desktop devices. In a blog post, Mozilla CEO Chris Beard called the end of its use of Google an, “opportunity to review our competitive strategy and explore our options.”
What does the switch mean for you?
This change means that if you’re downloading Firefox for the very first time, Yahoo will be designated as your default search engine. On the other hand, if you are an existing Firefox (based in the U.S.) and you have not previously changed your search default, the new update will prompt you to switch to Yahoo. If you’d designated a different search browser, you can simply click “Later” to continue with whomever you are using.
Why the change?
The change is speculated to be in response to a new Mozilla product, a mobile phone software, which would compete with Google’s Android. Another reason may be that Mozilla is one of the main proponents behind Do Not Track, a group that is pushing web companies to agree to a standard that users should be able to opt out of advertising tracking. Google has historically opposed this viewpoint, and unlikely to ever abide by it. Yahoo, on the other hand, will support the Do Not Track standards as a part of the deal.
What does the change mean for users?
In the browser and search engine world, it seems that many people are loyal to provider that they use. In that light, Google has been using many tactics to try and win back Firefox users. One of Google’s most unique tactics was a tweet that stated: “This one’s for all the Google Search-loving Firefox fans out there.” The tweet showed an image of how to change the default search engine back to Google.
Overall, whether you are loyal to a search engine or are considering a switch, these providers are going to be vying for your attention.