Revised so that Google can freely set Android default search engine settings in Europe. The existing Android default setting allows three search engines to be displayed to users, and Google is selling these templates to search companies in the form of an auction. However, it is free and will increase to 12.
Early Android did not select a default search engine. However, the European Commission fined Google $5 billion for antitrust violations, claiming it would take away a place for competing search companies on Android devices, and it forced users to change non-Google search providers to allow users to choose.
With this change, Google offers search providers three frames and each search company bids. However, in this regard, there were also criticisms of the lack of fairness in small businesses that did not have enough funds to respond to the bid. As such, European Commission authorities say they have consulted with Google on measures to improve the selection screen to address these concerns.
As a result of the consultation, Google has changed the default search engine selection screen in addition to making entry to the correct search provider free of charge.
The new Android default search engine setting displays up to 12 search services, and the search engine you select will be used for searches on the home screen. In addition, if Chrome is used as the default browser, the selected service is also used as the search engine.
In addition, in order to be listed as the default search engine candidate, the search app must be distributed on the Google Play Store. It also excludes vertical search engines that specialize in specific topics, such as local information searcher Yelp or travel information searcher TripAdvisor. The Android default search engine change will take effect from September 1. Related information can be found here.