Google would be suggesting to your Android users make video calls by Duo when the word “Zoom” is mentioned in a message. According to a report by TheDigitalHacker, a user received a Automated suggestion within the Messages app – owned by Google – where you were invited to start a video call after mentioning Zoom.

The report mentions that the user had the Zoom application installed on their phone and while this may seem like a “context” issue, the reality is that Google would be abusing its algorithm to position your applications when the user mentions the competition in a conversation.

In Hypertextual we tried unsuccessfully to replicate this situation. We do not know if this is specific to any region, if Google is conducting tests, or if it has noticed the legal implications this could have. Recall that the company faced a fine of 4,340 million euros by the European Commission for monopolistic practices on Android.

Due to the coronavirus quarantine (COVID-19), video calls have established themselves as the most efficient way to make meetings or talk with our loved ones. In this field, Zoom keeps the lead with a quota that exceeds 300 million users per day.

Both Google and Microsoft have not wanted to be left behind. A few days ago the Mountain View company released an update to its video conferencing application, Meet, in which it implemented one of the most popular Zoom features. Almost on par, Skype was updated allowing users to change wallpapers during a video call.

Facebook He has not slept either and recently announced Messenger Rooms, a cheeky copy of Zoom It replicates the gallery format to communicate with multiple contacts at the same time. Mark Zuckerberg and company have the goal of beating Zoom and for this they already think about implement video calls of up to 50 people, one more of the maximum that Zoom allows if you have a computer with enough processing power.

Currently, users have multiple options to communicate with their contacts. Abusing your position to recommend your own apps above the competition is something Google and Microsoft share. A few days ago the Redmond company was discovered suggesting Chrome users migrate to Edge when they were checking their mail in Outlook.

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