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Xbox says it’s still blocked from selling and launching games from its Android app, Google says it isn’t
AppWizard
November 28, 2024

Xbox says it’s still blocked from selling and launching games from its Android app, Google says it isn’t

Xbox and Google are in a legal dispute regarding Xbox's ability to sell and launch games through its Android app. A US judge ruled in October that Google must open its Android marketplace to competitors, which was set to take effect this month. Xbox's head of gaming, Phil Spencer, initially expressed optimism about enabling game purchases directly from the Xbox App on Android devices, but indicated that an emergency stay requested by Google is currently blocking these features. Google claims that Xbox has always had the option to enable these features but has chosen not to. The October ruling includes several restrictions on Google's practices over the next three years, such as prohibiting exclusive app launches through the Play Store and allowing developers to direct users to external payment options. Xbox is also exploring the establishment of a mobile app store.
Google Wins Temporary Delay on Android App Store Overhaul
AppWizard
October 20, 2024

Google Wins Temporary Delay on Android App Store Overhaul

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge James Donato, has granted Google a temporary reprieve from an order requiring significant changes to its Android app store, Play, due to an antitrust lawsuit from Epic Games. The enforcement of the required changes has been postponed until November 1st for further legal review. The injunction issued on October 7th mandated enhancements to consumer options for downloading software, but Google argued that these changes could jeopardize safety, security, and privacy. The ruling allows the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review Google's request to suspend the order, although the suspension does not extend to Google's broader appeal. Epic Games criticized the ruling as procedural and accused Google of using fear tactics to maintain its market position. The lawsuit previously found that Google unlawfully monopolized app download methods and in-app purchases on Android devices, leading to the order that included allowing third-party app stores and alternative payment methods. Google has appealed the jury's findings, asserting competition with Apple's App Store and disputing claims of monopolistic behavior.
Google granted request to pause order on Play store overhaul
AppWizard
October 18, 2024

Google granted request to pause order on Play store overhaul

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge James Donato, has granted Google a temporary reprieve from a previous order requiring changes to its Android app store, Play, in the context of an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. The ruling allows Google to pause the implementation of the order set for November 1, which aimed to enhance consumer choice in software downloads. Judge Donato's decision was influenced by Google's argument that the changes could pose safety, security, and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The pause will enable the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review Google's request to suspend the order during the appeal process. Google expressed satisfaction with the temporary halt, while Epic Games described the ruling as a procedural step and accused Google of using fearmongering tactics. The legal battle follows a jury's finding that Google unlawfully monopolized the app download process on Android devices. Judge Donato's order included measures requiring Google to allow alternative app downloads and competing payment systems, and it prohibits financial incentives for preinstalling its app store. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust findings.
Google granted request to pause ‘dangerous remedies’ to Play store in blow to Epic Games
AppWizard
October 18, 2024

Google granted request to pause ‘dangerous remedies’ to Play store in blow to Epic Games

A federal judge in California granted Google a temporary reprieve from a previous order requiring changes to its Android app store, Google Play, amid an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. The ruling, by US District Judge James Donato, allows Google to pause the implementation of the order, originally set to take effect by November 1, while the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals reviews Google's request for a further pause. Judge Donato's decision was influenced by Google's concerns about potential safety, security, and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The order reflects changes proposed by Epic Games, including allowing users to download competing app platforms, using alternative in-app payment methods, prohibiting financial incentives for preinstalling Google Play, and restricting revenue sharing with other app distributors. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust findings, arguing it is not a monopolist due to competition with Apple’s App Store.
US judge pauses order requiring Google to revamp Android app store
AppWizard
October 18, 2024

US judge pauses order requiring Google to revamp Android app store

A federal judge in California has temporarily paused an order requiring Google to revamp its Android app store, Google Play, following an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. Judge James Donato's ruling allows Google to wait for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review its request to pause the original order, which mandated that Google permit alternative app platforms and payment methods by November 1. Google argued that these changes could threaten the safety and security of the Android ecosystem. The legal dispute stems from a jury's previous finding that Google unlawfully monopolized the app download process and in-app payment systems on Android devices. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust verdict and contends it is not a monopolist due to competition with Apple's App Store.
Microsoft settles Activision Blizzard gamer antitrust suit
AppWizard
October 15, 2024

Microsoft settles Activision Blizzard gamer antitrust suit

Microsoft has reached a settlement regarding an antitrust lawsuit initiated by gamers over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, with both parties requesting the dismissal of the case with prejudice. The lawsuit began in 2022 due to concerns about the merger's impact on consumer choice and competition in the gaming sector. The case was initially dismissed without prejudice in March 2023 and refiled the following month. The specific terms of the settlement are undisclosed, but both Microsoft and the plaintiffs will bear their own legal expenses. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also attempted to challenge the acquisition but was unsuccessful.
Epic Games wins antitrust battle: US judge orders Google to open Android app market to competitors
AppWizard
October 8, 2024

Epic Games wins antitrust battle: US judge orders Google to open Android app market to competitors

A US judge has ruled that Google must allow third-party app stores and alternative in-app payment methods on Android devices, effective November 1, 2024. This decision requires Google to end its exclusive control over app distribution and prohibits it from blocking third-party app stores or charging preinstallation fees to device manufacturers. Following this ruling, Alphabet's shares fell by 2.5%, indicating concerns over potential revenue losses, as Google's Play Store has historically generated significant income through fees on app developers. Epic Games plans to launch its own app store by 2025, which could change the competitive landscape. Google intends to appeal the ruling and has warned about possible negative impacts on consumer privacy and security. The ruling may lead to significant changes in the Android app market, allowing for more flexibility in app downloads and in-app purchases, but also raises concerns about privacy and user experience consistency.
After defeat against Epic Games, US judge orders Google to allow rivals to set up app stores on Android phones
BetaBeacon
October 8, 2024

After defeat against Epic Games, US judge orders Google to allow rivals to set up app stores on Android phones

A US judge has ruled that Google must allow rival app stores access to its Android smartphone operating system, following an antitrust case brought by Epic Games. The injunction, which Google is appealing, restricts certain anticompetitive practices for the next three years, including revenue sharing with potential competitors and requiring developers to exclusively launch apps on the Play Store. Despite being applicable only in the US, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney sees this as an opportunity to create a more competitive Android ecosystem. Phones running on the Android operating system hold a 70% share of the global smartphone market.
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