An Amazon Google row is about to erupt over Amazon Fire TV advertising. Amazon is claiming that its Fire TV devices can provide users with access to YouTube. Google is annoyed at Amazon’s refusal to sell certain Google devices. One example is the Chromecast audio and video streaming dongles. Amazon stopped selling these in 2015.
Fire TV users who have tried to use it to access YouTube have reported they now receive a warning that the YouTube functionality will be removed on January 1st. This appears to coincide with Amazon’s release of its Prime video app for Apple TV.
Amazon Refuses Google Cast Users Prime Video Access
According to Google, it has been trying to come to an agreement with Amazon regarding mutual consumer access to both company’s products. However, Amazon appears not to want to know. It refuses to offer Google products such as Google Home and Chromecast.
It also refuses to permit Google Cast users to access Prime Video. Amazon has also removed certain Nest products from its store. Since purchasing Nest Labs, Google has continued to make it available for iOS and Android devices. Now Amazon is refusing to offer some of the more recently developed Nest products.
Amazon Google Row Tit For Tat
In return, Google has taken its own action. In a tit for tat action, Google will cease supporting YouTube on Amazon’s Echo Show and FireTV. Rattles and prams come to mind, and it is hoped these two giants can grow up and come to some agreement.
Google has been making an attempt, although Amazon is refusing to respond. That is why Google has stopped supporting YouTube on certain Amazon services. This is a serious business altercation that is affecting consumers. During this row, Amazon has removed certain Google hardware products from its online catalogue, including the most recent Nest smart home kit.
Is Amazon Breaching Consumer Law?
There are rumors that Amazon’s actions may be breaching consumer law in being anti-competitive. The same might also be said of Google. Time will tell, although Google will likely claim it has right on its side because Amazon started it all. Meantime this Amazon Google row is affecting both Amazon and Google customers none of which are happy.
