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Verizon makes Bing the default search engine in some BlackBerrys
Verizon Wireless is quietly making Microsoft's Bing the default search engine on some of its BlackBerry smartphones, thereby replacing options that included Wikipedia and Google. The move stems from a search agreement inked between Verizon and Microsoft in January.
"We're a proud supporter of Microsoft's Bing search engine," wrote Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeffrey Nelson in response to questions on the topic. "On select smartphones (Storm2 the most prominent), we've changed the VZW-supplied Web menu to make Bing the default search engine."
Added Nelson: "If you prefer another search engine, it's still your choice: Simply type in the URL of the search engine you prefer, mark it as a "favorite" and *SNAP* you're done." Nelson also noted that various search options, including those from Google, are available through RIM's BlackBerry App World storefront.
BlackBerry enthusiast Web site CrackBerry.com first noted the changes this morning. Users of the site reported Microsoft's Bing as the only available search provider in the browser of their device, replacing a previous list of options that included Google, Wikipedia and Dictionary.com. A cursory test of a Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Tour however showed Google and other options as still available.
Nelson said the carrier's action covers several BlackBerry models, but was not immediately able to provide specifics. He said the update affects the devices' Web browser.
Verizon Wireless' Bing promotion isn't the first time the carrier has tinkered with the devices of its subscribers. The carrier in July remotely pushed the Slacker Radio application to subscribers toting the BlackBerry Storm.
For more:
- see this CrackBerry.com post
Related articles:
Verizon Wireless delivers Slacker Radio to BlackBerry Storm smartphones
Microsoft trumps Google on Verizon search deal
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | December 17, 2009 - 10:40pm
Neilson is an overpaid idiot.
Not that it's the end of the world or anything, but I'm tired of Verizon pushing their crap on our phones. I got a BlackBerry to get away from their VCAST bloatware but Big Red is really something else.
I can't wait to port my number to T-Mobile for the new Nexus One. I want a completely open sourced device that the telcos can't get their grubby hands on.
Posted by Anonymous | December 17, 2009 - 10:42pm
THIS IS BS i bought my storm2 out right $550 plus I own my phone and i can't believe Verizon is doing this, first the $350 etf now this whats next? The FCC does not seem to be helping either. Can we consumers get someone on our side?
Posted by Anonymous | December 17, 2009 - 10:46pm
You people need to quit reporting this as if they have switched this over to 'the default' choice. The truth is that -- WE HAVE NO CHOICE --.
That search box cannot be changed to anything else but Bing. That is not a DEFAULT choice - that is the ONLY choice.
Posted by Anonymous | December 17, 2009 - 11:33pm
VZW = Authoritarian fascists to its subscribers
VZW = Traitors to Google
VZW = Anti net neutrality
VZW = Anti Open Access
VZW = Paranoid management with delusions of grandeur
VZW = Fed up churning subscribers
Posted by Anonymous | December 19, 2009 - 6:15pm
I left sprint for this? What a mistake. I had the options to change default service when I first got the storm 2 in November, now as of today my only choice is Bing...wtf?
Posted by Anonymous | December 21, 2009 - 10:44am
I just noticed the change this morning!!! What the ^%#@! I want my Google back! I want a choice back!! I'm being forced to use this crap engine!
Posted by Anonymous | December 21, 2009 - 7:31pm
Oh great. Another website that uncritically accepts what its sources tell it.
No, VZW did not make Bing the *default* search engine. A default setting in a browser context implies it's user-changeable like the default SE setting on, say, Firefox.
Posted by Anonymous | December 25, 2009 - 1:14am
Yeah seriously get your facts straight.
Bing is the ONLY search engine we can use in the browser now (blackberry storm 2).
The funny thing is that in March when my last contract ran up I decided against the iPhone purely because I was pleased with Verizon's network. Now, after 4 replaced blackberry storms, this is the last straw (I even got a brand new storm 2, which promptly broke also). That iPhone is looking pretty sweet...even if its on AT&T.
I urge everyone who is upset with this to talk to verizon about your problem. Don't just post on the forums. Call them. It sucks, but do it. Ask about the "Voice of the Customer". Make your complaint heard. I would be curious to see if/how Verizon responds...
Posted by Anonymous | December 25, 2009 - 1:15am
Yeah seriously get your facts straight.
Bing is the ONLY search engine we can use in the browser now (blackberry storm 2).
The funny thing is that in March when my last contract ran up I decided against the iPhone purely because I was pleased with Verizon's network. Now, after 4 replaced blackberry storms, this is the last straw (I even got a brand new storm 2, which promptly broke also). That iPhone is looking pretty sweet...even if its on AT&T.
I urge everyone who is upset with this to talk to verizon about your problem. Don't just post on the forums. Call them. It sucks, but do it. Ask about the "Voice of the Customer". Make your complaint heard. I would be curious to see if/how Verizon responds...
Posted by Anonymous | December 31, 2009 - 2:48am
Better yet, e-mail the idiot who is saying this is a "choice" ....
Jeffrey.Nelson@verizonwireless.com
Posted by Anonymous | January 9, 2010 - 1:16pm
I just switched from the Storm1 to the Storm 2, I miss the fact that the storm1 let you CHOOSE between 3-4 different search engines. Verizon slowly started pushing Bing onto the Storm and the only 'real' way to get rid of it was by hiding the damn thing. I've been wanting an Iphone for quite some time not, just refused to get it because of the carrier. It's starting to become a little more tempting each time Verizon does something like this.
I hope verizon does something about it SOON
Posted by tpain | March 10, 2010 - 11:22am
wow this is BS. ive been trying to change it but apparently i will never be able to. GAY.
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