antitrust Archives

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google hit with antitrust order in Japan over preinstalled Android apps

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating the nation's anti-monopoly law by requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications on Android devices. This practice has been in place since at least July 2020 and has hindered competition by making it difficult for rival search engines and browsers to gain a foothold on Android devices sold in Japan. The JFTC found that Google's contracts incentivized manufacturers to set Google Chrome as the default browser and not preinstall competing applications, affecting around 80 percent of Android smartphones in Japan. The JFTC classified these actions as violations of the Antimonopoly Act and mandated Google to stop these practices, develop compliance guidelines, and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence to the order. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties. Google expressed disappointment but indicated a willingness to collaborate with the JFTC.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to unwind deals with smartphone OEMs

Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has ordered Google to stop certain business practices related to its Android operating system, specifically the Mobile Application Distribution Agreements (MADAs) that required manufacturers to pre-install specific Google applications. The JFTC found that these agreements violate Japan’s Antimonopoly Act, stifling competition and creating market barriers. Google must cease mandating pre-installation of its applications, allow installation of competing products, and enable users to choose their default search service. This action is the first regulatory measure by the JFTC against a major American tech firm. Additionally, Google is facing scrutiny for allegedly obstructing Yahoo! Japan's use of its advertising technology and has been warned of fines for not opening its app store to more competition. Globally, Google is dealing with antitrust challenges, including potential forced divestitures in the U.S. The company has also signed a power purchase agreement in Taiwan for a ten-megawatt geothermal energy project, aiming to pursue similar initiatives in Asia.

AppWizard

April 13, 2025

Apple Maps web app is now available on all devices, including Android

Apple has expanded access to its Maps application by introducing a web version that can be accessed from various mobile devices, including Android. The web app, which is no longer in beta, functions more like a standard website and lacks several features found in Google Maps, such as user logins, transit maps, and 3D building visuals. Users can access Apple Maps via "maps.apple.com," which includes basic search and navigation functionalities, as well as the Look Around feature. The web app can also be added to a mobile device's home screen for easier access.

Winsage

April 5, 2025

As Microsoft Turns 50, Bill Gates Gives A Rewind Of His Early Days

Bill Gates shared rare throwback photographs on Instagram to commemorate Microsoft's 50th anniversary, reflecting on his early days with the company. Gates humorously described the images as part of his "awkward photo shoots" era and expressed gratitude towards Microsoft. He co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen after dropping out of Harvard. Gates led the company through significant developments, including the creation of the MS-DOS operating system and Windows. He stepped down as CEO in 2000 and left Microsoft's board in 2020. Microsoft has become one of the leading tech giants, celebrating its history and future aspirations on its website.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Microsoft, turning 50, dials up Copilot actions to stay in AI game

Thousands gathered at Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters for a demonstration of a new Excel feature that allows users to sum numbers with a click. The event celebrated Microsoft’s 50th anniversary and highlighted the AI assistant Copilot, which will receive new features for personalization, including remembering personal details, offering reminders, and task delegation. Microsoft is leveraging its technical groundwork to enhance its AI solutions, despite past challenges such as a 1998 antitrust lawsuit and competition from companies like Alphabet and OpenAI. CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration for the future. The consumer version of Copilot is designed to have a “warm” personality, though it has been noted to be overly inquisitive at times.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Forget Satya Nadella’s Windows Phone fumble, Bill Gates’ “greatest mistake of all time” cost Microsoft $400 billion

CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged a strategic error in discontinuing the Windows Phone during its peak popularity. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, identified his greatest mistake as failing to dominate the mobile space, which allowed Android to take the lead. Gates attributed this failure to his mismanagement and antitrust challenges that hindered Microsoft's growth. Android, acquired by Google in 2005 and launched in 2008, is now the world's most popular operating system, holding a market share of 45.53%, compared to Windows' 25.36%. Gates conceded that Microsoft's missed opportunity in the mobile sector could have positioned the company as a leader. Rich Miner, co-founder of Android, criticized Gates for his misplaced lamentations regarding Microsoft's mobile missteps.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Microsoft cleared in Indian antitrust probe on antivirus bundling | MLex | Specialist news and analysis on legal risk and regulation

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support allegations against Microsoft regarding anticompetitive behavior related to its antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, which has been bundled with Windows since 2015. The CCI emphasized that users can install alternative antivirus solutions, maintaining a competitive market.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

All about CCI’s Dismissal of Antitrust Plaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) concluded its examination of a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of antivirus software with its Windows operating system. The CCI found that users can choose antivirus solutions beyond Microsoft Defender and that there was no substantial evidence of market foreclosure in the antivirus sector. The complaint alleged that Microsoft forces OEMs to include Microsoft Security Essentials, limiting competition for third-party antivirus vendors. Microsoft has bundled Microsoft Defender with Windows since 2015 and argued that it aligns with industry standards. The CCI determined that Microsoft holds a dominant position in the antivirus software market for Windows OS in India but found no coercion compelling users to use both products together. The CCI also noted that multiple antivirus vendors continue to operate in the market without significant barriers. The case highlighted issues of consumer inertia and the implications of default settings in digital markets, suggesting that pre-installed options may restrict consumer choice.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

CCI Dismisses Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft

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Winsage

March 4, 2025

CCI Dismisses Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft Over Windows Defender

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigated an antitrust complaint against Microsoft regarding its bundling of Microsoft Defender with the Windows operating system. The complaint, made by an anonymous informant, claimed that this practice hindered independent antivirus software developers. Key concerns included access to APIs, integration pathways, and default settings that limited third-party antivirus solutions. Microsoft defended its practices by stating that Defender is part of Windows at no extra cost and that users can install third-party antivirus programs, which can be set as the default. The CCI found no merit in the allegations, concluding there was insufficient evidence of anti-competitive behavior and that users have the freedom to choose their antivirus solutions.