Google chairman names Amazon as biggest rival
Chairman of Google, Eric Schmidt, has named Amazon as its biggest competition in the internet search market.
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Giving a speech in Berlin, Schmidt said the world's largest online retailer was its main rival because when people searched for something to buy, they were more often than not looking to purchase it from Amazon.
Responding to questions about its controversial position within the market, he said: "Many people think our main competition is Bing or Yahoo. But, really, our biggest search competitor is Amazon.
"They are obviously more focused on the commerce side of the equation, but, at their roots, they are answering users' questions and searches, just as we are."
Google has faced a four-year investigation into claims it has abused its position as the dominant player in the internet search market to direct traffic towards its own products and services. The company's share of the online search market stands at more than 90%.
The EU competition commission last month rejected the company's most recent efforts to settle the claims.
Despite Google's position, Schmidt said he was still looking over his shoulder for "the next Google" because "change comes from where you least expect it".