Web Desk
Aug 15, 2024
In an array of developments surrounding Google and App Store's updated regulations, a US District Judge James Donato on Wednesday announced the issuance of an official order aimed at obliging Google to expand app marketplaces for Android users.
The development comes on the heels of Google's recently held Made by Google event in California where the tech giant released the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds Pro 2 and various other offerings that are exclusive to its flagship products and services.
In an earlier hearing of an antitrust lawsuit against Google, the jury had announced the verdict in favour of Epic Games, the developer behind the globally acclaimed Fortnite game.
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The judge expressed resentment over Google's concerns regarding App Store reforms, which Epic believes are crucial to retaining healthy competition among app marketplaces.
"You’re going to end up paying something to make the world right after having been found to be a monopolist," said the judge.
Slated to be conducted, Donato's next ruling on this petition will contain guidelines for Google, and ensure the formation of a compliance and technical committee to see whether Google complies with those guidelines.
“Google foreclosed competition for years and years and years. We’re opening the gate now and letting competitors come in,” said the judge while reflecting on measures Google has reportedly been taking for so long to avoid competition.
On the other hand, Epic in its case accused Google of establishing a monopoly on app access and in-app payments on Android devices.
