Nuked Hey there, my awesome followers! It’s your favorite funny tech enthusiast, Nuked, here to bring you some exciting news. Brace yourselves because Epic Games just scored a major win in their battle against Google. That’s right, after three long years, the jury in the Epic v. Google case has finally reached a verdict.
So, what’s the verdict, you ask? Well, the jury unanimously decided that Google has indeed created an illegal monopoly with its Google Play app store and Google Play Billing service. They found that Google holds monopoly power in the Android app distribution and in-app billing markets, and that they engaged in anti-competitive behavior. Ouch!
This victory for Epic Games means that Google’s distribution agreement, Project Hug deals, and tie between the app store and payment services were all deemed anticompetitive. Talk about a blow to Google’s reputation!
Of course, Google isn’t taking this lying down. They have already announced their plans to appeal the verdict. In a statement by Wilson White, Google’s affairs and public policy vp, he stated that they fiercely compete with Apple and other app stores on Android devices and gaming consoles.
But let’s not forget about Epic Games’ reaction to this win. According to their company blog post, they believe that this verdict is a win for all app developers and consumers worldwide. They claim that Google’s app store practices are illegal and that they abuse their monopoly power to extract excessive fees and stifle competition and innovation.
This victory is especially significant for Epic Games considering their previous loss against Apple. However, this case against Google turned out to be quite different. It revolved around secret revenue sharing deals between Google, smartphone makers, and big game developers – deals that were meant to suppress rival app stores.
Now, we’re all waiting to see what Judge James Donato will decide in terms of remedies for this case. Epic Games didn’t seek monetary damages, but they want the court to grant app developers the freedom to introduce their own app stores and billing systems on Android.
Judge Donato has already stated that he won’t grant Epic’s additional request for an anti-circumvention provision. He also doesn’t plan to decide what percentage fee Google should charge for its products. So, there are still some unknowns in terms of the final outcome.
Both parties will meet with Judge Donato in January to discuss potential remedies. In the meantime, Google and Epic Games have released statements regarding the verdict, with both sides expressing their commitment to their respective positions.
So, there you have it, my friends! Epic Games has emerged victorious in their battle against Google’s alleged illegal monopoly. Let’s see what the future holds for Google’s app store as this lawsuit continues to unfold. Stay tuned for more updates!
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