$5.1 Bi??!!! Based upon what to determine the amount? That is called stealing. Europe needs money. That is all.
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European Commission Fines Google $5.1B for Favoring and Pre-Installing Own Services on Android
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So 5.1 billion plus penalties.
Ouch. Any more info on the penalties they might incur after 90 days?
So glad Chinese users of iCloud will be relieved to know their data will be stored on non-Chinese State-owned servers. Whew! BTW... there's a nice juicy ice bucket challenge for you here on MR if you scroll down to an article with a pic of the iCloud logo in front of the Chinese flag.
It's a share of revenue, in this case about 5% (note that the EU commission can fine up to 10%).
It's funny that it's not the case of "Europe needs money. That is all." when it's with Apple.
So true.
Or android is open and choice is good.....just not when it comes to google search or the google App Store.
It’s a tiny fraction of what the US thinks VW owes them. And they do nothing about pollution from fracking. The president even wants to revive the coal industry. So it’s clearly not a money grab by hypocrites.
GASLAND (2010)
Not the OP, but of the 3 points listed, the last seems troublesome, the "in order to get access to our best stuff, you're not allowed to sell any other devices using any non-Google version of Android." I don't know that it breaks any laws, but it doesn't feel good, especially coming from the company that's successfully taught everyone that "Android's difference is that it's completely open." (It was open until they got some marketshare, now they're turning the screws in various ways - I've read that Google has, numerous times, effectively abandoned various open-source apps in the Android base once their proprietary versions are up and running - but there's still a lot of people out there chanting, "but Android is completely open." I suppose that comes down to cleverness on Google's part, but that maniacal laugh while rubbing their hands together does fit so well with the "Don't Be Evil" mantra they've sold people.)
Apple is not an OS vendor so they are not under the same obligations as Google or Microsoft. Since they control the entire stack, it is at their digression who they allow to extend the platform to and how.
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In order to have access to the lastest releases, which vendors like Samsung need ASAP so they can begin integrating their changes, one of the stipulations is to not affect Google Apps or Search within Android.
I am aware of that. However, that's a totally different scenario than what's addressed in my quote. What you're addressing occurs after an OEM has already decided to use Google's Play Store. My quote occurs before that decision is made. Example: {time travel backwards} Amazon is at a crossroads. Go with Play Store access and deal with all of Googles restrictions or fork Android and make your own ecosystem.
But forking doesn't mean you're not integrating (or wanting to integrate) other Android features that do come down the line from Google's development: you either pay or wait or build it yourself. That also is a decision made before the OEM decides to sign the deal.
I disagree with this outcome, don't get me wrong, but that's a complaint brought up by the EU and they aren't wrong.
This is just stupid. A user knows that a phone will be preloaded with certain apps and it's their choice to use it or download another choice.
It's not about being stupid or not. People know they can install other browsers on Windows, but Microsoft still got a slap for bundling IE. It's about following regulations of the region (EU). You cannot just get away from regulations if you think it's stupid.
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Your statement is still valid, but if you hold a significant marketshare and with only a handful of competition, antitrust rules apply. These rules are there to prevent companies abusing their position in the market. Let's face it, if you want to make a smartphone, your practical choice is pretty much Android and Google Play store. Just like if you want to make a PC, your practical choice of OS is Windows.
Just because you want to do a business, doesn't mean you can do it without regards to regulations. Microsoft learned it the hard way.
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Google made over $30 billion in the first quarter of this year.
Besides, there will be negotiations.
I don't worry too much about Google's financial "hardships."
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No, it's not about US vs EU mentality. It's about supporting the "underdog."
In the past, hardly anybody defended the judgement on Microsoft (only few Microsoft fanboys did). But Google has a better image in most people's mind since they think Google is santa claus (giving things away for free), so many people would be more likely to defend Google. Google is still seen as the "underdog" despite its actual size, and people like underdogs.
Apple used to enjoy this position before they grew exponentially after the iPhone. Imagine if Apple got any fines from the EU, many people including Americans would be cheering as they see Apple as one of those bad big rich companies (like Microsoft).
[doublepost=1531978806][/doublepost]Europe is Broke! The European Commission is a bunch of parasites! Europe would be Lost and Stupid without Google!
The European Commission hit Google with a $5.1 billion fine today, stating that the tech company broke EU antitrust laws by striking deals with Android phone manufacturers to favor Google's services over rival services (via The New York Times).
Specifically, the European Commission pointed towards the Google search bar and Chrome web browser coming pre-installed on Android smartphones like those made by HTC, Huawei, and Samsung. With these options already in smartphones when users purchase them, other services are "unfairly boxed out."
Now, Google has 90 days to ends these practices or face penalties of up to 5 percent of the worldwide average daily revenues of parent company Alphabet. In response, Google's European Twitter account confirmed that the company will appeal the Commission's decision.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai commented on the decision in his own blog post today, pointing out that Android phones come preloaded "with as many as 40 apps from multiple developers," not just Google. Users can delete them if they want and install their own choices after they purchase the smartphone.
According to Pichai, the EU fine "sends a troubling signal in favor of proprietary systems over open platforms." Pichai also notes that Android phones compete with iOS phones, a factor that isn't brought up in the ruling.
The European Commission has targeted Google previously, fining the company $2.8 billion last year for unfairly favoring its own services in Google search results. For the new $5.1 billion fine, the EU is said to be taking advanced measures to "rein in the clout" of American tech companies, but Google is not expected to back down from its appeal decision and has begun to populate a hashtag on Twitter -- #AndroidWorks -- against the Commission's fine. According to The New York Times, the case is now "likely to drag on for years."
Article Link: European Commission Fines Google $5.1B for Favoring and Pre-Installing Own Services on Android
I have never heard anything more ridiculous in my life!!
I mean, how stupid can these people at the EC be?
It's their OS! If they don't pre-install their apps on it, then what the heck to you expect them to install there? Farting apps?
I mean, how stupid can these people at the EC be?
It's their OS! If they don't pre-install their apps on it, then what the heck to you expect them to install there? Farting apps?
Rather unlikely. Same goes for game consoles. Closed markets with walled gardens.
What a bunch of Bull. Google however would be lost without data to mine. For sure.
their stock will tank if they are forced to pay this they definitely care 4% is a lot especially when you consider regulators around the globe would try to get google to pay them fines as well.
