Google Paying for Firefox Installs
November 5, 2005 1 Comment
What is that thing you ask? Google is indeed paying for Firefox downloads with the Google toolbar bundled in. It seems like a win/win/win to me. You get about a buck, the downloadee gets a good browser and Google not only gets to get a leg up on a competitor, but also gets a good amount of cash (via more searches done using the toolbar). I'm guessing this may be a response to rumors that MSN will be much more integrated into Vista. One thing to be aware of on this is that you should read the fine print. You get up to a dollar, depending on the location of the user and only if they have never had Firefox installed before. Seems a bit sleep. If that wasn't bad enough, I found this hidden in the FAQ: A Firefox referral is counted when a Windows user, who has not previously installed Firefox, downloads and runs the program for the first time. Not sure why they are only paying for Windows users! At any rate, this should help get some additional Firefox users, and that's a good thing.
–jeremy
Jeremy's Blog 
Not a bad move, perhaps somewhat influenced by the Windows Live project by Microsoft. However, in the long run I see this just as another way for Google to make money, and really, given their recent 'domination' movements on web apps and whatnot, I can't say I have much trust in Google.
Could get interesting me'thinks. :)
Kind regards,
Pascal Klein