Apple in talks to make Bing default iPhone search?
updated 09:50 am EST, Wed January 20, 2010
Growing split between Apple, Google
Apple is negotiating with Microsoft to replace the default search engine in the iPhone OS, two anonymous sources say. Discussions have been in progress for weeks, according to claims, and would potentially see Google swapped in favor of Bing. The positioning is an important one, as most mobile advertising is now viewed on iPhones and iPods, and people are more likely to use the default search option. To use Bing on Apple handhelds at the moment, people must either load the Bing app or visit bing.com.
The talks are explicitly connected to Apple's souring relationship with Google, says one source. "Apple and Google know the other is their primary enemy," the person comments. "Microsoft is now a pawn in that battle."
While Google has always been closely associated with the iPhone, through search and the Maps and YouTube apps, the companies have been split in the mobile realm by Google's development of the Android platform. Android is accessible to any phone maker, and devices based on the technology such as the Droid and the Nexus One are often seen as key iPhone rivals. Apple may have asked Google and HTC to drop multi-touch from the Nexus One in order to avoid patent infringement.
The sources also say that Apple is looking to manage ad placement on handhelds, and possibly even develop a search engine of its own. A "skunk works" has been organized to explore the latter possibility, says one source. "...if Apple does do a search deal with Microsoft, it's about buying itself time," the person notes. "Apple isn't going to outsource the future," the source adds, referring to Apple's interest in search and advertising, and in hampering Google.













good move
01/20, 10:20am reply
Good move for Apple to start up its own search engine, map... etc. Sooner and later, every one will be hardware + software company...... the end of Yahoo.
coffeetime
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2006
No thanks
01/20, 10:21am (1 reply) reply
Strike one - crappy carrier=AT&T
Strike two - crappy search engine=Bing
Until things change, I'll continue passing on the iPhone. Android works just fine without the restraints, thank you.
Mr. Strat
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2002
Bing
01/20, 10:22am reply
I have yet to do a search on Bing.
Damnit, I'm so spoiled with Google search, my memory has been on permanent vacation. Google search is my friend!
kdogg73
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Dec 2002
No.......
01/20, 10:25am reply
No, they are not.
funkyp56
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2009
No Microsoft. No Bing
01/20, 10:36am (2 replies) reply
I'll be as clear as I can.
I do NOT and will NOT buy anything with Microsoft software on it including default search engines. PERIOD.
My iPhone contract is ending soon and when I buy a new new I will be looking to see what Apple has for the search engine for it. If it has anything to do with Microsoft I will not be buying it. I don't care if I can change it to something else. That's not the point.
The same goes for Apple laptop and desktop computers too. If Bing is the default search engine, then I will not buy anymore Apple computers.
If I wanted Microsoft products I would be buying computers with Windows on it.
Want to push me to Linux full time? No problem. Put Microsoft anything on the device and I will NOT be buying it. EVER!
Sabon
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2005
Spotlight: meet Sherlock ?
01/20, 10:41am (1 reply) reply
...yet another OS9 orphan I still miss, despite the many improvements in OSX...
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
Not Likely
01/20, 10:41am reply
I imagine they're in talks to perhaps add an options screen, but I HIGHLY doubt Apple wants to help Microsoft in that regard.
Salty
Professional Poster
Joined: Jul 2005
agree with Sabon
01/20, 10:50am (1 reply) reply
will not use Bing or MS products. If I wanted it I'd be using Windows. Sick of this company buying their way into markets.
Regardless of how bad Google may be, MS has a history of bad, a long history of bad. They no longer get the benefit of the doubt.
nat
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Nothing Wrong with Options
01/20, 11:07am reply
I see nothing wrong adding the OPTION to use Bing.
Not that I have used it, or would use it. I, like others, prefer to remain MS free.
If Apple got rid of Google altogether, in favor of Bing, that would be a BAD move. Period.
I doubt Apple would do something as short-sighted and stupid as that.
JeffHarris
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999
Business negotiations
01/20, 11:08am (1 reply) reply
We are witnessing major negotiations between multibillion dollar companies. None of the companies involved is a warm fuzzy cuddly teddy bear. MS is not more evil than Google, or vice versa, and both compete with Apple in multiple areas.
It would be foolish for Apple to enter the negotiations stipulating off the bat that Google is their default search enginge. Google has to earn that, or give something of equal value to Apple in return.
ff11
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2004