Google Removes YouTube From Amazon Devices
Google on Tuesday said it would block its video streaming application YouTube from two Amazon.com devices, as the online retailer is not selling Google hardware.
Amazon and Google have been competing in fronts of cloud computing, online search and voice-controlled gadgets like the Google Home and Amazon Echo Show. Amazon has the lead in cloud computing services as well as in the sales of voice-controlled devices.
"Amazon doesn't carry Google products like Chromecast and Google Home, doesn't make (its) Prime Video available for Google Cast users, and last month stopped selling some of (our sister company) Nest's latest products," Google said.
"Given this lack of reciprocity, we are no longer supporting YouTube on Echo Show and Fire TV," Google said. "We hope we can reach an agreement to resolve these issues soon."
Amazon said in a statement, "Google is setting a disappointing precedent by selectively blocking customer access to an open website."
Amazon kicked the Chromecast, Google's television player, off its retail website in 2015, along with Apple's TV player. Amazon's explanation was that it wanted to avoid confusing customers who might expect its Prime Video service to be available on devices sold by Amazon. But earlier this year, Amazon and Apple mended ties when it was announced Prime Video would come to Apple TV.
In September, Google cut off YouTube from the Amazon Echo Show.. Amazon later reintroduced YouTube to the device, but the voice commands it added violated the use terms and on Tuesday Google again removed the service.