Businessweek is reporting that Apple and Microsoft are in talks to replace Google with Microsoft’s Bing as the default search engine on the iPhone. These negotiations reportedly been ongoing for weeks now.
The reason for this switch? The increased encroachment of Apple and Google on each other’s businesses.
“Apple and Google know the other is their primary enemy,” says one of the people, who’s familiar with Apple’s thinking. “Microsoft is now a pawn in that battle.”
If an agreement is met between Apple and Microsoft, we could see Google replaced with Bing on desktop versions of Safari too.
Businessweek does point out that even if Apple and Microsoft come to some sort of agreement, this still may be only a time buying move on Apple’s part, while they work on their “skunk works” search technology.
I don’t buy this for a second. Firstly, the relations between Google and Apple aren’t all that bad as far as we know. The relations between Apple and Microsoft aren’t all that great as far as we know. Thirdly, I believe Yahoo would more than likely be willing to accommodate any of Apple’s demands for a prominent position on a popular platform such as the iPhone.
[UPDATE]: It turns out that Yahoo is now powered by Bing. That means the only two large players in search are Google and Microsoft. That makes this story far more plausible. My apologies for the confusion.
Continue reading:
- Everything New Apple Just Announced (Septembe
- Apple Watch Pre-Order
- Apple Research Kit launches with 5 Apps
- Apple TV now only $69
TAGS:
