Google complained earlier this month that Microsoft’s Instant Search feature in Windows Vista is anticompetitive. They claimed that Microsoft hardwired the search making it impossible for third party desktop search products (like Google Desktop Search) to integrate into the system efficiently. Microsoft responded, saying Service Pack 1 would allow third party searches to work somewhat more effectively. Google was not satisfied. The US District Court judge overseeing Microsoft’s antitrust settlement finally addressed the ongoing complaints days ago, announcing that they will ignore them. “Google is not a party in this suit” the judge said, stating instead that she would “stand in the shoes of consumers”.

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