Observed Signal · Sep 6, 2021 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Google adds Presearch as Android default in EU
Google is expanding its Android Choice Screen in the EU and UK to include Presearch, a privacy-focused, blockchain-based search engine, as a default option on new devices. The Choice Screen now presents five regional leading search engines plus seven additional providers, for a total of twelve options, with participation made free for eligible providers. Presearch reportedly has 2.3 million registered users and about 1 million daily searches, with around 80% of smartphones running Android. The service is described as a blockchain-based decentralized search engine with its own advertising platform. This change follows years of EU antitrust scrutiny and a €4.3 billion penalty Google faced in 2018 related to Android and search practices. DuckDuckGo is noted as having roughly 100 million daily searches and a 0.63% global market share. Google previously signaled that costs would be removed from the Choice Screen, with changes taking effect in September.
Policy update related to EU competition requirements for Android default search options; major platform
Track Google Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Presearch added as a default search option on EU/UK Android Choice Screen for new devices.
- Choice Screen will display five top regional search engines plus seven additional providers (twelve total) with participation free for eligible providers.
- Presearch has 2.3 million registered users and about 1 million daily searches; 80% of smartphones run Android.
- Presearch is described as a blockchain-based decentralized search engine with its own advertising platform.
- Google faced a €4.3 billion EU antitrust fine in 2018 for Android/search practices; the Choice Screen changes are part of compliance.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Swiss regulator probes Google default search change
Switzerland's competition authority (Weko) has opened a preliminary inquiry into Google after the company removed the 'Choice Screen' on Android devices in Switzerland, which previously allowed users to pick a default search engine during device setup. Weko says default settings are important in digital markets and that removing the choice screen could reduce visibility for competing search engines and raise market-entry barriers. The feature remains available in the EU. The Swiss authority will investigate whether Google's change constitutes an unlawful restriction of competition under cartel law; findings could inform assessments of default-setting practices on other mobile devices.
Google launches unified agentic AI for Gemini
At a Google Cloud event on Thursday, Google announced it is bringing agentic AI to its Gemini assistant, launching a unified agent that can autonomously plan and execute tasks on behalf of users. Aimed initially at businesses, the agent can connect to internal systems and external tools, use custom skills, and even choose from third-party models like Anthropic's Claude. It will have its own Workspace account with an email address, and will write its own audit trail. Early testers include On, Shopify, and PayPal. Gemini has over 1 billion monthly active users, and nearly 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Gemini Enterprise.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.