The rift between Apple and Google looks like it could get a whole lot wider. Apple is considering replacing Google as the default search engine on its iPhone with Microsoft’s Bing, according to two people familiar with the matter. Discussions between Apple and Microsoft have been going on for weeks, say the sources, who caution that a deal with Microsoft is not imminent and may never be reached.Why would Apple consider replacing the world’s most popular search engine with Microsoft’s Bing? Apple will probably get more money from Microsoft. But the real advantage of a Bing tie-up for Apple is that it would cut Google off from some of the search data that’s the lifeblood of its business.To read this BusinessWeek report in full, see:
www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_05/b4165000347696.htmAlso see:Apple, Microsoft Discuss Giving Bing Top iPhone Billing
In 2003, when Apple said its iTunes music software would work on PCs using the Windows software of its age-old rival, Microsoft, Apple made up posters that read “Hell Froze Over.” Hell may be getting frosty again.Apple is in talks with Microsoft to replace Google as the default search engine on its iPhone, according to two people familiar with the matter. The talks have been under way for weeks, say the people, who asked not to be named because the details have not been made public.
www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jan2010/tc20100119_759795.htm