Latest news with #Gecko
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CEO of Europe's biggest browser company in court: We would be really struggling to stay alive without Google
Mozilla 's Chief Financial Officer warned Friday that Firefox 's survival is at risk if the Justice Department's proposed remedies against Google 's search monopoly are fully implemented. Eric Muhlheim testified that losing Google's default search engine payments would threaten the browser maker's existence. "We would be really struggling to stay alive," Muhlheim said during testimony as Google presents its defense in the antitrust case . The court has already ruled that Google maintains an illegal monopoly in search, partly through exclusionary default search engine agreements. Muhlheim revealed that Firefox generates about 90 percent of Mozilla's revenue, with approximately 85 percent of that coming directly from its Google search deal. Without this income, Mozilla would face "significant cuts across the company" and a potential "downward spiral" as product engineering investments decrease. Google deal critical to browser's financial viability by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The DOJ wants to prohibit Google from paying to be the default search engine in third-party browsers like Firefox. Additional proposals include forcing Google to sell its Chrome browser and requiring it to share search results with competitors. While these remedies aim to increase competition, Muhlheim testified that an immediate end to Google payments would be devastating for Mozilla. The company has explored alternatives, including discussions with Microsoft about Bing, but found that other search engines don't monetize traffic as effectively as Google. A December 2024 board presentation highlighted that losing Google payments posed a "significant threat to viability for Mozilla with limited ability to mitigate." When Mozilla previously made Yahoo the default search engine between 2014 and 2017, users disliked the experience so much that many abandoned Firefox entirely. Long-term market reform vs immediate survival Under cross-examination, Muhlheim acknowledged it would be preferable not to rely on one customer for most of Mozilla's revenue. He also agreed with Judge Amit Mehta that Mozilla would benefit if at least one other company matched Google's quality and monetization capabilities. "If we were suddenly in that world," Muhlheim said, "that would be a world that would be better for Mozilla." The CFO noted that Firefox's underlying Gecko browser engine is "the only browser engine that is held not by Big Tech but by a nonprofit," contrasting with Google's Chromium and Apple's WebKit. Mozilla developed Gecko to prevent a single company from controlling internet protocols. While the DOJ's proposals could eventually create more quality search engines competing for Firefox's default position, Muhlheim warned this would likely take too long for Mozilla to survive the transition period intact.
India Today
03-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
No Google, no Firefox? Firefox may disappear without Google search deal, Mozilla warns
In the wake of a landmark antitrust case in the US against Google, concerns are mounting over the potential consequences of proposed remedies aimed at curbing Google's dominance in the search engine market. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) is pushing for a series of sweeping measures, including a possible forced sale of Google's Chrome browser. Responding to these developments, Google CEO Sundar Pichai warned that dismantling Chrome could effectively kill off Google Search in its current form. Now, Mozilla — the organisation behind Firefox — has voiced its own alarm, stating that it could be driven out of business if the court implements all the JoD's proposed very frightening,' said Mozilla's Chief Financial Officer Eric Muhlheim during testimony on Friday, as reported by The Verge. He explained that Firefox relies heavily on revenue from its partnership with Google, which pays to be the default search engine on the browser. This deal accounts for around 85 percent of Mozilla's income and roughly 90 percent of the revenue for its for-profit subsidiary, which supports the broader non-profit Mozilla this funding were to disappear, Mozilla would need to implement 'significant cuts across the company,' according to Muhlheim, including scaling back product engineering efforts for Firefox. He cautioned that these reductions could trigger a 'downward spiral,' diminishing the browser's appeal and potentially resulting in its collapse. Such an outcome would also jeopardise Mozilla's broader initiatives, including its development of open-source tools and projects focused on leveraging AI to address climate He further argued that such a scenario would merely reinforce the very market dominance regulators aim to break up. He noted that Firefox's underlying Gecko engine is 'the only browser engine that is held not by Big Tech but by a nonprofit.' In contrast, the other leading engines — Google's Chromium and Apple's WebKit — are operated by tech giants. Mozilla originally created Gecko, he said, out of concern that Microsoft might monopolise internet protocols, and its development has played a crucial role in keeping the web open and interoperable. While cross-questioning, Judge Amit Mehta asked Muhlheim whether he agreed that Mozilla would benefit if there were at least one other company capable of matching Google's search quality and monetisation abilities. 'If we were suddenly in that world,' Muhlheim responded, 'that would be a world that would be better for Mozilla.'Even though many companies, like Yahoo, involved in the Google trial have expressed interest in acquiring Chrome, Firefox has not. Instead, Mozilla is sounding the alarm over the unintended consequences of a crackdown that, while targeting one monopoly, could end up stifling one of the last remaining independent players in the browser space.
Axios
16-04-2025
- Axios
Exclusive: Gecko Robotics, L3Harris partner on extended reality for aircraft maintenance
Gecko Robotics and L3Harris Technologies are collaborating on an interactive virtual world where even the smallest aircraft dings, dents and defects can be diagnosed from the other side of the globe. The big picture: Airframe availability and maintenance are crucial, but complicated by concepts like agile combat employment, which scatter supplies, manpower and expertise. How it works: Thousands of super-sharp images are captured and stitched together in Gecko's Cantilever software, creating a digital twin of a single aircraft. Maintainers, engineers and other experts can then interact with the 3D model from wherever they are. Users can zoom in to inspect the finest of details: wiring, bolts, cracks, paint chips. In a video shared with Axios, the shadow of a bug on the side of an AC-130 was clearly visible.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This Week in Louisiana Politics: Ammonia plant, insurance reform, FEMA cuts program
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — On This Week in Louisiana Politics, Gov. Jeff Landry announces a $4 billion ammonia plant in Ascension Parish, his insurance reform plan and cuts to a FEMA disaster mitigation program. Here's a recap of the latest in Louisiana political news. Landry and CF Industries announced that the 'Blue Point Complex,' a cutting-edge plant focused on producing low-carbon blue ammonia, is expected to become the largest facility of its kind in the world. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with production starting in 2029. The project is expected to create more than 100 permanent jobs. The governor criticized insurance companies and trial lawyers, who he said helped raise auto and homeowners insurance rates as insurers make record profits. He suggests a 'balanced approach' to reform to hold both lawyers and insurers accountable. 'Too much of this advertising is having a cultural effect on our society, and it's not healthy, however, to balance this, insurance companies should not be allowed to pass their advertising cost into the bills of Louisiana families, if the insurance companies want to hire overpaid celebrities to appear in commercials and have a Gecko sipping on coffee riding motorcycles, then our citizens should not pay for that in their premium increases,' Landry said. The day after Landry announced his plans for insurance reform, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple presented his plan to reduce rates and address the crisis. Louisiana OMV sees improvement after system fix, Gov. Landry says Louisiana joined the national lawsuit against the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accusing them of overstepping their authority over nuclear reactors. 'Louisiana's energy future demands innovation, not unnecessary red tape,' Landry said. 'Joining this lawsuit is about defending our ability to pursue advanced energy solutions like SMRs — solutions that are reliable, clean, and essential for economic development in the State. This is part of our broader strategy to make Louisiana an energy leader in the 21st century.' Louisiana was approved as an NRC Agreement State in 1967, giving the state the authority to regulate source, byproduct and nuclear materials. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will end the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program—a major funding source for natural disaster mitigation projects across the state. According to FEMA data, nearly 150 Louisiana applications for BRIC funds, totaling more than $720 million, have now been canceled or placed on hold. In a statement, a FEMA spokesperson called the BRIC program 'wasteful and ineffective,' claiming it was 'more concerned with political agendas than helping Americans affected by natural disasters.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now A celestial 'smiley face' will be visible to stargazers later this month: What to know Louisiana regular legislative session starts Monday Trump has vowed to bring down housing costs. What is his administration doing? Target car seat trade-in returns soon: What to know Why is Easter hardly on the same Sunday? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Job opportunities for those of all abilities begins with a chance in Sarasota
The Brief Danny Vasquez, a 32-year-old with Down syndrome, has become the favorite employee of Gecko's Grill and Pub in Sarasota. Vasquez works Monday and Friday, rolling silverware, setting up stations before their doors open, and giving out plenty of high-fives. Vasquez was set up for the job by a Sarasota non-profit that works with people with special needs to find their abilities in the workforce. SARASOTA, Fla. - At Gecko's Grill and Pub off of Fruitville Road, there's one employee everyone knows and loves. "How are you, buddy? Good to see you," said Danny Vasquez, the restaurant's general manager. Vasquez has been a part of the team for three years. READ: Heart transplant recipient turns survival story in hopeful mission alongside wife "He is just so proud of himself. He loves being a working man," said Yvonne Hall, Vasquez's mom. The backstory Danny was born with Down syndrome. At 34, however, he's never let anything slow him down, from ballroom dancing to bowling. After his family moved to Sarasota, he was ready for a job. "I was super-excited about it. I guess a little apprehensive about his fine motor skills. Could he do it?" said Hall. Local perspective The Haven, a Sarasota non-profit, works to see the ability in people with disabilities. They connected Vasquez to Gecko's hospitality group. READ: 'Chefs for Seniors' offers personalized, nutritious meals to older adults "He just creates this beautiful warm feeling, and the staff absolutely do look out for him and take care of him throughout his entire shift. If he needs anything else, they'll be helpful with that. He's just a joy to have here," said Fiona Farrell, the Chief Operation Officer with Gecko's hospitality group. Vasquez goes to work Monday and Friday, where he rolls silverware and sets up stations before their doors open. "He comes in, high-fives everyone, gives us all hugs and tells us all he loves us," said Farrell. Why you should care At The Haven, Don Herndon, the Director of Mission Services, works with clients to hone the skills they'll need to work. "These guys are ready to work, and they can work if given the opportunity," said Herndon. "The things that we do here that maybe aren't people, don't see as much, but as much intentional is to help people get along and work with one another, because I think it's easy to get most of our clients' jobs. The tricky part is having them maintain that job and stay with that job year after year," CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube They've seen success in Danny and others, such as Kathy Podder, a cook and server assistant from the Loveland Center. Their mission of acceptance continues for all. "We want everyone to feel their part and feel like they're participating in the community and being able to give Danny and others like Danny a job where they can earn their paycheck, and they can be proud about that, and he does," said Farrell. The Source FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon collected the information in this story. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
