Italy opens antitrust probe into Google because of a rejected Android Auto app

https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/17/18629912/google-android-auto-italy-antitrust-probe-enel-group

by msh • 7 years ago

62 20 7 years ago

protomyth• 7 years ago

Google allows third-party developers to develop Android Auto-compatible versions of their apps, but only if they offer media or messaging services. Enel X Recharge is mostly dedicated to helping drivers find charging stations for electric cars.

Why would you block apps that are direction services?

bingobob2• 7 years ago

Media and Message apps fit in a framework that google has provided this allows them to update the android auto UI with no changes for any of these apps.

they haven't done this for map apps yet but Waze is now supported. but this took a long time.

it could be possible there building the framework for maps just there not ready for 3rd party's to access it

the internet is quick to judge but you have to walk before you run. this is a system that will run on millions of cars and in the future possibly billions.

with Android Automotive OS its going to be part of the car so getting this correct is a big deal you want it supportable well into the future.

product50• 7 years ago

This is unlikely to be the reason since the 3rd party app was already developed for Android Auto and Google rejected it thereafter.

jeroenhd• 7 years ago

Does anyone have a screenshot of the rejected Android Auto app? Because my experience with apps from privatised government bodies isn't great and I can easily see how such an organisation can indeed create a buggy or unsafe app and cry wolf when they get caught out doing so.

bonzini• 7 years ago

It's usually hit or miss. The Italian post service for example provides 2FA for government services and it's pretty nice and easy to use (the website shows a QR code that you scan with the app).

writepub• 7 years ago

Somehow Apple seems to get away with blocking whatever app they so choose, government or not, and not face antitrust charges. Most developers would agree that Apple's approval process is a lot less transparent, cutthroat and arbitrary, and yet nothing on them.

I bet a similar app wouldn't pass CarPlay standards, and Italy hasn't done anything on the issue

ViViDboarder• 7 years ago

The argument seems to be that Google is rejecting this app to force users to search for it in Google Maps. This is significant because that’s a different line of business for Google.

Apple is more restricted, but they do it for control of the user experience, which, as a developer, I’m not a fan of. Apple is in less businesses and don’t as frequently use their restrictions to direct/force users into another one. The one case I can think of is restrictions allowing only Apple Music. Though other music apps are supported in Car Play, Siri will only use Apple Music.

All that said... this case seems like a stretch. I’m not familiar with Italian law though, but is Android Auto so pervasive that this would have merit? The other antitrust suits are regarding search or Android, where Google has a much larger grip on their market.

anoncake• 7 years ago

That might very well be because regulators are busy with Google, which has a greater impact.

znpy• 7 years ago

> "Android Auto is designed with safety in mind, to minimize distractions and to ensure apps can be used safely when driving"
"Google allows third-party developers to develop Android Auto-compatible versions of their apps, but only if they offer media or messaging services."

Messaging while driving is distracting...

zamadatix• 7 years ago

I assumed "minimize distractions" = "meets regulatory compliance in areas it's going to be published to".

Doing anything but driving will driving is distracting but some things are illegal to do certain ways. E.g. in many places you can dictate a text but not operate a handheld phone.

wanderer2323• 7 years ago

I guess if you have a large enough hammer (antitrust probes/fines) then everything does become a nail, including application stores' guidelines.

Italy opens antitrust probe into Google because of a rejected Android Auto app

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