Google reportedly using ‘coercive sales tactics’ against Google TV holdouts

A new report claims that Google is delaying manufacturers from releasing HTML5-based Smart TVs due to a drawn out process to earn YouTube certification. According to ETNews, the company requires manufacturers to go through “browser conformity tests” at is Mountain View headquarters before they can have access to an app for the popular video-sharing site. Google is also said to be requiring smart TV operators to place the app on the interface’s main home screen as well, and an industry insider blasted Google for taking away a company’s right of choice.

The anonymous individual suggested that Google is delaying manufacturers because they opted for HTML5-based solutions rather than Google TV, adding that requiring them to place the YouTube app in a certain location is “an act of coercive sales tactics.” Samsung was reportedly forced to delay the launch of new products because it waited three months to receive Google’s YouTube conformity certification.

A Google spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.