Google dominance is perhaps reaching an alarming level that the United States Federal Trade Commission has to step in and ensure that other app developers are given enough exposure to Android users.
The investigation, which already got the nod of the Justice Department, aims to answer a basic question: Is Google Inc. giving its apps an unfair advantage in the Android system, over apps by other developers?
According to reports, Android is somewhat a monopoly, especially in apps. Android commands 59 percent of the US smartphones. All these units have Google Play Store, the window to all other apps, installed on them
Moreover, Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, and other Google services seem to be installed on Android mobile phones by default. Google may argue that they are ensuring user convenience, but it is undeniable that the company is benefiting from the alignment of its products.
So far, the Android app ecosystem has only two competitors, Apple's App Store which only caters to iPhone users, and Microsoft app store which remains unsuccessful in gaining enough attention.
Meanwhile, the formal investigation will be carried out discreetly at the moment. The authorities will simply probe and the issue could end without going to court.
While the legal issue in the U.S. remains mild, Google's trouble in Europe is moving on a serious stage. The European Union has started investigating the Android platform following complaints, including from a group representing Microsoft Corp., Expedia Inc. and Nokia Oyj. It isn't clear to what extent EU and U.S. antitrust investigators are cooperating.
Acquired by Google in 2005, developing camera software Android was recreated to become an open-source smart phone software.
The beta version of Android was released in 2008, containing its first set of apps Messaging, Pictures, Camera, Alarm Clock, Calculator and Music.
