Google to Allow More Search Services on Android in EU, and Now Free, Instead of Bidding

[engine]

Google in Europe has had a bidding system for search and other services to be included in Android devices choice screen. That system was criticised when it first came out, and in recent times the highest bidders seemed to be relatively unknown, but realised it was great branding.

It now seems, after E.U. pressure, Google is now changing this so that any eligible service can be included, and it is now free.

Following further feedback from the Commission, we are now making some final changes to the Choice Screen including making participation free for eligible search providers. We will also be increasing the number of search providers shown on the screen. These changes will come into effect from September this year on Android devices.

[blog.google...]

Earlier stories
Smaller Search Engines Losing Out Over Android in E.U. Search Bidding [webmasterworld.com]
Google Changes Android in Europe to Allow Alternative Default Search from 2020 [webmasterworld.com]
E.U. Says Google's Antitrust Idea for Search on Android Not Helping [webmasterworld.com]
Google Starts Selling Android Search Default To Highest Bidders in Europe [webmasterworld.com]

[superclown2]

It would be good to think they did this voluntarily but they didn't. Ms Vestager told them to do it or face the consequences.

What a pity more politicians don't have the same guts.

[yollo03]

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System: The following messages were spliced on to this thread by engine - 5:49 pm on Jun 16, 2021 <small>(utc +1)</small>

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There is some good news, starting September 2021. EU android users will have a choice in choosing their default search engine, it will no longer be google. [xda-developers.com...]

[tangor]

The last two years have been difficult for all, including the tech giants. More obvious is governments are taking a more proactive role on web dynamics and the tech giants have also noticed. This seems like a logical step back by g/android to avoid an escalation from government entities.

Real question is, will the android users actually pick something other than g? Even if free?