Google demands MS remove YouTube app due to lack of ads, MS happy to if Google allows API access

Google doesn’t want to make a YouTube app for Windows Phone, nor has it allowed access to the necessary APIs for MS to make a complying youtube app. So they went and made their own which Google isn’t happy about because it circumvents ad placement. Google is all about ads – it functions to make money from you and your data, whilst you’re in the belief that you’re getting things completely for free. That’s not the issue here. The issue is that Google says this violates their terms of service for YouTube, claiming it harms partners that make money from the ads (harms partners or Google? :/ I’d rather them be open and honest rather than use the partners as an excuse).

• http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4334030/google-demands-microsoft-remove-youtube-windows-phone-app
• http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4334956/microsoft-responds-to-youtube-windows-phone-takedown-notice

The latest development is that Google has demanded that MS remove the app from their store by May 22nd. MS responded that they’d be more than happy to include ads if Google gives them access. I think the app also allows downloads from YouTube which Google also prohibits in their terms of service (even mentioning services that allow that will get you a letter from google telling you to remove it from your site).

Aren’t you nice, Google? :).

What app do you use to watch Youtube on your Lumia? I use either the mobile site or metrotube.

Via: Reddit

Category: Windows Phone