legal ruling Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google To Start Verifying All Android App Developers

Google is implementing changes that will allow the installation of Android apps from sources beyond the Google Play Store due to a legal ruling from an antitrust case with Epic Games. This shift will introduce stringent measures requiring developers to meet Google's standards for app installation, potentially challenging hobbyist developers. The new regulations aim to reduce malware from non-Google Play sources, enhancing user safety, but may impact accessibility.

AppWizard

August 2, 2025

Google Merely Stalls Epic-Ordered Play Store Overhaul With Emergency Stay, Delaying Inevitable Crack In Its Tight Control Over Android Apps And Billing

Google is required to change its app distribution model following a U.S. appeal court ruling that upheld a December 2023 verdict deeming its Play Store an illegal monopoly. The ruling mandates that Google allow third-party billing systems and alternative app stores, with a compliance deadline of fourteen days. Google is seeking an emergency stay to delay the implementation of these changes, arguing that they could disrupt operations and affect revenue, as well as compromise security and user experience. Critics believe Google's actions are aimed at maintaining its market dominance rather than ensuring user safety. An emergency stay has been granted, providing temporary relief but delaying inevitable changes.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Alphabet’s 2.32% Drop and $5.36B Volume Rank 14th as Legal Ruling Mandates Android App Store Overhaul

On July 31, Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) declined by 2.32% with a trading volume of 0.36 billion, making it the 14th most liquid stock. This decline followed a ruling by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a federal court decision requiring Google to change its Android app store policies to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment systems. The court rejected Google's arguments against the ruling, which was initially based on findings of anticompetitive practices. Google plans to appeal the decision, while Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called it a "total victory" and plans to launch the Epic Games Store on Android. The court also dismissed Google's defense regarding competition with Apple's app store. Separately, a strategy of acquiring the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume for one day yielded a return of 166.71% from 2022 to the present, significantly outperforming the benchmark return of 29.18%.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Court rules PC game Dark and Darker did not infringe Nexon’s copyright, but orders compensation

The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Ironmace did not infringe upon Nexon’s copyright related to the P3 project in the development of the game Dark and Darker. However, the court ordered Ironmace to pay 8.5 billion won (approximately .87 million) in damages to Nexon, acknowledging the impact of Ironmace's actions on fair market competition. Nexon has been involved in this legal battle since 2021, claiming that a former lead from its P3 project misappropriated source codes and data to create Ironmace and develop Dark and Darker. Nexon plans to pursue further legal action through a higher court. Ironmace expressed respect for the court's ruling.

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.

AppWizard

November 28, 2024

Xbox forced to delay game purchasing feature for Android Xbox app

Microsoft's plans to enhance its Android Xbox app with a feature allowing US players to purchase and play Xbox games directly from their mobile devices have been delayed due to a "temporary administrative stay" granted by a court. This feature was initially set to launch this month, following a court ruling that required Google to open its Play Store to competitors for three years. Despite the feature being fully developed, Microsoft is unable to launch it until the court reaches a final decision. Xbox president Sarah Bond stated the team is ready to activate the feature as soon as possible. Google spokesperson Dan Jackson claimed that Microsoft has always had the ability to allow purchases through its app but chose not to. The court ruling also identified Google as operating a monopoly and deemed the mandatory use of Google Play Billing illegal.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Epic judge lets Google keep its Android app store closed to competitors — for now

Judge James Donato granted Google a temporary administrative stay regarding changes to its Android app store rules, allowing Google to postpone compliance with most aspects of a previous ruling while it appeals. A jury had determined that Google's Play Store was an illegal monopoly, and the stay delays the implementation of this ruling. Starting November 1, 2024, Google must refrain from entering agreements that prevent the preinstallation of rival app stores for three years. Google expressed satisfaction with the stay, while Epic Games criticized it, claiming it highlights the meritlessness of Google's appeal.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Xbox games will be purchasable from the Android app soon

Xbox games will be available for purchase directly through an Android app starting in November. This change follows a legal ruling that allows third-party app stores and eliminates the requirement for developers to use Google Play billing. Streaming games via the Xbox app will likely require an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Xbox games are coming to the Xbox app on Android soon — what you need to know

Beginning in November, Xbox users in the United States will be able to purchase and play games directly through the Xbox App on Android devices. This change follows a legal ruling in December 2023, where a US judge issued a permanent injunction against Google, allowing developers to create their own app stores on Android. Microsoft is developing an Xbox Mobile Store, with plans initially announced in May. Xbox President Sarah Bond has expressed enthusiasm about the ruling, highlighting increased choice and flexibility for gamers. Google is currently facing multiple lawsuits regarding its business practices, with potential implications for its structure.

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.