Google's response to the ruling: https://www.blog.google/around-the-globe/google-europe/andro...
> 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.
>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
Yes, it is, which is why the EU commission have a whole section on explicitly why "default install" is still anti-competitive.
how iOS handles things are completely irrelevant here.
iOS can do exactly what android does without any penalties.
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 ruling was because Google say it must be Chrome, and cannot be Firefox.