legal battles Archives

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

Fortnite Maker Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Praises Google’s ‘Awesome Proposal’ To Open Up Android And Resolve App Store Fight – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Google has proposed to open up Android in the U.S. in response to ongoing legal battles with Epic Games and other companies over its app store policies. If approved by the court, the proposal would simplify the global installation of competing app stores, lower developer service fees on Google Play, and allow third-party in-app and web-based payment options.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Fortnite Maker Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Praises Google’s ‘Awesome Proposal’ To Open Up Android And Resolve App Store Fight

Google is proposing changes to its app store policies amid legal battles with Epic Games and other companies. Apple is also facing legal challenges over its app store fees, including accusations of abusing its dominant position. Google's parent company, Alphabet, has experienced a significant stock rally with shares rising nearly 5% in October.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Palworld is going quiet as Pocketpair takes an iron to its ‘quirks and jank,’ with full release planned for 2026

Pocketpair has announced that Palworld's version 1.0 will be launched in 2026. Players should expect limited substantial updates throughout 2025 as the team focuses on refining the game and addressing bugs. A winter update will be released this year, along with sneak peeks of the upcoming 1.0 content.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Epic Games store challenges mobile monopolies

- Flappy Bird has made a comeback exclusively for Android users through the Epic Games store, developed by Flappy Bird Publishing. - The game includes Classic mode and a new Quest mode with unlockable worlds and obstacles. - Epic Games Store has struggled to meet installation goals, achieving fewer than 30 million installs out of a goal of 100 million by the end of 2024. - Alternative marketplaces on iPhones are needed to increase competition and benefit consumers through improved pricing and innovation.

TrendTechie

March 13, 2025

Соучредитель файлообменника The Pirate Bay погиб в авиакатастрофе

Karl Lundström, co-founder of the torrent tracker Pirate Bay, died in a plane crash on March 10 while traveling from Zagreb to Zurich. The Slovenian police reported that poor visibility due to bad weather likely contributed to the accident. Lundström was a Swedish politician and businessman who significantly influenced file sharing since Pirate Bay's inception in 2003. He faced legal issues with copyright holders, receiving a one-year prison sentence that was later reduced to four months, and was fined 32 million Swedish kronor (approximately €3 million).

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

GTA 5 Enhanced is your daily reminder that you should pirate every game that uses its own launcher

Rockstar has released the Enhanced Edition of Grand Theft Auto V for PC, featuring new Ray Tracing capabilities. However, users are experiencing persistent issues with the Rockstar Games Launcher, leading to frustration. One user spent two hours troubleshooting the launcher, attempting various fixes such as uninstalling the application, deleting registry entries, running executables as Administrator, and adjusting audio settings, but continued to encounter crashes. This situation raises concerns about the reliability of proprietary launchers and their impact on access to purchased games, including titles like Max Payne 3 and Red Dead Redemption. Many gamers feel that developers should focus on functionality and user experience.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

Can alternative app stores break through?

Amazon will close its Android App Store on August 20th, preventing developers from submitting new applications. Epic Games reported an 18% year-over-year decline in player spending on PC, amounting to 5 million in 2024, despite increased user accounts. Alternative app stores face challenges in competing with established platforms like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Companies like Huawei and Samsung have large user bases but struggle to generate significant revenue in Western markets. Alvaro Pinto, co-founder of Aptoide, notes that Amazon's closure occurs as the app distribution ecosystem is evolving, suggesting potential for new marketplaces despite existing hurdles. The upcoming Pocket Gamer Connects San Francisco event on March 17th to 18th will discuss insights on alternative app stores and direct-to-consumer practices.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

If not via the App Store, here’s how to download TikTok on Android in the U.S.

TikTok has announced that Android users in the U.S. can download the app from its official website due to its absence from Google and Apple’s app stores, following a new U.S. law effective January 19 that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban. Despite the law, TikTok remains unavailable on both platforms, and President Trump has signed an executive order delaying enforcement by 75 days while discussions for a potential acquisition continue. TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the U.S. and has denied allegations regarding the misuse of user data, stating that data is stored securely in the U.S. on Oracle-operated cloud servers. Concerns about ByteDance's ownership persist, and while there is bipartisan support for a ban, free speech advocates argue it undermines digital rights. The future of TikTok in the U.S. is uncertain, with no confirmation from ByteDance about a potential sale.

BetaBeacon

December 15, 2024

Epic Games Enters New Android Agreement for Fortnite

Epic Games and Telefonica have partnered to enhance mobile gaming accessibility, with the Epic Games Store app being pre-installed on new Android devices sold by Telefonica. This initiative aims to make it easier for users in select European countries and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries to download and play Fortnite right out of the box. The partnership also includes plans for additional benefits for mobile gamers on Telefonica's network to be unveiled in 2025. This collaboration is part of a broader trend in the gaming industry where game developers and telecommunications companies are working together to improve accessibility and enhance the gaming experience for users.