Yahoo is planning on getting Apple to replace Google with Yahoo as its default search engine on iOS. According to reports, Yahoo is working on two internal projects to optimize its mobile search and monetization in order to convince Apple to make Yahoo as its default search engine on iOS.
According to Re/code, Mayer is working with some executives and has attracted the attention of Apple’s SVP of design, Jony Ive. But as of now, nothing official has been presented to Apple. The report suggests that Yahoo is still waiting as it does not have sufficient application technology to meet the goal. Currently, Yahoo’s presence in iOS is limited to the native Weather and Stocks apps.
One person working on the project said, “This is the aim of the whole effort here, to grab the pole position in iOS search. It will take more than pretty pictures though to convince Apple to give up Google, given its focus on consumer experience being top-notch. But Marissa wants it very badly.”
Currently, Yahoo and Microsoft have a 10-year search and advertising partnership. Microsoft’s Bing provides the backend for Apple’s Siri web search feature while Google is the default search engine in the Safari iOS browser. Apple has replaced Google’s Maps app with its own maps application as default.
Mayer has been trying desperately to revive the fortunes of internet giant Yahoo and has shown willingness to take on Google. Yahoo is also reportedly working on creating a rival to YouTube that will focus on professional instead of user generated content. According to sources Yahoo has been signing up partners for the service.
Yahoo recently stopped users from accessing its services like Flickr or Fantasy Sports from their Facebook or Google Inc user accounts. You will need to sign-up for a Yahoo ID to use any of the portal’s services including photo-sharing site Flickr and Fantasy Sports
Source: Re/code