Apple to Add Baidu as iPhone Search Option in China

[MacRumors]

Following a rumor from late March claiming that Apple will be adding Baidu as a search engine option on the iPhone in China, Bloomberg reports that Apple will indeed be taking that step, perhaps announcing the addition at next week's Worldwide Developers Conference.

While customers will have the option to select Baidu as their main vehicle for searching the Web, Google's product will probably remain the default choice, one person said. At present, users of iPhones and iPads in China can access Baidu search by downloading it separately as an application.

Baidu maintains an 80% share of the search market in China, making it a natural addition for Apple as it seeks to drive overall growth with a focus on the booming consumer market there.

Bloomberg also reiterates claims that Apple will announce next week that it is abandoning Google Maps on iOS in favor of its own mapping solution, but the report offers no other details on the company's plans for the transition.

Article Link: Apple to Add Baidu as iPhone Search Option in China

 

[Disposition]

The Google of China...

 

[ryuok]

Baidu: be evil.

 

[notjustjay]

Aha! I knew I recognized that paw in LogosQuiz!

 

[bushido]

Aha! I knew I recognized that paw in LogosQuiz!

such a addictive game! everyone plays it at class

 

[AustinIllini]

When do we get Lycos in the US?

 

[SoGood]

Logically expected and Apple is showing again it is doing the Chinese market right. Good sign for AAPL investors. I expect Weibo support to follow next.

 

[Kaibelf]

Baidu: be evil.

Yawn. At least they are up front about their shenanigans rather than hiding it like Google.

 

[foodog]

Baidu: be evil.

Google beat them to that a long time ago

 

[Ay_Zimmy]

Logically expected and Apple is showing again it is doing the Chinese market right. Good sign for AAPL investors. I expect Weibo support to follow next.

I agree, this is a phenomenal move on their part, they want that China Mobile and its 600 million subscribers. My 20 shares are banking on it!

 

[sonovale]

Good news indeed