Stefan Mileschin

Made an offer that people could not refuse

Italy’s competition watchdog has announced that it has opened an investigation into alleged abuse of a dominant market position by Google in the smart device sector.

In a statement the antitrust watchdog growled that Google appeared to have refused to integrate the app “Enel X Recharge” developed by utility Enel, in its Android Auto app.

Through its Android operating system, Google has a dominant position in the smart device operating system market, the regulator said.

Android Auto allows Android users to easily and safely use some apps and phone features while driving, therefore the exclusion of the Enel X Recharge app reduces the usability of the app, the authority added, including the booking of recharge stations.

The statement further added that Google’s interest would be to defend and reinforce the business model of its Google Maps app, which offers a wide range of services to end users, including information on the location of charging stations for electric cars and how to reach them.

The probe will be wrapped up by May 30 next year and it is unclear who will end up sleeping with the fishes at this point.

https://fudzilla.com/news/48710-ital...against-google