The European Commission has launched an investigation into a deal between Google and Samsung, raising concerns about potential antitrust violations. The deal in question involves embedding Google’s chatbot, Gemini Nano, into Samsung’s Galaxy S24 smartphones, set to release later this year.

The probe aims to determine whether Google’s partnership with Samsung could limit competition in the artificial intelligence and smartphone markets. The European Union has a history of scrutinizing tech giants to ensure fair competition, with Google frequently under the microscope. For instance, Google was previously fined €4.34 billion for its Android practices deemed anticompetitive.

Google’s Gemini Nano is designed to offer advanced conversational AI capabilities, positioning it as a competitive edge for Samsung smartphones. However, regulators worry that exclusive agreements could prevent other AI developers from gaining market access, potentially stifling innovation.

Samsung, on the other hand, looks to leverage Google’s AI to enhance user experience and differentiate its devices in a highly competitive market. With AI being a crucial factor in modern smartphones, any unfair advantage could significantly impact market dynamics.

The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how future tech collaborations are regulated in the EU. While both companies argue that the partnership is beneficial and complies with current legislation, the European Commission’s findings will reveal whether this deal conforms to antitrust rules.

For now, the industry watches closely, recognizing that this decision could shape the future of AI integration in consumer electronics.