Digital Trends

Microsoft will change Vista to allow better access to third-party search applications, but Google's lawyers aren't completely satisfied.

Sometimes the squeaky wheel really does get the grease. After Google lodged formal complaints against Microsoft for the anti-competitive nature of its desktop search tool in Vista, Microsoft announced Wednesday that it will actually change the feature in response to Google.

Microsoft will let PC users and manufacturers select third-party applications for their desktop searches, and provide Google with information that will help the company optimize its own search application. The software giant is obligated to help competing companies develop smooth-running software for its Windows operating system under a 2002 antitrust ruling.

Google’s legal team wasn’t completely satisfied with Microsoft’s concessions. “These remedies are a step in the right direction,” said Google’s chief legal officer, David Drummond, in a statement. “But they should be improved further to give consumers greater access to alternate desktop search providers.”

Google isn’t unaccustomed to dealing with outside criticism. The company found itself under fire two weeks ago when a watchdog group ranked it last for privacy among top Web companies. Google subsequently cut its data retention times from 24 months to 18.

Microsoft’s fix for desktop search will find its way into the next service pack for Vista, which will be appearing before the end of the year – possibly in beta form.