Microsoft Could Insert Ads In Windows Phone YouTube App

It was earlier today when word got out that Google actually sent over a cease and desist letter to Microsoft, where the Internet search giant (who has since branched off to a slew of other business considerations in the tech world, of course) has asked Microsoft to do away with their revamped YouTube app for Windows Phone devices, touting that said app actually violated its YouTube API as it strips out the ads that are found in the videos. Microsoft’s response?

YouTube is consistently one of the top apps downloaded by smartphone users on all platforms, but Google has refused to work with us to develop an app on par with the apps for other platforms. Since we updated the YouTube app to ensure our mutual customers a similar YouTube experience, ratings and feedback have been overwhelmingly positive. We’d be more than happy to include advertising but need Google to provide us access to the necessary APIs. In light of Larry Page’s comments today calling for more interoperability and less negativity, we look forward to solving this matter together for our mutual customers.

Google has given Microsoft a May 22nd deadline to remove the offending Windows Phone YouTube app from the Windows Phone Store, in addition to disable the apps which have already been downloaded by users before this.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Google, Microsoft, YouTube