anti-competitive Archives

Winsage

June 27, 2026

CMA probes Microsoft business software over browser choice

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking comments on Microsoft's business software ecosystem, with responses from various stakeholders, including the Browser Choice Alliance (BCA). The BCA expresses concerns that Microsoft uses its dominance in operating systems and productivity software to promote its own browser, hindering competition. They argue that Microsoft's distribution strategies and design decisions limit user choice and innovation. The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is highlighted as a critical factor, as it allows Microsoft to influence browser choices during upgrades. The BCA links browser competition to the adoption of AI tools, warning that competitive issues in the browser space could affect the AI domain if Microsoft employs similar tactics. They advocate for independent selection of AI tools to prevent distortion of competition and user choice. The BCA concludes that Microsoft's practices negatively impact user experience and productivity for businesses in the UK, damaging innovative browser developers.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Microsoft faces court battle in £2bn Windows Server class action

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has approved a £2 billion class action against Microsoft, aimed at compensating approximately 59,000 businesses using the Windows Server operating system in non-Microsoft public clouds. The collective action, led by Maria Luisa Stasi, alleges that Microsoft has overcharged UK entities for Windows Server on competing cloud services. The tribunal dismissed Microsoft's objections and granted a Collective Proceedings Order on an opt-out basis. The class action addresses two main issues: pricing abuse related to the Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA) and re-licensing abuse concerning the deployment of Windows Server on Azure versus other cloud providers. The UK Competition and Markets Authority is also investigating Microsoft's software licensing practices within the cloud market. James Hain-Cole from law firm Scott+Scott expressed satisfaction with the tribunal's decision, emphasizing its significance for securing compensation for affected businesses.

AppWizard

March 20, 2026

Google eases Android app sideloading rules after

Google is implementing a policy change to allow easier installation of Android applications from sources outside its Play Store, following an antitrust settlement. This includes an "advanced flow" option that lets users bypass mandatory app verification safeguards through a structured process. The changes aim to balance user choice with protections against scams and malware risks. Previously, Google required all Android applications to be registered by verified developers to mitigate risks like malware and fraud. The new process requires users to enable developer mode, restart their devices, and undergo a waiting period of up to 24 hours before verifying their identity with biometrics or a PIN to install apps from unverified developers. Users can install these apps temporarily for up to seven days or indefinitely, with ongoing warning prompts. Additionally, Google is offering free, limited app distribution accounts for students and hobbyists to share apps without full developer verification.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Valve Loses Attempt To Throw Out $900m Class Action Lawsuit

A judge has ruled against Valve's attempt to dismiss a class action lawsuit regarding allegations of overcharging and anti-competitive practices, allowing the case, initiated by lawyer Vicki Shotbolt on behalf of 14 million UK Steam users, to proceed. The lawsuit claims Valve's policies violate UK laws on anti-competitive pricing and unfair trading conditions, particularly regarding its restrictions on pricing and additional content sales on competing platforms. Valve's objections to the lawsuit were dismissed by the Competition Appeal Tribunal, which found that the proposed class definition had been adequately revised. The lawsuit seeks £656 million in restitution for UK users.

BetaBeacon

January 26, 2026

Epic Games $800 Million Deal with Google

- Epic Games and Google have entered into a six-year, 0 million partnership involving joint product development, marketing, and technical collaboration. - The partnership includes closer integration of Unreal Engine, which powers Fortnite and many third-party games. - The judge raised concerns about how the partnership might affect Epic's legal demands in the antitrust lawsuit against Google. - Google has proposed changes to Android monetization, including new fee structures for in-app billing and web payments. - The outcome of the case could shape how monetization works across mobile platforms for years to come.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Microsoft’s Edge Incentive: Bribing Users with Gift Cards to Abandon Chrome

Microsoft is offering Microsoft Rewards points to Windows users who search for Chrome on Bing but choose to try Edge instead. This initiative began in late 2025 as part of Microsoft's efforts to increase Edge's market presence. Users can accumulate points that are redeemable for gift cards, with reports indicating an incentive of 1,300 points for trying Edge. Edge currently holds a market share of around 5-10%, significantly trailing Chrome, which has over 65% market share. Despite mixed user sentiment regarding Microsoft's campaigns, the company continues to promote Edge's features, such as resource efficiency and built-in tools like Copilot AI and coupon finders. Regulatory scrutiny exists around Microsoft's tactics, with concerns about potential anti-competitive behavior.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic Games and Google settle Android app store dispute with new competition framework

Epic Games and Google have reached a settlement to end their long-running dispute over app distribution and in-app billing on the Android platform. The settlement includes the introduction of "Registered App Stores" and allows developers to direct users toward alternative payment systems. The agreement aims to make Android more open and competitive for developers and consumers.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google, Epic Games Reach US Court Settlement on Android and App Store Reforms

Google has settled a lawsuit with Epic Games, which accused Google of maintaining a monopoly in app distribution and in-app payments through the Play Store. The settlement includes reforms allowing users to download third-party app stores and developers to offer alternative payment methods within their apps, with Google charging a capped service fee of 9 to 20%. This agreement is expected to have far-reaching effects on the mobile app market and may lead to changes in the business models of both Google's Play Store and Apple's iOS.

BetaBeacon

November 5, 2025

Epic Games praises Google’s Android antitrust settlement boosting app store competition | Ukraine news

Google and Epic Games have reached an antitrust settlement in the Fortnite case, with Google agreeing to reforms in the Android Store including lower commissions and increased competition. The settlement allows Android app developers to inform users about alternative payment methods and limits the commission Google can charge to either 9% or 20%. The focus is on expanding developers' choice and flexibility, reducing fees, and promoting competition while prioritizing user safety. Epic Games had also filed a lawsuit against Google and Apple for alleged anti-competitive behavior, with Apple recently reporting record profits from its services business. Following the settlement, the Epic Games Store for Android will be available on the Google Play Store, potentially reshaping the mobile market and gaming ecosystem.

BetaBeacon

November 5, 2025

Epic Games CEO calls Google’s antitrust settlement a win for Android’s ‘vision as an open platform’

Google has reached a settlement with Epic Games in an antitrust case, agreeing to lower fees and allow alternative payment mechanisms for Android app developers.