Why Does Microsoft's CEO Dismiss Google's Mobile Search Argument as 'Bogus'?

 

WASHINGTON (October 3rd) — Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella termed the notion that it is simple to modify default settings on computers and smartphones "bogus" as he testified on Monday in the US Justice Department's once-in-a-generation antitrust battle with Alphabet's Google.

Nadella refuted Google's claim that it is simple to alter the pre-installed settings on various devices. He stated that Microsoft, another powerful company in the technology sector, had attempted to have its Bing search engine become the default option for Apple's mobile devices but had been unsuccessful.

The government contends that Google, which is worth more than US$1 trillion (RM4.7 trillion) and controls approximately 90% of the search industry, made illegal payments totaling US$10 billion per year to smartphone manufacturers such as Apple and wireless carriers such as AT&T and others in order to be the default search engine on their devices.

Because of its dominance in search, Google is able to dominate the lucrative advertising business, which in turn helps to increase the company's earnings.

"Changing defaults today is easiest on Windows, and the toughest on mobile," added Nadella.

In a further comment, he made a reference to the pervasiveness of Google Search by saying, "You get up in the morning and you brush your teeth and you search on Google."

Judge Amit Mehta, who will make the final decision in the lawsuit that is currently being heard in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, questioned Nadella as to why Apple would move to Bing in light of the poorer quality of the Microsoft product. Read More!