Federal judge, James Donato, has warned Google that Play Store changes are coming. In other words, those changes will be forced on Google by the state. This warning came during a three-hour hearing last week in San Francisco.
Federal judge warns Google, as Play Store changes are coming
These changes will be forced on Google as the US believes changes are necessary due to monopoly fears. Google lost the trial, as many of you remember, and these changes won’t be the only ones.
In any case, one change that Google will have to make is related to third-party Android app stores. Google will need to give its users the opportunity to install third-party app stores (from the Play Store), should they choose to do so.
The billing platform enforced by Google also seems to be problematic. It has made it difficult for developers to direct consumers to alternative payment platforms.
Google has, of course, brought up the security issue with third-party app stores. That’s something similar to what Apple did. Google claims that without the ability to scan apps in third-party app stores, the potential security threat is much higher.
It could cost Google around $600 million to put all the required changes in place
Judge Donato said that Google will be required to make the changes to the Play Store even if they end up costing a ton. Google estimated that the costs would be $600 million, but the Judge doesn’t seem to be affected by that.
Furthermore, Judge Donato wants to see the framework of the changes by teh Labor Day weekend. Google, on the other hand, wants 12 to 16 months to put any changes in place.
Either way, it seems like some major changes are coming to the Google Play Store. Considering Judge Donato’s request, we may get more information in early September, depending on how much ends up being revealed, of course.
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