RealNetworks to distribute Google toolbar and Firefox

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RealNetworks has signed a deal to distribute the Google toolbar and Mozilla'sFirefox opens source browser with its media player.

Real claims to have 2 million downloads a day for its player and new users will be given the option of installing Firefox and the Google toolbar upon installation. Existing users of customers of RealPlayer, Rhapsody music service and RealArcade games will also be offered the software.

"Real and Google share a common passion for innovation that has enhanced the Web experience," said Rob Glaser, chairman of Real.

"The Google Toolbar has been a welcome addition to Real customers because Google simplifies and enhances how they interact with the Web. We think our customers will feel the same way about the Firefox Web browser."

The news will give added impetus to Firefox's push to erode Microsoft's share of the browser market ahead of the launch of IE7. Firefox 2.0 is expected to be released in October but in the meantime the number of downloads has just hit 200 million.

"Today the Firefox download counter crossed the 200 million mark," said Mozilla.

"We know that this number doesn't represent actual users because this number includes both Firefox 1.0 and Firefox 1.5 (soon Firefox 2,) because not every one completes every download, and because not every download results in a new Firefox user."

"That being said, 200 million people seeking Firefox is a huge accomplishment and we're right to celebrate our role in driving that number."

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