Towards the end of last year, it was rumored that Google would be, by partnering with Firefox, entering the browser section of Internet technologies. All parties categorically denied this talk.
However, a recent hiring by Google has the rumor mill spinning again. According to Reuters, Recently, Google hired a lead engineer from Mozilla’s Firefox browser department, Ben Goodger. Needless to say, once word of this got out, speculation about a Google-powered or branded browser began again, in earnest. This was no doubt fueled by comments from Ben’s blog, which said:
As of January 10, 2005, my source of income changed from The Mozilla Foundation to Google, Inc. of Mountain View, California. My role with Firefox and the Mozilla project will remain largely unchanged, I will continue doing much the same work as I have described above – with the new goal of successful 1.1, 1.5 and 2.0 releases.
I remain devoted full-time to the advancement of Firefox, the Mozilla platform and web browsing in general. I’m sure you have many questions. While I will be spending more time at Google, I will work out of the Mozilla Foundation offices regularly as the need arises.
For all questions regarding Google, I ask that you contact Google directly, rather than myself.
What is Google’s next move? Are they going to continue to challenge Microsoft, aiming at the way people interact with the web? Or are they merely hiring bright young talent? Stay tuned, because this one isn’t over yet…
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest search news.