I’m having a hard time understanding why Google is so outraged at Microsoft’s design of the search bar in IE7. Steve Lohr summarizes the complaint in today’s New York Times:
Google, which only recently began beefing up its lobbying efforts in Washington, says it expressed concerns about competition in the Web search business in recent talks with the Justice Department and the European Commission, both of which have brought previous antitrust actions against Microsoft.
The new browser includes a search box in the upper-right corner that is typically set up to send users to Microsoft’s MSN search service. Google contends that this puts Microsoft in a position to unfairly grab Web traffic and advertising dollars from its competitors.
The move, Google claims, limits consumer choice and is reminiscent of the tactics that got Microsoft into antitrust trouble in the late 1990’s.
I don’t get this at all. Let’s look at IE7 up close and compare it to Google’s preferred browser, Firefox.
Here’s IE7’s search box (note that all screens are from the Windows Vista version of IE7, but the behavior in Windows XP is identical):
Yes, MSN Search is clearly the default. But what happens if we click the arrow to the right of the box and choose Find More Providers? Why, that takes us to this webpage:
Click the Google link and up pops this dialog box:
Click the option to make this the default search engine, and then click Add Provider. Voila! As if by magic, Google is now the default search engine in IE7’s search box!
Five clicks.
Now, let’s look at Firefox. Google officially supports Firefox with contributions and affiliate programs that reportedly put tens of millions of dollars each year in the Mozilla Foundation’s coffers. In exchange, Google gets the default position in the Firefox search box. So how does one go about changing the search engine in Firefox? Well, we could start by clicking the down arrow in the search box, just as we did in IE7.
Oh dear. Microsoft’s search isn’t in that list, which means we’ll have to click the Add Engines link. That takes us to the Search Engines section of the Firefox Add-ons page. Just like in IE7.
Clicking the MSN link pops up this dialog box, and clicking OK adds the new entry to the search box. Just like in IE7.
Now back to the search box, where we click the little arrow again and choose MSN. The butterfly is now on the search bar.
Five clicks.
The procedure is virtually identical in both browsers. Both companies install their search engine as the default choice in one browser, but provide an easy procedure to add other search providers and set them as the default.
Microsoft also provides instructions that explain how search providers can create a link that automatically changes the default search engine for the IE7 search box. And, of course, installing the Google toolbar also changes the default search engine in Firefox and IE, unless you clear the checkbox during setup.
And, of course, PC makers are free to negotiate deals with search engines as well and change the default settings for Internet Explorer, regardless of what Microsoft says.
I hope the antitrust authorities on both sides of the Atlantic dismiss this complaint in record time. But there’s just no telling what those “beefed-up lobbying efforts” will buy.
Ed Bott 
Right, as the IE Blog has pointed out repeatedly, IE7 inherits the search provider set in previous versions of IE. This is b.s. from a misguided Google effort to heap mud on Microsoft.
Google is just whining. Serious people won’t take it seriously.
The whole thing is absurd and will (hopefully) fall flat. Isn’t Microsoft supposed to promote their own products? I’d like to see a complaint against FireFox that it unfairly promotes Google.
I would like to propose a truce: Have all 3 browsers (IE, Firefox, and Mozilla) ship with the search box turned off by default. Users can enable them if they choose, if they can manage that feat they should know how to choose their preferred provider. That way the choice of search engines remains where it serves the consumer best: the address bar.
Google is even taking advantage of IE7’s flexibility with this. When I go to google.com with IE7, I get a helpful little box in the top right that offers to make Google my search engine in IE. It’s hard to understand what they’re complaining about.
Looking at these screenshots, I am even more convinced that Microsoft’s intention is not only to push itself on users, but also to scare them away from adding other search providers or changing the default.
You might be confident using a computer, but most people are not. The moment they see that caution “Search provider names can be misleading …” they’re hitting that Cancel button.
Google and anyone else who wants to complain is completely justified.
(excuse my poor english, I’ll hope you’ll get the idea 8-))
I’ll agree with Google’s complaint to a certain degree — it might look the same, esp. if you are an expierenced user, but from, let’s say, my mom’s perspective, the Microsoft way is a bit disturbing – change a “search default”? Better not.
Firefox (and Opera), on the other hand, comes with several search engines installed and have no such silly thing as an “search default”. For my mom, this is much more comfortable.
The whole idea of a “sarch default” which the user must activate in a complete senseless dialog and uses 4 clicks (instead of 2 as by Firefox or Opera) is just a small, but typical barrier. The one & only purpose of this: don’t make it too easy for the user to turn his back on MS.
But of course Google’s complaint is exaggerated – IE 7 is still Beta and no one knows how it will looks when it come bundled and preinstalled.
I have no doubts that Google knows this very good but just don’t want to pass the opportunity to score. After all – all these official complaints, statements, press releases etc. are just part of the game.
Ah, and just for the records: In Apple’s “Safari” Google is the default search engine. The only one. And you can’t change this.
Dominic,
Obviously you’ve never encountered a rogue page or a piece of spyware that wants to hijack your home and search pages and throws out some script that displays this dialog box. Lucky you. Unfortunately, search provider names CAN be misleading, especially those that come from scumware installers, and it is completely reasonable to advise people to be careful before making such a change.
Giesbert, as I point out above, the procedure is identical for Firefox and for IE7. It’s a very straightforward process when done manually, and a search provider can turn it into a one-click process, as Yahoo has done.
Good Post, Ed. You did an excellant job on those screenshots!! I think it’s weird that Google is grumbling about Microsoft when they are doing the exact same thing.
Once again, by their actions instead of the hype from the execs mouths, Google is showing is really is evil nowadays.
Further, this shows that in reality they are very very scared of Microsoft.
When all your revenue is from one monolithic source – text ads, you are on shaky ground.
Yahoo, the #2 guy, has their revenue distributed over a much wider arena and are not threatened as much by MSN search.
Now, where’s that Google text ad blocker freeware that will make their stock price nosedive? how would they fight that – since they support Firefox and other open source, they would have a lot of trouble stopping an ad blocker that was free and distributed via the net.
Robert,
there you go: http://adblockplus.mozdev.org/ (excellent and most recommended Firefox extension)
Ed – I still don’t get the whole “Search default”-thing and why this is a good idea or even necessary.
But on the other hand: it’s not that important to argue about (frankly – I just wanted to say Hello from München ;-))
i think google is acting like a crybaby.
EVERYBODY KNOWS: when you get your new computer, you use internet explorer to go to: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
where you download firefox.
i don’t use IE.
and i’m not so stupid as to think that i have to use it.
google is beginning to make me sick. again.
Do no wrong? So that doesn’t extend to changing the rules ‘cos it doesn’t suit them? I’m glad it wasn’t just me staring in disbelief at what GOOG is trying to pull off. But the US is a litigious country.
I believe that the main accusation behind Google’s claim is in Microsoft abusing thier monopoly. Google does not own Firefox and as such does not inherit all the benefits of being Firefox’s default search. However Microsoft owns both Internet Explorer and MSN, by making MSN the default search they force customers to use their product, thus abusing their power.
Everyone knows to use Firefox? Why, then, does Internet Explorer have about 85% of browser share?
And just people should know how to change search engines does not mean they will. (Should people drive drunk, or browse the internet without virus/spyware protection?)
The only reason why it supposedly takes the same number of clicks with Firefox as with IE is because MSN/Windows Live is not on the default drop down list. Yahoo, however, and other sites such as Amazon (not A9) are. How many are on IE7? 1. (Guess which?)
If Microsoft changes this before IE7 launches, then great for them. For now? They’re in the wrong.
Google has been the default on Firefox and Opera long before it ever agreed to share ad revenue with them. Google certainly doesn’t share revenue with Apple’s Safari. NONE of these browsers are MADE by Google.
The point here is that Microsoft is potentially abusing its market position. The numbers are: Microsoft Windows has 90% of the OS market. Internet Explorer still has 85% of browser usage. Microsoft’s annual revenue is $40 billion, and its market capitalization is over $200 billion. Google? It has “only” about 43% of the search market, and has considerable rivals such as Yahoo(28%), AOL(8%), Ask(6%), and of course, MSN itself (13%). Google’s revenue is just $7 billion, with a market capitalization of $110-120 billion. For comparison, Netscape Navigator, at its height, had browser usage share of 80%, right about when IE first launched. And I think everyone here knows what happened then…Finally, why such a fuss? Marissa Meyer says that Google feels IE7’s system for choosing a search engine is biased. People try to pounce on this, saying that Google is being a hypocrite, that they are a monopoly, that they are evil… And for what? For stating that they feel threatened, by a rival with small search share, but a record of crushing opponents. If Microsoft does push Google out, and search stagnates for years like web browsers did, how will you feel then? Perhaps it won’t happen; perhaps Microsoft doesn’t dominate this time. I appreciate the optimism. But what is wrong with speaking up?
Mysterius says it all (but rather long winded, and none of the MS-Fan boys will be reading to this point..).
Here are the main points@
Google PAYS for its default position in Firefox.
Microsoft does NOT PAY for it default position in IE.
Microsoft gives away the browser for free in its Operating System.
Google doesn’t have an Operating System.
Microsoft (a convicted monopolist remember!) therefore could easily be accused of abusing its dominant market position to gain an advantage in the search space by making its default search in IE, MSN.
You may wonder if all this jive about default this, media player that, is ever going to end. Well no, Microsoft is a convicted monopolist… it has been found guilty of abusing its market dominance – hence additional checks and rules need apply.
GOd, nearly as long as Mysterius’ post.
Wait a minute. When you pay for the reseach and development of a product you should have the right to stock it however you see fit. When Google invests the funds and comes out with GoogleBrowser I would expect to find their search engine in pole position.
By the way, how do I change the default search engine in the Google Toolbar?
I’m sorry that Google doesn’t have an OS for sale but neither does Corel, Yahoo, Nintendo, Doubleday, Hasbro, Disney, TDK, Viking Press, Pillsbury, Coke (Diet, Cherry or Regular), Bose or Frito-Lay. Any of them are free to give it a go and reap whatever benifits grow from such an endeavor.
A monopoly always occurs when there’s a winner. If the leading OS maker pulled in only 2 million a year no one would even care about this.
What’s next? A 12 pack of Coke having to include a can of Pepsi? Whatever happened to “To the victor go the spoils”?
The “helpful little window” is a pain in the ass. Every time you delete cookies it pops up again and again. It’s like walking into a store and having every salesperson come and ask you every few seconds if you need help. This is not good service. It annoys one until you don’t want it anymore. I have set the default in the options and still the annoying litte window pops up. How many f$#%ing times do I have to tell Microsoft I want Google as the search engine!!!!! And 3 seconds later they ask me again!!!!
They learned this trick on how to irritate a user from their failed little “helpful” paperclip in office.
Possibly, I stand corrected .
Are you telling me the annoying reminder is courtesy of Google?
Here’s a list of Search Providers for IE 7.
http://ieproviders.com/
msn search is not firefox’s default search because NOBODY USES IT
to papraphrase drg “who cares what the default search is on Firefox because NOBODY USES IT
Just fired off a civiil but straight comment to Microsoft after finding that my Google toolbar went to Windows Live without my knowledge. Insult to injury: the search results were nothing more than SPAM or a Yellow Pages ad list. Search engines will rise and fall as they have since Dogpile, et al, but Microsoft has taken a suicidal tack to mediocrity if it joins this clusterf_ck.
OK, either the writer of this article WORKS for Microsoft or he’s just stupid. The question is not whether either browswer will allow a different search engine to be set as the default. The difference between the two companies’ positions is that Firefox does not control 85% of the operating systems on the planet–Microsoft does. And Firefox doesn’t have 68% of the browser market–Microsof does. And Google doesn’t own and control Firefox. But Microsoft DOES own & control Explorer… Thus, Google is not in position to act monopolistically in this situation–but Microsoft is.
Incidentally, I recently installed IE7 and it will NOT allow me to add ANY new search engines as explained above. It takes me to the page with the other browsers on it–but won’t let me add any of them. (When I click “Install” I get the error message “Internet Explorer could not install this search provider. There was a problem with the search provider’s information.”)
Yeah, right. That’s coincidental I’m sure.