Looks like Google might be in the hot seat again because competitors filed a new antitrust complaint against them in the EU alleging that the Android OS gives an unfair advantage for Google apps. The complaint was filed by Fairsearch Europe, which consists Microsoft, Nokia, and Oracle. Lead lawyer for Fairsearch said that Google is using Android “as a deceptive way to build advantages for key Google apps in 70 percent of the smartphones shipped today,” He is referring to the fact that Android OEM’s have a contractual obligation to place Google-branded apps such as Maps, YouTube, and Drive in “prominent default placement on the phone.”
I guess if anyone is an expert with this kind of complaint, it’s Microsoft since they were already a victim for similar occurrences. Back in 2004, they were fined €497 million (or $600 million) for bundling Windows Media Player with its operating system. Then they failed to bundle competing web browsers with Windows 7 Service Pack 1, which cost them the €561 million (or $732 million).
No comments to this new case specifically, but Google spokesman Al Verney said the company continues “to work cooperatively” with the commission.
sources: NY Times / Fairsearch Europe (PDF)
via: TheVerge
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