Google I O 2013 Google demands Microsoft remove YouTube Windows Phone app
Microsoft updated its own�YouTube application for Windows Phone�just over a week ago and Google isn�t impressed.�The Verge�has obtained a copy of a cease and desist letter that Google has sent to Microsoft recently, demanding that Microsoft �immediately withdraw this application from the Windows Phone Store and disable existing downloads of the application by Wednesday, May 22, 2013.� Microsoft�s YouTube app for Windows Phone appears to have taken Google by surprise.
� WINDOWS PHONE APP VIOLATES API USE �
Google�s complaint centers on the lack of ads in Microsoft�s YouTube app, something it claims is a direct violation of the terms and conditions of the company�s YouTube API.The Verge�has learned that Microsoft created the app without Google�s consent with features that specifically prevent ads from playing. The lack of ads clearly hits Google�s own revenues, but also those of its third-party content creators that are paid through the company�s AdSense program. �Unfortunately, by blocking advertising and allowing downloads of videos, your application cuts off a valuable ongoing revenue source for creators, and causes harm to the thriving content ecosystem on YouTube,� says Google�s letter, addressed to Microsoft�s Todd Brix.
Microsoft has�previously complained to the EU�over Google�s apparent refusal to let Windows Phone access YouTube metadata. While it initially seemed like both companies had reconciled their differences, that�s clearly not the case. On stage at Google I/O today, CEO Larry Page�detailed his take on technology�s future, noting that industry negativity is holding back progress. Page told an audience member that �we struggle with people like Microsoft.�
� ALL THE BICKERING MEANS CUSTOMERS LOSE OUT
The relationship is clearly strained withcampaigns like Scroogled, and the YouTube complaint is the latest in a set of issues between both companies. In December, Google�announced its plans�to drop Exchange ActiveSync support,�a decision that left Microsoft sweating�over its lack of the alternative CalDAV and CardDAV protocol support for Windows Phone. Despite this, it�s clear the pair can work together on certain interperability. Just this week, Microsoft announced its�plans to support Google Talk within Outlook.com, a change that�s beneficial for consumers of both company�s services.
For now, it appears that Windows Phone YouTube users will have to utilize unofficial third-party apps or settle for Google�s mobile web version. Until Microsoft and Google can collaborate without bickering, it�s the customers of both companies that lose out.
The Verge�has reached out to Microsoft for comment on Google�s cease and desist letter and we�ll update you accordingly.
Update:�Microsoft has responded to Google�s demands, welcoming the addition of ads.
Via TheVerge
Google I/O 2013: Google demands Microsoft remove YouTube Windows Phone app