The Epic vs Google court battle has come to a verdict, with a jury unanimously voting in Epic’s favor, and declaring that Google has an “illegal monopoly” with the Play Store and Google Play billing.
As reported by The Verge, the jury voted that Google has a monopoly over Android app distribution and in-app billing, that Google has engaged in anticompetitive practices around its markets, and that Epic was injured by Google’s behavior. The case seems to have particularly come down to the multiple reveals throughout the case that Google’s practices and deals were deemed as anti-competitive.
While the verdict is in, the case isn’t over just yet. Judge James Donato still hasn’t announced what Epic has won or what changes Google will be required to make.
Epic, in a blog post, says that the verdict is “a win for all app developers.”
Today’s verdict is a win for all app developers and consumers around the world. It proves that Google’s app store practices are illegal and they abuse their monopoly to extract exorbitant fees, stifle competition and reduce innovaion.
This is honestly surprising. How can the courts rule that Google has a monopoly but Apple does not? Android phones actually allow side loading apps outside of the app store.
It likely has more to do with the deals they make to reduce fees for some apps but not others
It can’t, the difference is Apple’s trial didn’t have a jury.
Apple must hate this outcome - I bet they’ve already unleashed their lobbyists to try to minimise the blowback.
In combination with EU’s recent tilt to allow other app stores… they are definitely not loving this.
Man. I wish they still made phones that look like the 4a. Looks so modern and good, even all these years later.
I had 4a and it was decent device. The only things that I did’t like was mediocre battery life and 60Hz screen.
I’m not saying I don’t agree, but isn’t Apple similar with a completely locked down system that doesn’t allow apps outside the App Store? I’m saying cause they won their case
Top marks to Epic for fighting that battle. But are they now going to fine Google for all the profit they illegally gained in the last ten years? Or just a slap on the wrist and require them to put in some weak-choose-another-store option in some phones moving forward?
They are going to require all Android phones come with both Android Play Store and Epic Games ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) so it is no longer a monopoly but a duopoly.
