Big Win for Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Against Apple and Google
Ah don’t you just love computers with the plastic and the wiring and they got lights and stuff? I don’t know, I just think they’re cute. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney finally has his first big win after spending three years crusading against Apple and Google’s app stores instead of making the Epic Game store not suck so it wouldn’t depend on exclusive games. Hey, but to each their own.
Victory Against Google
On Monday, the jury in the Epic V Google trial unanimously agreed with Epic’s argument that Google illegally used monopoly power and anti-competitive business deals to ensure the Play Store remains dominant in the Android app distribution market, thereby crushing Epic’s plans to bypass the Play Store tax. While this may be confusing given that Epic lost in court making basically the same argument against Apple, Epic’s case against Google was actually made easier since Google does allow third-party app stores on Android while doing everything they can behind the scenes to ensure those all fail. Google was also hurt by the fact that its executives wrote things down, allowing incriminating documents to be obtained by Epic’s covert task force of elite Fortnite hackers.
Potential Changes in App Store Landscape
This development could fundamentally change the app store landscape for both Apple and Google, but of course, Google will appeal the ruling and if it sticks, it’ll be years before the changes affect end users. Tim Sweeney’s long game strategy is evident in the survival of Fortnite and its expansion into a metaverse that won’t have to hand over a cut of its Android revenue to Google.
Apple Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, EU regulators are likely to serve Apple with a ban on App Store rules that block music services from steering users away from the App Store and towards other subscription options. It’s also theoretically possible that the European Council could find Apple up to 10% of annual sales as part of the decision. The right to repair movement is gaining traction, and Apple is expanding its self-repair program to more devices, including the iPhone 15 and newer M2 MacBook models. Apple is also facing accusations of false advertising regarding its so-called full self-driving feature.
Other Tech News
AMD has clarified its warranty terms for overclocked chips, the Australian competition and consumer commission fined Fitbit for misleading warranty claims, and the FTC released a warning about QR code scams. Valve has asked Steam Deck owners to stop inhaling the device’s exhaust fumes, and an AI companion robot has been dividing New York’s elderly community.
Conclusion
It’s a dynamic time in the tech industry with legal battles, regulatory scrutiny, and ongoing developments in innovation. It will be interesting to see how the rulings and decisions in these cases will shape the future of app stores, consumer rights, and technological advancements.
