
Coming next week... Google is prevented from providing automated spelling correction of search queries by dictionary companies, and answering mathematics queries by calculator manufacturers.
Google appeared to confess today that it had given up fighting the European Commission and its rivals in the search business over claims that it stifled the market by abusing its dominant position. In a surprise statement from the ad giant, the company appeared to be willing to go much further than it had originally suggested …
"swift exit from a lengthy battle with the 28-bloc state might actually satisfy Google for a different reason, however. Almunia has already made it clear that, despite requests from the complainants in the case that include Microsoft and Foundem, he will not be proceeding with a second market test that would allow Google's rivals to closely scrutinise the new proposals it has tabled with the commission."
...........that while the commission wants to tackle Google's anti-competative behaviour they do not wish to appear to be acting on behalf of companies (note the plural form, it is not just about MS) whose own form sheet is not exactly something to boast about.
Not only are they acting like spoilt children over this, they are guilty of the same things their shill claims against Google are..
http://shell.windows.com/fileassoc/0409/xml/redir.asp?EXT=doc
http://shell.windows.com/fileassoc/0409/xml/redir.asp?EXT=xls
I don't see any of the very good free office suites listed there...
Rather than Google confessing anything, Google has multiple times proposed tweaks and gifts to the competition in order to avoid a costly litigation. Today's announcements are signs that they were likely successful. They can avoid fines, and any admission of wrongdoing.
If anything, rather than a confession, it is a victory lap.