Apple, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo!

The past week was filled with news about Apple, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo!

Microsoft inked a deal with Yahoo! in the search business. Basically the deal artificially gives Microsoft Bing a boost in the online search engine war. Yahoo! is doing what many agree to call as stupid move. As usual, Microsoft head cheerleader and PR spokesperson with the name that rhymes with “Saul Tour Rot” said that this is good for Yahoo! I don’t believe that for a second. Apparently Microsoft can’t compete fairly.

Does anyone still remember when Google and Yahoo! were working on the web-advertising deal? Some people were quick to cry antitrust!

Well, since the Microsoft and Yahoo! combined are still smaller than Google’s share on the online search business………..

Microsoft is a bully, and they are bullying Yahoo! to give up part of their business. Microsoft does not innovate, they just use their war-chest to buy their way into other people’s territory.

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Let’s get to Apple and Google now.

Eric Schmidt quits Apple Board of Directors amid scrutiny and controversy.

First, Google is (in)directly competing with Apple in the smart-phone space; namely Android. With the announcement of Chrome OS, Google will be competing against Apple in the Operating System space.

Second, came along the Google Voice controversy. Apple has been systematically pulling Goggle Voice related apps from iTunes App Store and rejecting Google’s own Google Voice app. Many believe that AT&T is pulling the strings. AT&T stated that they neither manage nor approve apps for the iTunes App Store. What about the Skype and SlingPlayer Mobile apps, AT&T?

Exclusivity contract is the bane of the iPhone in the U.S. and in other countries. Rather than being a 13-year old like “Screw You” Mike Arrington, consumer should tell Apple what they think.To be honest, most users won’t care or even know what Mike Arrington is talking about.

Tell Apple what you think (U.S. contact info):

• 1-800-MY-IPHONE (1-800-694-7466)
• http://www.apple.com/feedback/

I am an iPhone and Google Voice user. I want Google Voice App on the iPhone.

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Some other thoughts.

Apple has the right to say what apps can and cannot be installed on the iPhone. Apple has the right to approve and rejects any apps for the iPhone. Apple has the right to allow and disallow any devices to sync with iTunes. In the end Apple can’t please each and everyone. I am not happy that certain apps are blocked from the Apps Store.

Not a surprise for Leo Laporte to call iTunes + (iPod & iPhone) a monopoly. Leo is wrong!

Maybe I should complain that my PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii are monopoly in their own hardware & software business.

Maybe I should demand Avid to support Final Cut Pro and vice-versa.

Maybe I should demand Sony to support my Samsung remote control with their TV.

Maybe I should stop for now.