Apple is reportedly being courted by Microsoft and Yahoo as both companies seek to supplant Google as the default search provider for the Safari web browser on mobile and desktop.
According to The Information, Apple’s current deal with Google expires next year with the makers of Bing and Yahoo Search keen to take its place on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
The report claims, both Microsoft and Yahoo have made a pitch to Apple’s Eddy Cue with a view to ousting Google, perhaps as soon as the next version of iOS, due out next year.
It would seem Bing has the best shot at landing Google’s spot, given it already powers Siri, as well as the Spotlight search in Mac OS X Yosemite.
However, Yahoo and Apple have been partners since the iPhone came into existence. The firm provides the information for iOS’s Stocks app and previously the Weather app too.
Yahoo recently earned a search boost by becoming the default provider for the Firefox web browser and adding Safari to the mix would give Marissa Mayer’s company a huge chance to reel in Google.
Apple has always allowed users a choice of search engine, through the Settings but the default solution has the power to reshape the market somewhat. While many users will choose their own search engine, millions will just settle for the default option, giving Microsoft or Yahoo a rare opportunity to make up some serious ground on Google.
Of course, it is entirely possible that Apple may renew its deal with Google, but that seems less certain given its rivals’ apparent urgency to scupper a return to the status quo.
Would you be prepared to give Yahoo or Bing a shot at returning your queries? Let us know your thoughts below.
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Via: The Verge
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
