Unveiling the iQoo 12: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Now Available in India!
Utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the iQoo 12 was introduced in India.
It’s Official iQoo 12 Anniversary Edition Will Launch in India Soon
Just a few weeks after its original showing in China, iQoo 12 made its debut in India in December 2023. The phone sports a 5,000mAh battery with support for cable fast charging and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU. The phone has a quad-HD AMOLED display and is powered by the Android 14 user interface. It comes with two RAM and storage variants and a triple rear camera set with a periscope camera. It has now been confirmed by iQoo that a special Anniversary Edition of the iQoo 12 will shortly be released.
Nipun Marya, CEO of iQoo India, announced the imminent India launch of the iQoo 12 Anniversary Edition model in a post on X (previously Twitter). In an open letter linked to the article, the business executive claimed that this is the first Anniversary Edition phone that iQoo would release in the nation. It will signal the end of the firm’s four-year adventure in India.
Neither the company nor the executive have verified any more information on the iQoo 12 Anniversary Edition. We don’t know how it will differ from the country’s current iQoo 12 offering. The color and/or finish of the rear panel, like with many special edition phones, might vary. It is rumored that the forthcoming edition would come in a red colorway, similar to the Burning Way model that was released in China. However, as nothing official is known, readers should take this suggestion with a grain of salt.
iQoo 12 is available in China in a third Burning Way (translated from Chinese) hue.
The iQoo 12 was released in India featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and a specialized Q1 processor to increase gaming performance, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 internal storage. It runs Android 14-based FuntouchOS 14 and has a 6.78-inch 144Hz quad-HD LTPO AMOLED display. The phone is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that supports 120W FlashCharge.
For optics, the iQoo 12 sports a triple rear camera unit with a 50-megapixel main sensor, another 50-megapixel sensor combined with an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom. The front camera has a 16-megapixel sensor. The iQoo 12 is available in Alpha and Legend hues and is priced in India at Rs. 52,999 for the 12GB + 256GB version and Rs. 57,999 for the 16GB + 512GB edition.
Velar, Powered by Bitcoin, Will Launch Native Token Through ByBit, Praising India for Rapid Tech Adoption
The Velar liquidity protocol, which is powered by Bitcoin, has announced the release of its native cryptocurrency of the same name. The coin is being introduced to the trading market by ByBit, which is billed as the world’s second-biggest cryptocurrency exchange after Binance. Now that a token based on the Bitcoin project is listed on an exchange as well-known as ByBit, the team of Indian engineers behind this project asserts that the launch marks a turning point for the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Through an initial DEX offering, the Velar token will be available for trade on ByBit as of April 3. The startup wants to draw attention to the Bitcoin blockchain’s potential in the field of decentralized finance (DeFi). The company thinks there might be additional use cases and higher returns for BTC’s developer and investor communities if activity on the blockchain expands.
The co-founder and CEO of this project, Mithil Thakore, gave an explanation of why the team decided to launch Velar on the Bitcoin blockchain rather than one of the other, more affordable and energy-efficient blockchains, in an interview with Gadgets360. Due to its proof-of-work concept, Bitcoin is frequently criticized for requiring a lot of energy.
🚀 New Launchpad Project — $VELAR Snapshot Starts Soon! @VelarBTC
Subscription Period: Apr 3, 2024, 3:30 AM UTC – Apr 3, 2024, 10:59 AM UTC
It was important to select the strongest, safest, and most reliable blockchain while deciding to construct Velar on top of Bitcoin. With its superior security, vast network, and more than $1 trillion in latent wealth just waiting to be released, the asset is unrivaled, according to Thakore. “Although other blockchains may present more cost-effectiveness or increased efficiency, none can match the history of Bitcoin as the most established and reliable blockchain.”
Velar intends to release a native trading platform for Bitcoin in the next days. Users can trade with 20 times their capital holdings on this platform in the hopes of earning higher profits. It is noteworthy that there may be a risk to investors’ funds while doing this type of trading. The company anticipates a promising future for its web3 business in India.
India offers a great opportunity due to its quick adoption of digital money and rising interest in cryptocurrencies. Velar’s cutting-edge Bitcoin DeFi solutions thrive in the nation thanks to its tech-savvy populace and vibrant development community, setting the company up for significant expansion in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, according to Thakore.
The Velor team is one of the few investigating the applications of the Bitcoin blockchain. It has extended an invitation to other Web3 developers to explore the Bitcoin ecosystem.
“Being a strong, safe platform, Bitcoin necessitates a careful comprehension of its advantages and disadvantages. We want developers to jump in with the intention of innovating within the special constraints of Bitcoin. The CEO of the firm said, “We offer our support and guidance to those looking to build and explore. We are eager to empower builders to contribute to this evolving ecosystem.”
It has been reported that Samsung withdrew from the competition to manufacture screens for the iPhone SE 4 because of problems with cost.
BOE Develops as Front-Runner for iPhone SE 4 OLED Screen Supply Amidst Vendor Negotiations
Report BOE Will Produce the OLED Screen for the iPhone SE 4 Rather Than Samsung
A rumor claims that the OLED screen of Apple’s fourth generation “Special Edition” smartphone, the iPhone SE 4, would probably come from a Chinese company. Three vendors were apparently involved in negotiations with the iPhone manufacturer over the price of the display for the impending midrange smartphone; one of them is alleged to have pulled out over the display’s cost. Since the current iPhone SE model was released in 2022, Apple has not yet disclosed any information on future plans to create a new model.
The Chinese electronic component company BOE (Jingdongfang), according to a ZDNet Korea story (in Korean) citing industry sources, has secured the contract to produce the OLED screen for the rumored iPhone SE 4. According to the source, Apple was soliciting bids for the iPhone SE (2022) replacement from three suppliers: Samsung, BOE, and Tianma.
The report states that BOE is probably going to supply most of the iPhone SE 4’s screens after Samsung withdrew from the competition due to concerns about its viability for business. The Chinese businesses requested $30 (approximately Rs. 2,500) per display unit, while Samsung Display allegedly proposed a price of $35 to $40 (about Rs. 2,900 to Rs. 3,300) for each unit. It is predicted that the iPhone SE 4 would have a design akin to the iPhone 14 and enable Face ID.
Apple allegedly made a far lower offer of $25, or around Rs. 2,100, which is what prompted Samsung to call off the negotiations in the middle of March. The insider informed the outlet that because of the reduced cost concerns, the South Korean tech company was not particularly interested in making the screens for the midrange phone right once.
Out of the two Chinese suppliers, BOE seems to be the only company that can make display units for the iPhone SE 4, and they are apparently prepared to deliver the part for Apple’s less expensive smartphone. In the meanwhile, Tianma has failed to match Apple’s technological specifications for the iPhone SE 4’s display, which is expected to launch in 2025.
This week, an update will also be released for Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series.
On March 28, Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Other Devices Will Get One UI 6.1 Update With Galaxy AI
Samsung to Roll Out One UI 6.1 Update for Galaxy Tab S9 Series This Week, Including AI Abilities!
It is now known that on Tuesday, Samsung will reveal the release schedule for the One UI 6.1 upgrade, which will expand the availability of Galaxy AI capabilities to additional devices within the Galaxy ecosystem. The business has officially announced that the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series will all get AI functions. The news follows a report that claimed certain Chinese owners of the Galaxy S23 series have received notification of the latest update.
Samsung said in a media article that the One UI 6.1 upgrade, the first significant update to the One UI 6.0, which was based on Android 14 and published in October 2023, will start to roll out in the US on March 28 for the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Starting this week, the update will also be available for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series. April is when the majority of people should start to receive the update. Although the firm made no mention of a worldwide deployment, all areas should have access to it by the end of next month.
The business stated that “Galaxy AI puts our groundbreaking suite of AI tools in the palm of more users’ hands in different form factors — tailoring the mobile experience to their needs” when making the announcement.
Earlier in March, the South Korean tech giant initially said that Galaxy AI functions will be available on additional smartphones. Users will now be able to utilize features like Circle to Search, which allows them to highlight or choose an object and conduct a visual search on Google while still within the app, after the update launches. Live Translate is an additional function that facilitates real-time, two-way speech and live caption translations during phone conversations. The One UI 6.1 upgrade will also bring Samsung’s AI-powered picture editing feature, Generative Edit, and Chat Assist in Samsung Keyboard.
According to a report published last week, during the company’s shareholders’ meeting in Seoul, TM Roh, the president of Samsung’s mobile business, mentioned that the Samsung Galaxy S22 series would include some of the Galaxy AI capabilities. According to reports, the series was disqualified from receiving the AI features since it lacked the necessary hardware.
Cyberpunk 2077 will be available for free trial when you download the full game, and it will run for five hours until April 1.
This weekend, a limited trial of Cyberpunk 2077 will be available for free on current generation consoles
Get Cyberpunk 2077 for Free: A Five-Hour Game Trial Is Available Until April 1.
Developer CD Projekt Red has announced that Cyberpunk 2077 will be playable for free this coming weekend as part of a limited trial. For a few hours, the well-known game will be available for free on Microsoft and Sony’s current generation consoles, but not on PCs. You will be able to play the core Cyberpunk 2077 game, which requires a full download in order to be accessed during the trial. The testing scheduled for this weekend will not include the Phantom Liberty expansion.
The Cyberpunk 2077 website states that the free trial will run from March 28 at 4 p.m. CET (8 p.m. IST) to April 1 at 8:59 a.m. CEST (12:29 p.m. IST). During the trial time, you will get five hours to play the game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, all of which are current-generation platforms. PC gamers are not included in the experiment, according to CDPR, for “technical reasons”.
You can only play Cyberpunk for five hours during the trial time; after that, you’ll need to buy the game in order to keep playing. If, after the trial period, you decide to purchase Cyberpunk 2077, the developer claims that your saved progress will be carried over to the full version of the game.
Five hours of gameplay is a rather short period for a free trial, especially as the game has several cutscenes that need conversation, which will eat up a significant portion of the trial’s restricted duration. The Phantom Liberty expansion isn’t included in the trial, so you can’t play it if you already purchase the main game.
You will need to download the full game in order to play Cyberpunk 2077 as part of the forthcoming trial; on the PlayStation 5, this will be 99.3GB, and on Microsoft’s current-generation consoles, it will be around 103GB. During the trial period, you won’t require a subscription (like Game Pass) to play the game, and many players can test it on a single console as long as they each have their own user account.
The Android 2.24.7.17 WhatsApp beta was found to include the new setting option.
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WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.24.7.17 Introduces Enhanced Media Upload Quality Options
It is said that a new feature coming soon to WhatsApp for Android would make transmitting high-quality photos and videos simpler than it is now. It is said that the new function would include a configuration option that will let users choose between sending media in regular quality and high definition. The app will utilize the preference you set for all upcoming media uploads when you make it. Notably, WhatsApp just released the ability for users to pin three messages in group and individual chats.
The WhatsApp update tracker WABetaInfo discovered the new functionality in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.7.17 release. On Monday, testers for the Android beta version started receiving it via the Google Play Beta Program. According to reports, the new version allows users to easily adjust the upload quality of photos and videos through Settings, saving them the trouble of having to go through the same steps each time they upload new media.
A New Feature for WhatsApp Will Allow All Media Uploads to Be in High Definition Report
A new Setting option appears in the Storage and data menu, according to a screenshot included in the article. According to reports, there are two possibilities in this new menu option called Media upload quality: Standard quality and HD quality. Once a user makes a selection, that preference will be followed for all subsequent uploads.
In August 2023, the messaging platform debuted the HD Photo Sharing function. Shortly after, it also added support for high-definition movies. However, each time a user sends a photo or a video, they now have to explicitly choose whether they want to transmit the data in high definition or regular resolution. For individuals who often prefer to transmit regular files and only infrequently exchange HD photographs and movies, the granular control proved handy. This step is superfluous for individuals who simply wish to choose one of the alternatives, though.
This problem should be resolved with the next version of WhatsApp. It is said that you may still adjust the quality of the preview screen, but it is now preset to the choice you select in the settings. Though it hasn’t been verified for iOS or the desktop client, the capability is reportedly available for Android. Note that none of the available solutions let users transfer material in the original resolution, which might be problematic if the file is big. Users will need to share it as a document in order to accomplish that.
With the addition of a new HQ button, Google hopes to match Apple’s Continuity Camera function for the iPhone in terms of quality.
Google Pixel Smartphones Will Get a High Quality Mode for the Webcam Feature in Android 15 Report
Google’s Android 15 Ready to Introduce High-Quality Camera Mode, Taking Target at Apple’s Continuity Camera
A number of new features are likely to be included to Android 15, which is scheduled to release in the second half of 2024. These improvements are anticipated to first appear on Google’s Pixel phones before spreading to other Android-powered devices. The Android 15 Developer Preview 2 was released last week, giving us a sneak peek at a few new features. However, the firm is also allegedly working on enhancing a function that allows you to use your Android phone as a camera.
A new rumor from Android Authority claims that Android 15 will include improvements to the camera functionality that was first seen on Pixel devices. The outlet previously compared the Pixel 8 Pro’s webcam capability to Apple’s Continuity Camera for iPhone models, which has the same feature, and discovered that the latter provides far higher quality video. According to reports, Google may address this difference in the upcoming Android release.
The source claims that the camera mode on Android 15 will include a new HQ button that activates a high-quality option when it launches later this year. This option is supposed to prevent power optimizations that reduce video quality to save battery life, in contrast to the default mode that has been available since Android 14. This should improve the video captured while in webcam mode.
As of right now, it’s unknown how using the premium battery would affect its lifespan in comparison to the ordinary mode. Since Google’s camera function can only be used in wired mode, the attached USB connection may be able to somewhat offset battery consumption; nevertheless, customers who anticipate taking longer conversations may want to think about using the standard mode instead.
With the most recent version of Android 12 DP 2, support for the new high-quality mode is now enabled. Users who have installed the preview on their Pixel devices may now experiment with the feature and contrast it with the original mode.
When it comes to Android 15, Google is working on a number of features that will be included in the final release when it is released in the second half of 2024. These features include native support for satellite connectivity, enhanced NFC functionality, better support for apps on foldable phone cover screens, and support for configuring app archiving.
CMF Buds and CMF Neckband Pro will be launched next month, these will be the latest audio products in the sub-brand of Nothing. Both devices will arrive simultaneously with the launch of Nothing Phone 2a, a UK startup led by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei. Ahead of their arrival, the company has unveiled some specifications about the CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds.
CMF Neckband Pro, CMF Buds India Launch Date Set for March 5; to Debut Alongside Nothing Phone 2a
Nothing, a sub-brand known for its innovative tech products, is set to launch a series on March 5th in India. This includes the main launch of CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds, as well as the debut of Nothing Phone 2a. The significance of this launch event is more than just the unveiling of the product, it is a testament to the innovations that Nothing has brought to the Indian tech market.
According to the company’s website, CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds will debut in India on March 5 at 5 pm. Nothing Phone 2a will also be launched in India on the same day. These products will be available in the country through Flipkart, like other products of the company.
The CMF Neckband Pro, which is the company’s first neckband-style headset, will have five microphones that will be used for AI-assisted noise cancellation during calls. According to the company, this device supports hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) up to 50dB.
On the other hand, the CMF Buds will have a 12.4mm driver which will come with bio fiber and custom TPU materials, as stated by the company. Like the CMF Neckband Pro, this TWS headset also supports ANC, but details about this feature have not been announced yet.
The company also revealed that both the CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds will be supported through the Nothing
It has been told in this blog that CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds aim to bring a new audio experience, which will let the users experience immersive sound and advanced noise cancellation. At the same time, detailed information has also been given about its launch date and platforms in India.
For the first time, Apple dropped the “Bionic” label when introducing its 3nm A17 Pro SoC to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. References discovered in leaked iOS 18 code suggest that things may be very different for the normal iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus compared to the earlier A16 Bionic. It appears that Apple’s most advanced A18 chipset will be included in every iPhone 16 model that is released the following year. Then then, Apple may give the A18 a new name to better distinguish it from the non-Pro and “Pro” models.
Apple’s A18 SoC Will Be Available in Every iPhone 16 Model Launching Next Year, Per Leaked Code in iOS 18
Apple has decided to maintain the same nomenclature for the iPhone 16 series in 2024; an A18-based “Ultra” model will not be released.
Apple’s A18 SoC Will Be Available in Every iPhone 16 Model Launching Next Year, Per Leaked Code in iOS 18
The iOS 18 update, dubbed “Crystal,” has been leaked by MacRumors and includes allusions to four next iPhone models. The following devices are mentioned in the unique identification that separates all iPhone 16 variants.
D47: iPhone 16
D48: iPhone 16 Plus
D93: iPhone 16 Pro
D94: iPhone 16 Pro Max
As you might expect, there isn’t a single “Ultra” model in the range for next year, indicating that Apple isn’t yet ready to rename the iPhone series. According to the leaked code, the iPhone 16 series as a whole will use a new SoC with the codename “Tahiti” and designation number t8140. According to chronological naming methods, this would be the A18. Based on available information, Apple appears to be using the same chipset in all of its handsets.
Nevertheless, more data suggests that the “Pro” and non-Pro versions of the A18 may include two different variations. The bespoke SoC for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus is generally referred to by Apple as “D4y,” whereas the internal code for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max is called “D9x.” Since it is a bad business plan and would discourage customers from buying the more costly models, it is improbable that the tech giant will use the same technology in all four models while attaching different price tags to them.
Rather, the A18—which powers the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus—is probably just the A17 Pro rebranded under a different name, with the higher-performing SoC designated as the “A18 Pro.” Regarding the production process, Apple could go to TSMC’s “N3E” node, which is purported to have better yields and a lower cost-per-wafer than N3B technology, making it the more prudent option. As for additional data, such the number of CPU and GPU cores, we do not yet have them. Moreover, because 2023 is not yet over, we do not anticipate hearing about these speculations until the beginning of 2024. As always, we will keep our readers informed in the future.
Apple’s A18 SoC Will Be Available in Every iPhone 16 Model Launching Next Year, Per Leaked Code in iOS 18
Improvements in performance:
Based on the developments of the A-series chips in the past, speculate on possible gains in performance for the A18. Bring up topics like efficiency gains, AI capabilities, and CPU and GPU performance.
Examine how the anticipated performance of the A18 and A18 Pro (if they are available) may be applied to practical use cases such as video editing, augmented reality, and gaming.
Features of the camera and software:
Talk about the A18’s possible camera improvements, such as enhanced picture processing, better low-light capabilities, and more photographic modes.
Mention any software features that are supposed to be specific to the iPhone 16 and that could make use of the A18’s capabilities, including improved machine learning apps or novel augmented reality experiences.
Market influence and competition:
Compare the anticipated features of the iPhone 16 to those of other Android manufacturers’ future flagships in brief, and talk about how the A18 might help Apple stay ahead of the competition.
Conjecture on how the iPhone 16 and A18 could affect the market for mobile processors and the state of smartphones in general.
FAQ: All the Information We Know (and Fear) About the iPhone 16 and Up
Q: When is the iPhone 16 coming out?
A: Since Apple usually releases new iPhone models in September, the iPhone 16 range should be available in September 2024.
Q: Will the A18 chip be included in every iPhone 16 model?
A: According to leaked information, the next iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16 Pro Max, and 16 nicknamed “Tahiti” would all use a new SoC, most likely the A18 processor. A18 for non-Pro models and a more sophisticated A18 Pro for Pro models, on the other hand, may be the two variations.
Q: Will the iPhone 16 Ultra be released?
A: According to recent sources, there won’t be a “Ultra” model in the 2024 lineup. It appears that Apple will continue to use its current naming convention.
Q: To what extent will the A18 be faster?
A: Although specifics are still being kept under wraps, based on the developments of the preceding A-series, expect notable improvements in:
Speed of the CPU and GPU:faster processing for more seamless operation in demanding apps, games, and daily duties.
AI capabilities :enhanced machine learning for better augmented reality, natural language understanding, and photography.
Efficiency increases:less heat generation and an extended battery life.
Q: What about the A18 Pro, should one exist? What will be the difference?
A: The purported A18 Pro could provide:
Increased clock rates:Performance that is even quicker than the A18 norm.
Extra GPU cores:improved graphics processing much further for demanding video editing and gaming.
specialized accelerators of artificial intelligence: enhanced effectiveness for particular AI tasks such as object identification and facial recognition.
Q: What improvements in cameras can we anticipate from the A18?
A: The enhanced image processing of the A18 may result in:
Improved low-light performance: Clearer, more detailed images in poorly lit settings.
Faster autofocus: Capture ephemeral moments with amazing accuracy.
New imaging modes: Experiment with different effects and characteristics to discover creative possibilities.
Q: What software functions could make the A18 more powerful?
A: Among the possible software improvements are:
Applications of advanced machine learning: Voice assistants, picture editing software, and translation that is more precise and efficient.
Immersion-based augmented reality: Games and apps for augmented reality that are more engaging and realistic.
Customized user encounters: For a more personalized experience, adjust based on your preferences and usage habits.
Q: How does the iPhone 16 compare to other high-end smartphones?
A: Given the anticipated performance of the A18, Apple should continue to lead the mobile processor market. This, along with more prospective developments in cameras and software, could:
Preserve Apple’s competitive advantage: delivering user experience and performance that are best in class.
Encourage industry innovation: encouraging the development of smartphones with even more features and power by other manufacturers.
Google’s $700 million settlement: Reshaping Play Store and Antitrust Impact
Google has agreed to pay $630 million into a consumer settlement fund and $70 million into a state-use fund.
Google will settle an antitrust lawsuit involving the Play Store by paying $700 million to US consumers.
As part of an antitrust settlement with US states and consumers, Alphabet’s Google will reportedly pay $700 million (approximately Rs. 5,819 crore) and redesign its Play app store to allow for more competition, the company announced in files made in federal court on Monday in San Francisco.
According to the deal, which is still pending a judge’s final approval, Google will pay $630 million (about Rs. 5,238 crore) into a settlement fund for consumers and $70 million (approximately Rs. 582 crore) into a fund that will be utilized by states.
According to the settlement, qualified users would get at least $2, or about Rs. 166, and they could also get extra payments depending on how much they spend on Google Play between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023.
The settlement included participation from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Google was accused of overcharging customers by imposing illegitimate limits on the Android app store’s program distribution and charging needless fees for in-app purchases. It made no admission of guilt.
The contents of the settlement were kept under wraps until after Google’s related trial with Fortnite creator Epic Games, which was disclosed in September by attorneys for the states and consumers. Final week, a federal jury in California found in favor of Epic, finding that some aspects of Google’s app store were anticompetitive.
Google will settle an antitrust lawsuit involving the Play Store by paying $700 million to US consumers.
The settlement, according to a statement from Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson White, “builds on Android’s choice and flexibility, maintains strong security protections, and retains Google’s ability to compete with other (operating system) makers, and invest in the Android ecosystem for users and developers.”
In addition to Play’s payment mechanism, the firm said it was extending the ability of app and game creators to provide customers an additional option for in-app purchases. Google claimed to have been testing “choice billing” for more than a year in the US.
Google promised to make it easier for customers to download apps straight from developers as part of the settlement.
The states that headed the alliance were California, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee, and Utah. According to a court filing on Monday, state authorities negotiated the settlement over the course of hundreds of hours.
“The changes Google is required to adopt will result in more innovation among app developers and lower prices for consumers, and that was always our number one goal,” Democratic attorney general of North Carolina Josh Stein told Reuters on Tuesday.
“No other US antitrust enforcer has yet been able to secure remedies of this magnitude from Google” or any other significant digital platform, according to the states’ attorneys.
In addition to suing for an injunction rather than monetary penalties, Epic is anticipated to provide its own suggestion for prospective modifications to Google’s Play store to US District Judge James Donato, who is presiding over the lawsuits, early next year.
Google will settle an antitrust lawsuit involving the Play Store by paying $700 million to US consumers.
The states’ settlement, according to a statement from Corie Wright, manager of Epic’s public policy, “did not address the core of Google’s unlawful and anticompetitive behavior.”
At the next round of its experiment, Epic plans, according to Wright, “to truly open up the Android ecosystem.”
In a post on the social networking site X, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the states would have been able to obtain a higher damages award “if they’d stayed in the fight a few weeks longer.”
Google is being sued again over its search and online advertising policies. In such instances, it has denied any wrongdoing.
FAQs on the Google Play Store Antitrust Settlement
1. What took place?
A: Google settled with US states and customers for $700 million in exchange for modifications to the Play Store. This disproves claims that Google engaged in unethical behavior in the app store, raising costs for users and stifling developer competition.
2. Who stands to gain?
A: Customers in the United States who bought applications on Google Play between 2016 and 2023 are entitled for a minimum of $2, and maybe much more depending on their expenditure. The Play Store’s modifications also intend to increase competition and maybe bring down app costs in the future.
3. What modifications is Google planning?
A:
Differential billing: Developers are no longer limited to use Google’s in-app payment mechanism; instead, they can now provide their own solutions.
Downloading apps directly: In some situations, users can download apps straight from creators’ websites, avoiding the Play Store.
Increased openness: Google plans to make information regarding developer restrictions and app fees more understandable.
4. To whom did the settlement not appeal?
A:
Epic Video Games: For these reasons, Fortnite’s creator sued Google, and in his opinion, the deal falls short of what is required. In their ongoing legal action, they seek even more significant reforms.
A few professionals: A few legal experts believe that not all of Google’s claimed anticompetitive activities are addressed by the modifications, and that the settlement sum is too low.
5. What takes occur next?
A:
The settlement needs to be approved by a judge.
Both Epic Games’ and the state’s legal actions against Google are still pending.
Google is being sued for antitrust violations pertaining to its advertising and search policies.
6. From where may I obtain further details?
A:
It’s a good idea to start with the Reuters piece that you referenced.
Additionally, you may visit the websites of the state attorney general offices that are part of the settlement.
Track press coverage of the legal action taken by Epic Games against Google.
