This time the complaints have to do with Google's policies pertaining to Android. Google is denying any breach of EU rules.
nline, European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager said the reason her office is investigating Google is to ensure that big companies do not use their dominance to stifle competition."Our concern is that, by requiring phone makers and operators to pre-load a set of Google apps, rather than letting them decide for themselves which apps to load, Google might have cut off one of the main ways that new apps can reach customers," she said.Vestager has not said what consequences Google could face if her office determines the company broke EU competition rules. However, some analysts have suggested that in theory at least, Google could face billions of dollars in fines from revenues earned in the EU over the past several years.In a blog post, Walker described Google's partner agreements as entirely voluntary and said handset makers and network operators are free to use Android without Google. Manufacturers whose devices are tested and certified as being able to run Android apps are free to choose whether they want to preinstall Google apps or not. And those that do are free to install other apps of their choice.Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, said the EU's latest move is likely a relatively small deal for Google. "It doesn't affect development or marketing; it's a legal issue," he said. "Right now, Google's packaged apps and services dominate the market, so most customers will expect them on their smartphones whether or not OEMs are required to install them."Given a choice, most users are likely to choose Google apps and services anyway, he said. "A change in bundling requirements will increase the importance of Google maintaining its lead in customers' preferences, but that would be true in any case," he said.
- eWeek