Could Bing become the default search engine on Mozilla Firefox?
Microsoft is reportedly looking at more ways to convert people to Bing.
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What you need to know
Bing added several AI features this year, including achatbot that utilizes OpenAI’s GPT-4. While the new Bing has garnered attention from the media and interest from the public, it doesn’t appear to have resulted in a significant increase in search engine market share. Our Managing Editor Jez Corden recently gathered together data from several sources which suggestsBing usage is generally flat.
But Bing may gain some market share through another avenue, becoming the default search engine for Firefox. A report byThe Informationstates that Microsoft is looking to win the Firefox contract, which is due for renewal this year.
The report cites two people with direct knowledge of the situation, stating that Bing leaders reportedly want to win the contract with Firefox.
At the moment, Google pays Mozilla, which owns Firefox, a percentage of ad revenue that is generated by Google. Microsoft does not make as much money per ad, according to The Information. That could require Microsoft and Mozilla to structure a deal differently than what Mozilla currently has with Google.
Bing would not need to gain much in market share to generate meaningful revenue. Microsoft CFO Phil Ockendensaid in an investor callearlier this year that “For every one point of share gain in the search advertising market, it’s a $2 billion revenue opportunity for [Microsoft’s] advertising business.”
If becoming the default search engine for Firefox results in even a modest increase in market share, it could be lucrative for Microsoft and, in turn, Mozilla.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
