Microsoft to Google: We’ll bring ads to YouTube app



Google and Microsoft are in the middle of a scuffle over the YouTube app in Windows Phone, but the software giant is willing to come to a compromise.

Earlier this week, Google sent a cease-and-desist letter to Microsoft, saying that it must remove its YouTube application from the Windows Phone marketplace. That app, which Microsoft updated to make it look and feel like those on other mobile platforms, was criticized by Google for allegedly violating its terms of service. The company specifically took aim at Microsoft over the application’s lack of ad support.

In a statement to CNET sister site ZDNet on Wednesday, Microsoft said that the kerfuffle between its YouTube app and Google can be addressed very quickly. The company said that it’s “more than happy to include advertising” — a Google demand — but in order to do so, the search giant must provide it with “access to the necessary APIs.”

“In light of Larry Page’s comments today [at Google I/O] calling for more interoperability and less negativity, we look forward to solving this matter together for our mutual customers,” Microsoft said in the statement.

Google has yet to say whether it’ll provide those APIs to allow Microsoft to bring ads to the platform.

Via CNet