Home › News ›

Google Barred from Requiring Its Apps on Phones with Play Store

Sep 2, 2025, 5:06 PM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

A judge today issued remedies in the government's antitrust case against Google. Google won't be forced to divest its Android operating system, nor its Chrome web browser, as the Department of Justice had requested. Google will also be allowed to continue paying partners (including Apple) to pre-load Search and other Google products. However, Google will be barred from exclusive deals around the distribution of search, Google Assistant, Gemini, or Chrome. Google must also end its requirement that device makers pre-load Google apps in order to access the Play Store. It's unclear if Google will appeal.

Engadget »

Related

Google Adding AirDrop to Android

Nov 20, 2025
Google is improving Android's Quick Share wireless file-sharing feature by adding compatibility with Apple's similar AirDrop feature on iPhones. This will make it easier to share photos, videos, and other files with nearby phones, between Android phones and iPhones.

HP Intros "Pro-Grade" Earbuds

Jan 4, 2023
HP has announced the Poly Voyager Free 60+ "pro-grade wireless earbuds for hybrid lifestyles." The unique smart charging case sports an LCD touchscreen for "easy access to volume and mute functions, fast insight into battery life and call status".

Google Launches a Smartwatch for Kids

May 29, 2024
The Fitbit Ace LTE is a new kids smartwatch from Google with a focus on exercise and movement. Like most smartwatches for kids, it lets parents keep in touch with their kids via voice and text, and a companion app (Android and iOS) for parents lets them track real-time location and manage allowed contacts.

Chrome on Android to Play Nicer with Third-Party Password Managers

Oct 18, 2024
Google is improving how its Chrome web browser on Android integrates with third-party auto-fill services such as password managers. Currently, such software must use a "compatibility mode" in Chrome that can be glitchy and is being phased out.

New Malware Protection Coming to Samsung Phones

Oct 31, 2023
Samsung has revealed that its forthcoming One UI 6 software for its Galaxy phones will include a new feature called Auto Blocker. It's designed to block unauthorized app installations, including blocking all side-loaded apps (apps not from an official app store.) The feature can be turned off for users who wish to side-load apps.

more news about:

Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

psycros

Sep 12, 2025, 4:22 PM
edited

LONG overdue

These are really the main things that everyone wanted and solves 90% of the anti-competitive issues with Google in the cellular business.

Page 1 of 1