antitrust case Archives

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.

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.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Amazon Shuts Down Appstore for Android Phones After 14 Years: No More Apps Coming to the Platform

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android smartphones on August 20, marking the end of its mobile app initiatives after over a decade of challenges. The Appstore, launched in 2011, struggled to compete with Google Play Store and had only 0.1% installation on Android devices by its shutdown announcement. Existing users can continue to use downloaded apps until at least August 2025, but Amazon has stopped selling Amazon Coins. The closure coincides with ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google. Amazon will still operate its Appstore for Fire devices, which use a modified version of Android.

BetaBeacon

December 13, 2024

Epic Games secures deal to preinstall Fortnite onto Android phones in UK and Spain

Epic Games has partnered with Telefónica to preinstall the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on Android phones in the UK, Germany, Spain, and Spanish-speaking territories of Latin America. This partnership aims to make these games more accessible on millions of Telefónica Android devices and create a more competitive ecosystem for Android players.

BetaBeacon

December 13, 2024

Epic Games Store Is Coming Pre-Shipped on Android, Samsung Phones With Google Antitrust Case Still on Stay

Epic Games Store is now pre-installed on Android and Samsung phones from Telefónica, one of the largest carriers in the world. This move allows new device owners to access the Epic Games Store immediately.

BetaBeacon

December 12, 2024

Epic Games’ app store will be preinstalled on millions of Android phones

Epic Games has partnered with Telefónica to have its mobile storefront pre-installed on millions of compatible Android devices sold by Telefónica networks, offering popular games like Fortnite and Fall Guys.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Microsoft accuses Google of blocking direct game purchases on Xbox Android app

Microsoft has delayed the launch of its Android app portal for purchasing and playing Xbox games following a court ruling against Google's policies on Android applications. The Xbox app aims to allow users to purchase games for streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming, taking advantage of a recent court order requiring Google to stop blocking third-party storefronts on Android. Xbox President Sarah Bond stated the company's commitment to providing players with more options, initially through the Google Play Store in the U.S. Microsoft has also enhanced the experience for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, allowing them to stream games outside of the subscription service, while currently directing mobile users to purchase titles via a web interface to avoid commissions from app stores. The announcement came after a U.S. judge ruled against Google in an antitrust case, although Google received a temporary stay on the enforcement of the ruling. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized Google's 30 percent commission as detrimental to game streaming profits. The situation has attracted regulatory scrutiny, with Apple beginning to allow mobile cloud gaming apps on its app store due to legislative changes in the EU. Microsoft's app represents a strategic effort to expand the Xbox brand beyond traditional console gaming, supported by a new advertising campaign.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Tech Times Weekly Wrap: Microsoft AI Recall Testing, DOJ vs. Google, Evolv FTC Settlement

Microsoft has reintroduced its AI Recall technology for Copilot Plus-powered computers, currently in testing and available to select users via the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723) in the Dev Channel. The technology is limited to devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, with plans for broader compatibility with AMD and Intel systems. Microsoft has implemented a stricter privacy framework requiring user permissions for data access and ensuring that snapshots are stored locally. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Google presented closing arguments in an antitrust case concerning the advertising market in a Virginia court. DOJ attorney Aaron Teitelbaum accused Google of manipulating ad auctions and monopolistic control, while Google's attorney Karen Dunn argued the DOJ had not proven its claims. The case could lead to significant changes in Google's business structure. Evolv Technology reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over misleading claims about its AI scanners' effectiveness in detecting weapons. Evolv is now prohibited from making unsupported claims about its products following investigations that questioned the technology's real-world performance.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Federal Judge Grants Google a Stay on Android App Store Overhaul | PYMNTS.com

A federal judge in San Francisco has postponed a court order requiring Google to enhance competition in its Android app store until an appeals court reviews a jury verdict that found Google to be an illegal monopolist. U.S. District Judge James Donato's ruling delays significant modifications to Google’s Play Store, originally set for November 1, which aimed to improve access for competitors. Google requested the delay while the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals examines the case, which stems from a December 2023 verdict indicating that Google's Play Store operated monopolistically. Judge Donato acknowledged the evidence supporting the antitrust verdict but recognized the need for the appeals court to evaluate the situation. If enforced, the changes would allow rival app stores and alternative distribution methods, potentially altering Google's dominance. The timeline for the appeals court's decision is uncertain and may take over a year. Google argues that the proposed remedies could compromise the Play Store's security and user experience.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Google wins delay in opening Android app – Manila Standard

A federal judge in San Francisco has granted Google a temporary reprieve from a deadline requiring the opening of Android-powered smartphones to competing app stores, which was part of an antitrust case initiated by Epic Games. The deadline, originally set for November 1, has been suspended. Google expressed satisfaction with the ruling, while Epic Games criticized it as “meritless” and indicated their intent to continue pursuing a more competitive app marketplace. Android devices hold approximately 70 percent of the global smartphone market, making Google a target for regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges.