I sense legal problem in Google's future.

[TuxDave]

While I think it's bullshit what Google is attempting to do, I'm not sure why you think it's illegal. Google can control their products how they want and if they really want to screw windows phone users over that's up to them. Those users will move on to something else.

Unfortunately in the world of antitrust and monopoly laws, you actually CAN'T just do whatever you want with your own products.

 

[WelshBloke]

Unfortunately in the world of antitrust and monopoly laws, you actually CAN'T just do whatever you want with your own products.

So I can haz directx on my linuxes?

 

[BenSkywalker]

You reap what you sow-

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57...ns-firefox-on-arm-based-windows-mozilla-says/

Microsoft Deputy General Counsel David Heiner told Mozilla it won't permit other browsers for two reasons, Anderson said:
ARM processors, which power virtually all iOS, Android, and Windows Phone smartphones and tablets today, are different from the x86 chips that power PCs. The chips have new requirements for security and power management, and Microsoft is the only one who can meet those needs.
Windows RT -- the version of Windows 8 geared for ARM devices -- "isn't Windows anymore."

 

[TuxDave]

So I can haz directx on my linuxes?

Not every action is unlawful. But that doesn't mean you can do anything you want (if you read my comment)

 

[s44]

shouldn't the problem go away by allowing Webkit-based browsers to be available on Windows Phone 8? Such as Chrome, Firefox, Dolphin, etc. Are they available on WP8? Does MS allow ANY other browser than IE on WP8?

The hypocrisy shown in this allegation is stunning.

This

 

[pantsaregood]

False alarm. Google backed down on this one.

http://wmpoweruser.com/google-backs-down-will-re-enable-google-maps-access-for-windows-phone/

Still obviously a load of crap, but it is good to see Google trying to play nice. I do find the reasoning of "IE has improved" hilarious, though. IE9 on WP7.x hasn't changed since it was released, beyond a security patch and some certificate updates.

 

[dagamer34]

While I think it's bullshit what Google is attempting to do, I'm not sure why you think it's illegal. Google can control their products how they want and if they really want to screw windows phone users over that's up to them. Those users will move on to something else.

Similar logic could be applied to car manufacturers requiring you to service your car at their dealership in order to keep your warranty. A company doesn't just get to set whatever rules it wants to.

 

[Nothinman]

You reap what you sow-

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57...ns-firefox-on-arm-based-windows-mozilla-says/

This.

Even if Google was mocking WP users with this it's nothing compared to how badly MS is screwing them over.

 

[BenSkywalker]

Unfortunately in the world of antitrust and monopoly laws, you actually CAN'T just do whatever you want with your own products.

If you have a monopoly you aren't allowed to use that monopoly to gain leverage in other markets. I just Googled Bing maps and it linked it up without problem. If they blocked *that*, it would be an issue of antitrust. Google isn't a monopoly in maps yet, and this in no way leverages their search engine to further another avenue- it blocks an offshoot from one of their subdivisions competitors which already owns and operates their own platform.

On a realistic basis, any ruling on this from a logical standpoint would be for the FTC to force Google to block iOS and W8 devices from using Google Maps to help protect Apple Maps and Bing Maps. That would be what you would do if you were doing it in the interest of antitrust.

Antitrust doesn't exist to protect utter garbage products or platforms. It exists to prevent monopoly status being used to gain another monopoly.

 

[Muyoso]

It frankly amazes people that people are still complaining about the Youtube thing without having a single clue what is going on. People literally think Google is specially blocking Microsoft. . .

Also, seriously, can a single person who posts a link to that Tom Verhoeff guy's Youtube or blog tell everyone up front that he is a Microsoft employee???

 

[Skurge]

It frankly amazes people that people are still complaining about the Youtube thing without having a single clue what is going on. People literally think Google is specially blocking Microsoft. . .

Also, seriously, can a single person who posts a link to that Tom Verhoeff guy's Youtube or blog tell everyone up front that he is a Microsoft employee???

What is happening with the Youtube thing. Honest question since I own a WP.

 

[Dominato3r]

It frankly amazes people that people are still complaining about the Youtube thing without having a single clue what is going on. People literally think Google is specially blocking Microsoft. . .

Also, seriously, can a single person who posts a link to that Tom Verhoeff guy's Youtube or blog tell everyone up front that he is a Microsoft employee???

It's not like he's hiding something. It says right in the info panel that he's from MS.

 

[TuxDave]

False alarm. Google backed down on this one.

http://wmpoweruser.com/google-backs-down-will-re-enable-google-maps-access-for-windows-phone/

Still obviously a load of crap, but it is good to see Google trying to play nice. I do find the reasoning of "IE has improved" hilarious, though. IE9 on WP7.x hasn't changed since it was released, beyond a security patch and some certificate updates.

lol. Glad to see that even Google has hired people to run spin control. "IE has improved" indeed.

 

[smakme7757]

I have no problem with companies that don't develop applications for a rivals platform, but outright banning a website that's a public resource (funded by advertising) is really poor form.

I'm glad to see Google has lifted the ban. With that being said i've had Google maps installed on my HTC Desire Z for 2 years and never used it.