Microsoft won't let you set Google as default search on some new Lumias

[PxuLL]

Microsoft has disabled an option to set Google as the default search engine on some of its latest Lumia Windows Phones. The option is currently supported on the majority of Nokia's Lumia devices, thanks to an advanced setting in Internet Explorer on Windows Phone 8.0. Microsoft acquired Nokia?s phone business in April, and the company's first handsets, the Lumia 630 and Lumia 930, are shipping without the option on Windows Phone 8.1. Microsoft has never allowed Windows Phone users to alter the physical search button behavior, which defaults to Bing, but Internet Explorer users could enable the setting to use the address bar to search within Google instead of manually navigating to the search engine or using the Bing default.

The Verge understands phone makers and operators have the ability to choose the default search engine on their devices, and Nokia previously chose to offer the ability for Windows Phone users to switch to Google on their handsets. Existing Lumia handsets, even those updated to Windows Phone 8.1, appear to be unaffected by the change. In our testing on unlocked Lumia 930 and Lumia 630 devices, the Google option is missing. Some European versions of the handsets appear to have the Google option enabled. Google is currently seeking to dismiss a US antitrust lawsuit that argues phone manufacturers are forced to set Google?s search engine as the default on Android handsets. However, Google allows Android users to set Ask, Bing, or Yahoo as the default search engine in Chrome, and Apple also offers a choice between Google, Yahoo, and Bing in its Safari for iOS browser. We?ve reached out to Microsoft for comment, and we?ll update you accordingly.

Update, 7:16AM ET: Some European Lumia 930 / 630 carrier-supported devices have the Google option enabled. The article has been updated to reflect this.

Source: Microsoft won't let you set Google as default search on some new Lumias | The Verge

Not the best move from MSFT its pretty childish.

 

[AR2186]

Honestly, I'd be surprised if anyone actually cared. Up until my Lumia Icon, my 928 and my girlfriend's HTC 8x couldn't choose google either (that may have changed with Lumia black).

 

[desitunez]

Andriod Lumias Will /S

 

[SnailUK]

Not the best move from MSFT its pretty childish.

Why?

How can Microsoft improve Bing, if everyone instantly changes their search engine to Google?

Google own something like 70% of the mobile market these days, and i'd bet the average user never changes their browser. So Microsoft need every single search they can get to improve their service. Otherwise the chasm between Google and everyone else (not just Bing) gets bigger and bigger.

 

[cbreze]

My icon does not use google. I can set google as default under options but it uses bing as default no matter what I set it to use.

 

[TechFreak1]

My icon does not use google. I can set google as default under options but it uses bing as default no matter what I set it to use.

The dedicated search key will use Bing, the advanced option is actually for the address bar in internet explorer.

Personally I have no reason to use Google for search, the only service I use on a off basis is Youtube to watch videos. As unfortunately everyone posts their videos on it.

 

[jfa1]

So what?!

 

[btbam91]

Had no clue you could even change the search. Love Bing so this doesn't effect me.
Sent from my RM-820_nam_att_100 using Tapatalk

 

[mesamit]

fair enough :winktongue:

 

[hotphil]

Good.

 

[xandros9]

I really just enjoyed the comments.

But why do they do such moves, they should know by now the media and public would blast them for less significant things than the competition.
ah well, maybe it was just a "screw it" decision.

 

[Zacharyw70]

I don't mind Microsoft wanting to improve Bing, and I'm sure Bing will be fine. My major concern is this is just another reason for Google to say FU to Microsoft.

 

[portalfocus]

I don't mind Microsoft wanting to improve Bing, and I'm sure Bing will be fine. My major concern is this is just another reason for Google to say FU to Microsoft.

No, reverse.

 

[MDMcAtee]

Choice is good, let the owners of the phones decide what they use

 

[hotphil]

My major concern is this is just another reason for Google to say FU to Microsoft.

I don't see what the downside of that would be.

 

[OberstDanjeje]

My Lumia 930 Italy Country Variant have the option to change the search provider