Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin



Adresses exactly none of the three points they were fined other?

> The decision ignores the fact that Android phones compete with iOS phones,

Except as explicitly stated in the decision.

> This is possible thanks to simple rules that ensure technical compatibility, no matter what the size or shape of the device. No phone maker is even obliged to sign up to these rules

Except for the very definition of anti-trust and monopoly and surely just by conincidence totally ignoring the three points.

> Android’s compatibility rules avoid this,

And nobody claimed that was a problem, but whatabout... .

> If you prefer other apps—or browsers, or search engines—to the preloaded ones, you can easily disable or delete them, and choose other apps instead,

Except manufacturers are contractually forbidden from doing that and defaults are so unimportant that google explicitly puts them as contractual obligations...

> Phone makers don’t have to include our services; and they’re also free to pre-install competing apps alongside ours

Don't have to include..exceot if they need access to google play, which is what this whole decision was about...

Can they please hire better PR people? That is embarassing to read.


>> The decision ignores the fact that Android phones compete with iOS phones,

>Except as explicitly stated in the decision.

Well the EU simply argued they don't compete because iPhones tend to cost more and it's hard to switch. I feel like your average person would admit you have a choice between the two, which is what competition is.

Official release here: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-4581_en.htm


Oh wow, the arrogance they show with that "It's easy to replace an app" video.

Yes, it is, which is why the EU commission have a whole section on explicitly why "default install" is still anti-competitive.


it's certainly far from trivial to remove the search bar at the top of the home screen. i tried once, it broke android, and i had to reset the entire OS. but, tbf, the entire process did take <1 minute


Install another home screen, probably can be done in a minute. It is much easier than trying to modify anything at all about the iOS or Windows Phone home screens.


why all comparisons here to iOS? they are not in a dominant position. anti-trust laws apply to you if you are in a dominant position.

how iOS handles things are completely irrelevant here.


Because iOS is the major competitor?


so? anti-trust laws don't apply to iOS.

iOS can do exactly what android does without any penalties.


The comparison made was based on standard functionality, not antitrust.


> "It's easy to replace an app"

Also, I don't think all Google apps can be uninstalled. Either way, I've certainly seen apps from other OEM partners that can be removed. That should outright be illegal within the EU. All apps that aren't strictly necessary for the functioning of the case operating system should be uninstallable.


The gif shows them removing the shortcut.


A browser has to be installed on Android so that embedded web views work properly. Similar to how IE has to be installed on Windows.


Yes, which is fine.

The ruling was because Google say it must be Chrome, and cannot be Firefox.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: