Firefox deal could bolster Yahoo search share

The early returns on Yahoo's deal to be the default search on Firefox appears to be paying dividends, according to StatCounter data.

StatCounter said Wednesday that Yahoo search was used three times more on Firefox 34 compared to Firefox 33. Yahoo became the default search provider with Firefox 34 in the U.S. The deal meant that Yahoo replaced Google.

Yahoo usage on Firefox 34 in the U.S. on December 2 was 29.4 percent, compared to 9.6 percent for Firefox 33. Google search usage by Firefox users dropped from 82.1 percent to 63.5 percent as customers upgraded their browsers. Bing fell from 6.5 percent on Firefox 33 to 5.8 percent on Firefox 34.

Now the catch here is that StatCounter has one day of usage, but directionally the Firefox deal could be positive for Yahoo as well as Microsoft, which power's the portal's search.

The other obvious takeaway is that the average browser may not be so inclined to swap default search providers. Firefox is the No. 3 browser behind Google's Chrome and Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

Previously:

• Mozilla’s balance sheet shows uncertainties ahead as lucrative Google deal ends
• Mozilla strikes Firefox search deal with Yahoo, ending long partnership with Google
• Despite losing Google as its cash cow, Mozilla isn't dead yet