US: YouTube app the latest hostage in Google, Microsoft wars

The rivalry between tech giants Google and Microsoft hit a new high last week as Google reportedly blocked Windows smartphones from running the Google-owned YouTube app. The dispute has carried on for months, beginning with Google’s cease and desist letter sent to Microsoft over the app alleging the use of the application is in violation of three of Google’s terms of services. In response, Microsoft vowed to work with Google to resolve the issue in efforts to have the application run on Windows smartphones with the same ease as Android or iPhone. The application was re-released by Microsoft last week, only to be blocked again by Google.

Both companies have issued statements on the issue, with Google insisting that Microsoft’s re-released YouTube app “violates our Terms of Service.”

But Microsoft’s vice president David Howard slammed the app blockage, claiming “The roadblocks Google has set up are impossible to overcome, and they know it” Further, Microsoft says Google is requiring its rival to transition the app to the HTML5 coding language, despite the requirement not pertaining to either Android or iPhone devices.

No antitrust complaint has been filed as of yet regarding the matter.

Full Content: The Guardian

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.