Microsoft's Bing to Replace Google As Default Search Engine on iPhone?

[cababah]

Nothing has happened yet; they are just in talks with MS. Apple negotiates things with a lot of companies (Verizon) and that doesn't necessarily mean anything is certain until the final release.

Having Google default in Safari is a win for both companies despite their recent rivalry.

 

[locust76]

Explain?
( though it does sound like a familiar quote from some movie I can't remember right now!!)

Indiana Jones - Last Crusade.

Apple products are notorious for giving users an incredible lack of choice. He's basically got the full Apple Lifestyle Kit going on and can pretty much only use Apple products if he wants to do anything digitally, and he's complaining about not having a choice in search engines...

 

[cash4chaos]

We forget MS saved Apple in 96 !

Not to piss in anyone's cheerios but without 175 million Gates gave Jobs Apple would be gone, sorry but that's a fact !!! I prefer Google but I don't hate Bing.

 

[greg400]

Use Yahoo? Really?
Reality can be found here.

Well alright then, Yahoo can get thrown out the window as well.

Ask Jeeves is the future. I can feel it.

 

[Super_Saxy]

google is awesome, and bing is ok... for me at least.

if only google and apple could become friends... the possibilities would be endless...

 

[AtHomeBoy_2000]

It makes me wonder if it might be in M$ and Apples mutual interest to team up to stop the Google monolith from continuing to grow and impede on "their" areas.

 

[rdowns]

Interesting CNBC speculation

There are various reports this morning that Apple is ready to push Google aside as the default search engine on iPhone, in favor of Microsoft's (say it with me: Bing, Bing) Bing.

And Scott Brown took Edward Kennedy's Senate seat in Massachusetts, so it does seem a little chilly in Hell this morning.

But before we go all crazy and embrace this new world order of Microsoft and Apple embracing each other, consider the strategic implications here, and all the back stories that are conditioning this news.

First, I'm not buying that a Bing/iPhone relationship will stand any test of time. Think of it more as a stop gap measure until Apple can get its arms around incorporating its own search software into Safari. And don't count out Firefox.

Big win for Microsoft to be sure, if it happens. And a good way to buy some time for Apple.

Getting a deal done with Microsoft does double-duty for Apple, filling the gap until it gets its own search software up and running; and it thorks jilted digital love Google right in the forehead.

It's another awesome example of my enemy's enemy is my friend, and no one plays that game better than Apple, and Steve Jobs. If this becomes part of the Jan. 27 event, expect the loud chorus of boos by some of those specially invited guests, and a louder chorus among those in the blogosphere who don't want to accept any kind of relationship with Microsoft whether it hurts now-bitter rival Google or not.

The other part of this story: I know that Yahoo and Microsoft enjoy some kind of alliance, the depths (heights?) of which are still rather nebulous. But I think it's telling that Apple went the Bing route and not the Yahoo path. Where is Yahoo? And if Apple is sniffing for a new search partner — and Yahoo offers all those "community" and "media" aspects that CEO Carol Bartz is touting, you'd think that some new relationship could have been forged here. But that appears not to be in the cards.

Meantime, an Apple/Microsoft partnership would rub salt in an already festering Google wound. But make no mistake: if it happens, and it's still a big "if," this is merely a means to an end and won't become a long-term relationship. More like a short-term Apple fling, with Bing.

 

[locust76]

It makes me wonder if it might be in M$ and Apples mutual interest to team up to stop the Google monolith from continuing to grow and impede on "their" areas.

It definitely is. Google is a juggernaut... spreading everywhere like a virus.

 

[Sabon]

Deal breaker. If they choose Bing, I'll choose Google.

By default I currently use Apple computers.

Is is NOT by default that I don't use Microsoft products.

I realize Apple no longer likes Google and I can understand that. At the same time, moving to Bing is not the answer either.

When it comes to EVIL, I will take Google evil over Microsoft Evil every time. At least so far.

If anything, the choice for which search engine Apple uses for anything, it should be a choice in random order like on Windows is Europe.

Bing is NOT the answer. NOT the answer. NOT the answer. NOT the answer. NOT the answer. Repeat five million times.

I don't care if I can change it. I don't want it as the default. I don't want Microsoft getting ANY share of anything.

 

[Little Endian]

fanboys stop whining. apple doesn't care about you. most users (normal people, not apple evangelists) won't notice or care anyway.

Hmm... I think most people can tell the difference between Bing and Google. Also most people probably prefer Google. When I say people I mean the "normal lay person". Even dumb Apple evangelists can see that Google maps is better than anything Bing could provide at least currently or in the near future.

 

[enberg]

Uhm, you guys are aware that you can change the default search engine in the current iphone, right? I don't see them removing that ability in 4.0.

 

[batchtaster]

Even dumb Apple evangelists can see that Google maps is better than anything Bing could provide at least currently or in the near future.

If you'll pardon the pun, what on earth does this have to do with Google Maps? It says "search engine". Where is Google Maps in Mobile Safari's search box?

Bing stinks. Android ftw

Oh great. We're reduced to that non-logic, comparing two things that aren't even the same types of... things. How about, NASA sucks. Ironing boards ftw.

Uhm, you guys are aware that you can change the default search engine in the current iphone, right? I don't see them removing that ability in 4.0.

I'm as mystified as you.

 

[Cander]

Well they can forget that Bob Hope endorsement.

</obscure joke that old foggies will get>

 

[LagunaSol]

Apple products are notorious for giving users an incredible lack of choice.

And Microsoft and Google products aren't?

Not to piss in anyone's cheerios but without 175 million Gates gave Jobs Apple would be gone, sorry but that's a fact !!! I prefer Google but I don't hate Bing.

Good grief, this idiotic old chestnut again??? I think you'd better check your "facts."

Off to the Ignore list you go.

 

[JoeDRC]

It's just a search engine.

spot on.

By default I currently use Apple computers.

Is is NOT by default that I don't use Microsoft products.

I realize Apple no longer likes Google and I can understand that. At the same time, moving to Bing is not the answer either.

When it comes to EVIL, I will take Google evil over Microsoft Evil every time. At least so far.

If anything, the choice for which search engine Apple uses for anything, it should be a choice in random order like on Windows is Europe.

Bing is NOT the answer. NOT the answer. NOT the answer. NOT the answer. NOT the answer. Repeat five million times.

I don't care if I can change it. I don't want it as the default. I don't want Microsoft getting ANY share of anything.

I like your idea of choosing a search engine when you first start the browser.
Just because Apple and Microsoft cooperate doesn't mean its bad.
Apple needed microsoft just over a decade ago.

 

[VenusianSky]

Uhm, you guys are aware that you can change the default search engine in the current iphone, right? I don't see them removing that ability in 4.0.

I think people are more angered at the notion of Apple and Microsoft working together with this.

 

[BJB Productions]

I dont think Apple would really do that..although now that they are not on as good terms with Google..I guess I could see why..but BING?!?!

 

[batchtaster]

I think people are more angered at the notion of Apple and Microsoft working together.

They've been working together for the better part of a decade. Perhaps less visibly, but certainly closely (Office X Carbonization, Office 2008 Cocoaization). These people are acting like Apple's sold the entire company to Microsoft and getting all upset over a freaking search engine. Which you'll be able to change. Including at least one person threatening to not buy another iPhone, for that single, sole reason. Frankly, goodbye loser. If that's the tipping point for you, a hissy fit and loss of sanity wasn't far from the surface to begin with.

Once again I must quote:

"Online Fandom Rule #1: If a situation is ever unclear, assume whatever it would take to drive you into a blind rage."

It's just a search engine.

QFT.

A-freaking-men.

 

[rdowns]

Not to piss in anyone's cheerios but without 175 million Gates gave Jobs Apple would be gone, sorry but that's a fact !!! I prefer Google but I don't hate Bing.

I love it when someone tweaks the fan boys but you've got this one wrong. Perhaps you should use Google rather than Bing.

 

[Povilas]

It's just a search engine.

Looks like not everyone agrees.

 

[ikir]

I really hope not!!!

 

[locust76]

And Microsoft and Google products aren't?

Hmm.. Brands of computers that run Windows:
Sony
Toshiba
Dell
HP
Gateway
Any of the millions of small PC builder shops
...

Brands of phones that use Google Android:
Google
Motorola
HTC
Samsung
LG

Brands of computers that run OSX:
Apple

Brands of phones that run iPhone OS:
Apple

 

[Cander]

I have never noticed any major discrepancies with search results between Google and Bing. But then again I have never compared them with anything obscure.

I use both. Bing at work since I HAVE to use IE and the search bar goes there and Google at home where I use Safari or Chrome (depending on what computer I am using)

 

[talkingnewmedia]

A big bouquet of roses to Peace who actually get its (this was on page six):

Please read the article.

"Being the default search engine on the iPhone carries financial benefits for Google, which collects revenue from ads placed alongside its search results and shares a portion of that with Apple. Most mobile advertising now is viewed on Apple's iPhone and iPod touch, according to mobile advertising company AdMob. To clinch the deal, Microsoft may be willing to share a higher portion of its revenue or pay a larger flat annual fee than Google does. Neither Apple nor Google discloses the financial terms of their search partnership."

The screen on the iPhone, or your computer, is the same as the store shelves of a grocery store: they are where the eyes are and because of that they can be monetized. (Ever see those ads on the floors or shelves at a store? A whole business has arisen around the idea that your shopping experience can be turned into an advertising opportunity. And, of course, Rupert Murdoch's company is at the center of this industry.)

Google makes a fortune from advertising just by attracting you to its search results. Billions are at stake.

Currently Apple hands Google millions upon millions of dollars by having its search engine as its default SE. Apple's original deal with Google probably never took into account the popularity the iPhone would enjoy.

Microsoft, or someone else, is obviously willing to cough up more money for that spot. In the meantime, if you want to change the default back to Google I'm sure Apple will let you do it -- they are pretty smart about these kinds of things. But a majority of people leave their defaults alone. That has to be worth something to Microsoft.

Update: Just to show that this is all about the future of mobile advertising, Opera just announced that they had purchased AdMarvel. The players are lining up for the new ad wars to come.

 

[Kavok]

Hell no

Thanks but no thanks. Bing just sucks. After all the crap that the Microcrap CEO gave anyone with an iPhone, I find it hard to believe that Apple would allow such a thing.

If Apple forces us to use Bing, then they are no better than Verizon and RIM, and I just might go looking elsewhere for another cell phone.