For those unaware of history, Google's "ad revenue share" deal with Apple is similar to the early "distribution deal" that ~2002 Google struck with America Online. The basic financial enticement is the same: use our search engine and we'll give you a cut of the ad revenue.
I've not yet seen a legal explanation of why the Apple ad revenue share deal is now "illegal" and yet the AOL deal wasn't. Somewhat similar deals also happen with tv networks where they sign exclusive "distribution deals" with sports leagues and they share the money they get from tv commercials (the ads). "Put your NFL Monday game or college basketball tournament on our tv network and you get some of our ad revenue."
I guess the difference now is that Google is really big. Ok. But is that really the only reason?
I've not yet seen a legal explanation of why the Apple ad revenue share deal is now "illegal" and yet the AOL deal wasn't. Somewhat similar deals also happen with tv networks where they sign exclusive "distribution deals" with sports leagues and they share the money they get from tv commercials (the ads). "Put your NFL Monday game or college basketball tournament on our tv network and you get some of our ad revenue."
I guess the difference now is that Google is really big. Ok. But is that really the only reason?