Microsoft files EC antitrust complaint against Google

Focuses on internet search and ads competition, but also on Windows Phone 7 and YouTube.

Microsoft has filed a formal complaint against Google with the European Commission, as part of the EC's investigation into whether the latter company is flouting European competition laws.

While many of Microsoft's complaints are focused on the web - it says Google is stifling competition for search and advertising - there is a strong mobile angle too.

"In 2010 and again more recently, Google blocked Microsoft’s new Windows Phones from operating properly with YouTube," blogs Microsoft's SVP and general counsel Brad Smith. At issue is the way Android has a smart native YouTube app, as does iPhone.

"Unfortunately, Google has refused to allow Microsoft’s new Windows Phones to access this YouTube metadata in the same way that Android phones and iPhones do. As a result, Microsoft’s YouTube “app” on Windows Phones is basically just a browser displaying YouTube’s mobile Web site, without the rich functionality offered on competing phones," writes Smith. 

"Microsoft is ready to release a high quality YouTube app for Windows Phone. We just need permission to access YouTube in the way that other phones already do, permission Google has refused to provide."