In the ongoing antitrust trial between the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Google, fresh revelations have emerged. Specifically, Google stands accused of preventing Apple and Samsung from incorporating a new search engine into their smartphones. According to recent information, Google allegedly makes multi-billion dollar payments to secure its position as the default search engine on both iPhone and Galaxy smartphones.
These claims have come to light through statements from Patrick Chang, a former executive who previously worked at Samsung’s Venture Capital unit, known as Samsung Next. Chang’s role at Samsung Next involved identifying innovative companies for potential investment by Samsung. In this context, he discussed the possibility of integrating an app called Branch into Samsung Galaxy devices. Branch is an app designed to conduct searches within other apps to provide answers to queries without relying on the broader internet.
Alexander Austin, the founder and former CEO of Branch Metrics, has alleged that his company had to compromise on certain software functions to satisfy Google’s requirements for deals with carriers and smartphone manufacturers. According to Austin, Branch had to confine its searches to operate within apps rather than being web-based. Patrick Chang of Samsung Next also testified that Google, in addition to blocking Samsung from using Branch, faced opposition from AT&T and other carriers because they were receiving a portion of Samsung’s annual payments.
The Department of Justice has accused Google of paying around $10 billion annually in revenue sharing to maintain its position as the default search engine on both Samsung and Apple phones. However, alternative reports suggest that Samsung had its own reasons for not adopting the Branch Search app. The trial is currently in its fourth week.
