Google said it will let users in the EU choose which search provider they want to power their Android devices, starting from next year.
The company said in a blog post on Friday that European users will see a new choice screen when setting up their device, showing a list of options they can select to be their default search engine for the search box on their home screen and Google Chrome.
Google already lets Android users change their default provider at any time, but the new choice screen allows them to change it when setting up their device.
A screen capture shared by the firm showed three alternative search providers, including Qwant, Ecosia and Yahoo. Google said other platforms can apply to be part of the new choice screen, adding it will be introduced on Android phones in Europe by early 2020.
Google says it will let users in the EU choose their default search provider when setting up an Android device, starting from early 2020.
The news follows a record $5 billion antitrust fine levied by the European Commission last year over alleged competition breaches from Google. One of the EU executive arm’s main contentions was with the company’s practice of bundling its Chrome and Search apps on Android.
Google has since appealed the fine, and said it is making a number of changes to comply with the EU’s decision. Previously announced changes include letting smartphone makers distribute forked versions of Android, a new paid licensing agreement for Android phones and separate licenses for the Search and Chrome apps.
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Clarification: This article has been amended to reflect the fact that Google already lets Android users change their default provider at any time, but the new choice screen allows them to change it when setting up their device.
