Alphabet Inc.'s Google Settles Out-of-Court in Russia over Android Search

[engine]

Google has settled out of court in Russia over search on Android. It means that Google's rivals will get the chance to install their apps on Android in the region, and removes the exclusivity that Google once held.

Google will no longer demand exclusivity of its applications on Android-based devices in Russia and will not restrict the pre-installation of rival search engines and other applications, as part of a deal with FAS, the regulator said on Monday.

It will also develop a tool allowing users to choose a default search engine on their Android devices Alphabet Inc.'s Google Settles Out-of-Court in Russia over Android Search [reuters.com]

[keyplyr]

Yes, the Android search box app puts itself on the default Home screen. That defaults to Google search. Of course it does. It's a Google app (duh)

However Android allows the user to choose any search engine they want. In fact, the choices are in a list. If the user wants to choose a SE not in the list, all they have to do is go to the SE site, and then save it as the default SE.

I realize the law suite was settled, but really... talk about straws!

[engine]

It was about the restrictive practice prohibiting other search pre-installed. Now, phone makers in Russia have a choice, where Yandex is the prime search engine in that region, not Google.

[keyplyr]

Russian court sides with Russian SE. Got it.