NewApp Digest
search bot

Google’s Android app

'Fortnite' maker Epic Games, Google say they're settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store
BetaBeacon
November 11, 2025

‘Fortnite’ maker Epic Games, Google say they’re settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store

Epic Games has reached a settlement with Google regarding their legal dispute over the Google Play Store for Android apps. The settlement aims to make Android a more competitive platform by allowing third-party app stores to be distributed through Google's app store. The settlement also includes Google limiting payment processing commissions to between 9% and 20%.
Epic Games and Google say they're settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store
BetaBeacon
November 6, 2025

Epic Games and Google say they’re settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store

Epic Games and Google have reached a settlement in their 5-year legal battle over Google's Play Store for Android apps. The settlement aims to enhance the Android platform for users and developers, following a federal appeals court's criticism of Google's app store as an illegal monopoly. The specific terms of the settlement remain confidential pending approval by U.S. District Judge James Donato, but it includes provisions to foster competition, such as allowing the distribution of rival third-party app stores on the platform. Google will now limit payments for in-app transactions to a range of 9% to 20%.
Google app possibly hints at the launch of Samsung's tri-fold phone
AppWizard
October 29, 2025

Google app possibly hints at the launch of Samsung’s tri-fold phone

Samsung's tri-fold phone has been referenced in Google's Android app, hinting at a potential launch before the end of October. Speculation suggests it may initially launch outside the U.S., possibly in South Korea, the greater Chinese market, and the UAE, with an unveiling date set for October 31. The app code includes the "tri-fold" label alongside a 2025 timeframe, indicating a broader strategy for future releases. The official name of the device is not confirmed, but it is expected to include "tri-fold" and likely carry the Galaxy branding.
Google’s Android app is already getting prepared for Samsung’s ‘tri-fold’ phone
AppWizard
October 29, 2025

Google’s Android app is already getting prepared for Samsung’s ‘tri-fold’ phone

Samsung is set to introduce a tri-fold smartphone featuring three interconnected panels and a flexible screen, which could redefine the smartphone experience. Recent findings from an APK teardown of the Google app revealed that this device, labeled “2025 Samsung Trifold,” is included in a list of devices eligible for Google’s premium Gemini AI features. The tri-fold design allows for seamless transitions between phone-sized, widescreen, and tablet modes, enhancing multitasking and entertainment capabilities. Samsung's hardware teasers at international events have heightened anticipation for a potential launch in 2025, although details regarding the final name and availability remain uncertain.
Google's Android app is already preparing for the Samsung tri-fold
AppWizard
October 28, 2025

Google’s Android app is already preparing for the Samsung tri-fold

Samsung's tri-fold Galaxy phone has appeared in a list of devices eligible for complimentary premium Gemini promotions, indicating a potential public unveiling. The latest version of Google's Android app reveals that this device will join other high-profile models like the S25 series, Fold 7, and Flip 7 in benefiting from these promotions. The absence of the "Galaxy Z" branding is noted, but the consistent reference to "Trifold" is significant. Speculation suggests a possible release timeline in 2025, although this information should be approached with caution. There is uncertainty about whether the phone will be introduced to the U.S. market.
Google's Android app is getting ready to remember all those songs you couldn't (APK teardown)
AppWizard
February 11, 2025

Google’s Android app is getting ready to remember all those songs you couldn’t (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Android app's song identification feature with a new audio search tool that currently lacks a history of past searches. An APK teardown indicates that a search log is in development, allowing users to revisit previously identified songs. The latest beta build of the Google app, version 16.5.33.sa.arm64, includes text strings suggesting the implementation of a search history, featuring identifiers for artist names, track details, images, and timestamps. While the interface for this search history is still in early stages, a history icon has been added to the search screen, indicating a potential Recent song searches view. Users can expect a design similar to the existing Now Playing history, displaying essential song information, album artwork, and timestamps.
Microsoft’s Xbox to sell games directly on Android app after US Court ruling against Google- All details
BetaBeacon
October 11, 2024

Microsoft’s Xbox to sell games directly on Android app after US Court ruling against Google- All details

A federal judge ruled that Google must allow third-party app stores and alternative payment systems on Android devices due to its monopoly on the Android app store. Microsoft has quickly taken advantage of this ruling by updating its Xbox Android app to simplify the gaming experience and plans to launch a browser-based Xbox mobile store. Other game publishers and app developers are uncertain about how these changes will impact the mobile gaming landscape.
Microsoft's Xbox to sell games directly through Android app, taking advantage of US ruling against Google - Times of India
AppWizard
October 11, 2024

Microsoft’s Xbox to sell games directly through Android app, taking advantage of US ruling against Google – Times of India

Microsoft will launch a direct sales model for Xbox games through its Android app in November, following a federal court ruling that deemed Google's Android app store an illegal monopoly. This ruling requires Google to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment systems for three years. Xbox President Sarah Bond stated that the updated app will offer more choice and flexibility for gamers, enabling direct game purchases and access via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft is also exploring a browser-based Xbox mobile store featuring first-party games. Google plans to appeal the court's decision.
US Judge Orders Google To Allow Android App Store Competition
AppWizard
October 8, 2024

US Judge Orders Google To Allow Android App Store Competition

A federal judge has ordered Google to implement significant changes to its Play app store following a legal challenge from Epic Games. Judge James Donato's ruling requires Google to allow rival app stores on its platform and to make its entire app catalogue accessible to competitors unless developers opt out. This decision follows a jury trial that found Google's Android app store and billing service to be an illegal monopoly and identified anticompetitive agreements with various companies. The judge emphasized the need to dismantle barriers in the app ecosystem and limited the duration of the changes to three years. The ruling will take effect on November 1, giving Google eight months to develop a strategy for compliance, overseen by a technical committee. Key measures include preventing Google Play’s billing system from being dominant and allowing developers to inform users about alternative payment methods. The ruling also imposes restrictions on Google's practices, such as banning revenue sharing with app distributors and prohibiting incentives for exclusive launches on the Play Store. Google has expressed concerns about potential negative consequences and plans to appeal the decision.
Search