Google Play Store

CCI orders probe against Google on complaint by gaming company Winzo

In its order, the CCI found Google to be prima facie in violation of antitrust provisions of the Competition Act due to the abuse of dominant position

CCI orders probe against Google, affiliates for unfair biz in gaming apps

Fair trade regulator CCI on Thursday ordered a probe against Google and its affiliates for alleged unfair business practices with respect to listing of real money gaming apps on Play Store. While passing the order, CCI said the "the Commission directs the Director General ('DG') to cause an investigation to be made into the matter under the provisions of Section 26(1) of the Act". The Commission also directed the DG to complete the investigation and submit a consolidated report within 60 days. The probe follows a complaint by Winzo Games, accusing Google of abusing its dominant position and unfairly favouring select gaming categories, thereby distorting competition. In its 24-page order, the regulator noted that the selective inclusion of DFS and Rummy apps gives them an undue competitive advantage. "Direct access to end-users via the dominant Play Store provides a significant edge to DFS and Rummy apps, potentially disadvantaging other RMG applications," the Commission said in it

Judge defers order in Google antitrust case requiring to open its app store

A federal judge on Friday delayed an order requiring Google to open up its Android app store to more competition until an appeals court decides whether to block the shake-up because of legal questions surrounding a jury's verdict that branded Google as an illegal monopolist. The delay granted during a court hearing in San Francisco comes less than two weeks after US District Judge James Donato issued a decision that would have forced Google to make sweeping changes to its Play Store for Android smartphones starting November 1. The mandated changes included a provision that would have required Google to make its library of more than 2 million Android apps available to any rivals that wanted access to the inventory and also distribute the alternative options in its own Play Store. Google requested Donato's order be stayed until the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could examine the handling of a month-long trial that led to the December 2023 verdict, which framed the Play Store as an ..

Jio Finance App now available on Google Play Store, Apple Store, MyJio

In addition, features such as seamless Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments, mobile recharge, and the ability to pay credit card bills are empowering customers to transact digitally with ease

Microsoft to start selling Xbox games through its own mobile app on Android

Xbox president announced the change after a US court ruling instructed Google to allow rival app stores on its Play Store for Android

WhatsApp explores replicating video call filters on native camera content

Reportedly, the feature was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.20 update available on the Google Play Store and adds a new filter button to the camera interface

Google extends support to help developers prevent app sideloading: Report

Sideloading of apps on Android devices is common, but developers prefer to avoid this practice. A sideloaded app is not counted in the developer's metrics on the Play Store

Tech wrap Sep 02: Apple iPad, Realme Narzo 70 Turbo 5G, Play Store and more

Apple expected to unveil new iPad models at its September 9 launch event. Google Play Store now allows simultaneous Android app downloads and updates. Realme to launch Narzo 70 Turbo on September 9

Google Play Store now allows simultaneous Android app downloads and updates

The feature is available widely across multiple devices and allows up to three apps to be downloaded, installed and updated at the same time

Google makes apps sideloading on Android a tad more difficult: Report

This is partly due to its strides to make Android apps smaller in size when delivered through the Google Play Store, which is the default app distribution platform for Android devices

Soon, you can play two games side-by-side on Google Play Games for PCs

Google Play Games service will soon allow players to jump back and forth from mobile to PC while making sure progress is not lost. In addition, there are super weekly prizes in store to earn

Google to not allow low-quality Android apps on Play Store from Aug: Report

Google has revised its minimum quality requirements for Android apps and will not allow those that do not meet requirement on Play Store from August 31

Google pauses plans to allow more real-money gaming apps on PlayStore

Google is doing so due to challenges related to the absence of a central licensing framework and complexities in developing an appropriate monetisation model

Your next smartphone can come pre-installed with India's own Indus Appstore

PhonePe is in advanced talks with major smartphone manufacturers to include its homegrown Indus Appstore in their devices

Google launches Gemini app in India with support for 9 local languages

Smartphone users can type, talk, or upload an image to get answers to their queries

Soon, Google Play Store may automatically launch newly installed apps

The 'App Auto Open' feature is still under development

Google to let users share passwords with family group: Here's how it works

Google's May 2024 Play Services update makes it possible for family members to share the Google Password Manager with each other

Google Play allows requesting in-app purchase payments from others: Report

Announced earlier this month at Google's annual developers conference, the "ask someone else to pay" feature is now rolling out on Google Play in India

NCLAT defers hearing on Google's Play Store billing policy to July 5

Insolvency appellate tribunal NCLAT on Friday deferred hearing to July 5 on the petitions filed against tech giant Google over its Play Store billing policy. A two-member National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) bench, after a brief hearing over the petitions, directed listing the matter after summer vacations on July 5. Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation, People Interactive India which operates Shaadi.com, and Mebigo Labs which operates Kuku FM have filed petitions before the NCLAT against Play Store billing policy. During the proceedings, counsel appearing from app developers requested the bench to pass an order directing status quo till the next date of hearing, though Google had not de-listed them from the Play Store for non-acceptance of policy terms. They urged the appellate tribunal to ask Google for an undertaking to this effect. Google's counsel refused to give an undertaking, however, assured the NCLAT that

Google's Quick Share for Android has QR code pairing option in beta: Report

Reportedly, the latest beta version of the Google Play Service presents a new option to establish a connection by scanning a generated QR Code for sharing files over Quick Share