It’s here! Firefox 3 is available for download. In fact, today has been deemed ‘Download Day’ by Mozilla, and they’ve been encouring users to set the record for the most software downloaded in 24 hours. Hopefully I’ll help put them over the edge.

I like what Mozilla stands for. The open web is a noble thing. They are a self-described global community that’s committed to improving the way people experience the internet. It really gives me the warm fuzzies.

But when I see the Google toolbar hovering in the right hand corner of my slick new browser, I feel a bit puzzled. In the spirit of openness, wouldn’t it be more prudent to opt in for the toolbar? I understand that the Mozilla Foundation’s deal with Google has provided a valuable revenue stream, allowed the organization to hire talent it might not otherwise have afforded, but it still irks me.

Firefox includes Google as the default option for users wanting to search the Web directly. Their default start page is also hosted by Google. This is understandable, but the real bummer is that localized builds can’t change the default search engine. There’s been a lot of rumblings about Google’s recent loss of innocence, and the Federal Trade Commission has raised concerns over a search market monopoly. The DoubleClick acquisition raised lots of eyebrows and barely squeaked by the European Union’s approval.

It’s a shame that my glowing review of Firefox 3 has to be tainted by the Google association.

Here’s to being a public benefit organization.