All articles tagged with #app stores
Originally Published 20 days ago — by The Texas Tribune
A federal judge temporarily blocked a Texas law that imposed restrictions on minors' use of app stores, citing concerns that it was unconstitutionally vague and overbroad, and potentially violated free speech rights, while the law's supporters remain confident it will be upheld.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by The Verge
Epic and Google have agreed to settle their lawsuit, leading to significant changes in Android's app store ecosystem, including reduced fees, opening up to third-party stores globally, and allowing easier installation of alternative app stores, potentially transforming competition in the Android marketplace.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Engadget
California has enacted AB 1043, a law requiring app stores to implement age-gating measures based on user-inputted ages, and signed additional legislation regulating social media warning labels, AI chatbots, and deepfake pornography, aiming to enhance online safety and privacy protections for minors.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by TechCrunch
Epic Games has settled its antitrust lawsuit against Samsung, which accused Samsung of collaborating with Google to block rival app stores through features like 'Auto Blocker.' The case was dismissed following discussions, with Epic expressing gratitude for Samsung addressing its concerns. This settlement follows Epic's previous legal victories against Google and its launch of its own app store.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by BBC
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law requiring Apple and Google to verify users' ages in their app stores, mandating parental approval for minors, which opposes the interests of these tech giants and follows similar laws in other states. The law aims to enhance online safety for children but raises privacy concerns and faces opposition from Apple and Google, who argue it could compromise user privacy and impose burdensome data collection requirements.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
US lawmakers have urged Apple and Google to prepare to remove TikTok from their app stores by January 19, following a federal appeals court decision requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok in the US or face a ban. The bipartisan call from the House committee on China emphasizes national security concerns over Chinese oversight. TikTok and ByteDance are seeking a Supreme Court review to block the law, while the Department of Justice acknowledges that the ban would eventually render the app unusable. TikTok warns that the app will become unavailable to new users if the law takes effect.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Engadget
The New York Times has been sending DMCA takedown notices to developers of Wordle clones, with the latest notice targeting a clone called "Reactle" and its numerous spinoffs. The Times claims ownership of the name Wordle and its mechanics, including the 5x6 grid, green and yellow tiles, and the keyboard layout. However, the simplicity of Wordle's premise suggests that the takedown requests may not eliminate its clones and alternatives entirely.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by MacRumors
With the release of iOS 17.4, iPhone users in the EU can access third-party app stores, but Apple warns that users traveling outside the bloc will only have a "grace period" before some features stop working. This change is to comply with the Digital Markets Act, allowing users to download apps from marketplaces outside of Apple's App Store. Users can set their preferred alternative app store as the default, and parental controls are available. Access to alternative app marketplaces is determined by the user's location and Apple ID settings. The first alternative app marketplace will launch in the EU this week, with more to follow.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Financial Times
A new US bill proposes to ban TikTok from app stores unless its parent company, ByteDance, divests it, citing national security concerns. The bill aims to prevent the Chinese-owned app from collecting sensitive data on American users and follows similar actions taken against other Chinese tech companies. If passed, the legislation could significantly impact TikTok's operations in the US.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Reuters
Apple has revealed that several government agencies in the EU and elsewhere have expressed concerns about the security risks associated with "sideloading" on iPhones and iPads as the company prepares to comply with EU tech rules. The Digital Markets Act will require Apple to offer alternative app stores on its devices and allow developers to opt out of using its in-app payment system. Some agencies, particularly those serving essential functions, have reached out to Apple about the new changes, seeking assurances that they can prevent government employees from sideloading apps onto government-purchased iPhones. Apple did not disclose the number of concerned agencies or their locations.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Verge
In compliance with the Digital Markets Act, Apple is now allowing developers to add alternative app marketplaces and submit their apps for Notarization, as it prepares to end its exclusive role in iPhone app distribution with the release of iOS 17.4 in the EU next month. This move comes ahead of the launch of alternative iOS app stores by companies like Epic Games and AltStore.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by TechCrunch
Google has agreed to implement several changes to Google Play and sideloading as part of a $700 million settlement with the U.S. attorney general. These changes include supporting app installs from third-party app stores, allowing alternative billing mechanisms for in-app purchases, and granting more rights to preloaded apps by OEM installers. Google will also combine the warning screen for installing apps from alternative sources with the settings screen. However, the impact of these changes on developers may be limited, as the 4% discount offered by Google for user choice billing may not be enough to incentivize a switch to another payment processor.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Financial Times
Google and Apple's app stores continue to generate significant revenue, with both companies profiting from the booming mobile app industry. The app stores serve as cash machines, providing a steady stream of income for Google and Apple through app purchases, subscriptions, and in-app advertisements. The success of these app stores highlights the growing importance of mobile apps in today's digital landscape.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Economist
Google's app store has been deemed a monopoly and accused of engaging in anticompetitive behavior by a jury in a recent court case. The verdict raises questions about the app-store economy and may impact other lawsuits against Google. The case focused on whether Google's Android operating system allows for other app stores besides the Google Play store. The jury rejected Google's defense that it competes fiercely with other app stores. The verdict may lead to changes in the app-store economy, potentially allowing app developers to be freed from Google's billing system. Both Google and Apple are facing challenges to their app store commissions, which account for a significant portion of their revenue.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NPR
Epic Games has won a lawsuit against Google, with a jury ruling that Google operates as an illegal monopoly in its app store policies. However, Epic largely lost its case against Apple, as a federal judge dismissed most of its monopoly claims. The conflicting rulings raise questions about the future of app stores. Epic is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision in the Apple case, while hearings will be held in January to determine remedies for Google's monopoly practices. The cases could potentially lead to lower prices, more innovation, and increased competition in the app store market. Additionally, regulatory pressure in the European Union may also influence changes to app store policies.