Last year the Competition Commission of India (CCI) slapped Google with a fine for restricting third-party payment services and was investigating the company for other anti-competitive behavior too. After Google's recent plea to the Supreme Court to block CCI’s orders was rejected, the company has to change its agreements with phone makers and loosen the rules for users.
Starting next month Android users in India will be able to use third-party billing services for apps and games. They will also be able to choose a different default search engine using a choice screen during setup. These particular rules apply only in India, though other regions have put in place similar rules.
As for smartphone makers, they will be allowed to license individual Google apps to pre-install on the devices they ship. Previously, makers were forced to bundle the whole Google suite.
Google will continue to appeal CCI’s decision, but for now it is working on implementing the following changes:
A few days ago Google also agreed to allow third-party app stores to be listed on the Google Play Store, also under pressure from the CCI (check out the Reuters report for more details).
This is cool there is also the aurora app store and also the f-droid app store Do they work in India or not?
In my opinion, this will enable local developers to earn more as Indians don't want to spend any penny on apps. This will reduce the burden on mainly small devs. Although the search engine aspect, almost everyone would select Google as it e...
Good news. Expecting same from Apple. That'll be better for Indians, they will have an option, at least. Hope EU will follow soon.
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