The European Union (EU) is looking into whether Google forced device manufacturers to install Google Assistant as the default voice assistant on Android devices in a new antitrust investigation, according to a report from Mlex. The investigation, which has not officially been made public, will be focused on the rollout of Google Assistant in devices like connected cars, smart TVs and smartphones. The EU had commissioned an inquiry into antitrust practices in the smart devices sector last year. The results of the inquiry were released in June, and the regulator seems to have wasted no time in taking action, showing their desire to get ahead of market developments. Google is also currently being investigated by the EU over anti-competitive practices in digital advertising technology. Later this month, the company will also try to fight a US$5 billion fine imposed on it by the EU for antitrust practices related to Android OS for smartphones. The EU has routinely taken big tech to task, setting the precedent for antitrust regulations across the world. This investigation against Google over voice assistants could shape the race for market dominance in voice assistants and the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, which also sees participation from tech giants like Apple and Amazon. Did Google Force It's Hand? EU Asks Manufacturers Regulators from the EU have asked manufacturers to provide any evidence showing that Google coerced them to make Google Assistant the default voice search app on their devices, Mlex reported. They are also investigating whether Google…
