Do Android App Stores Live in New Terrain? – Judge James Donato’s High Court Report on “Antitrust Violation in Google Play”

That would mean major changes for the industry that has built up around Google’s Android operating system—and potentially more choices for consumers. It could require Google investing cash into new projects to make things right, Donato said.

The court is being asked to approve several remedies it had previously submitted, which the company believes are over the top and would harm the privacy, security and overall experience of consumers. So all eyes are on Judge James Donato, who heard testimony on both sides and offered some hints as to how he’s leaning.

Rival app stores such as those from Amazon and Samsung also have struggled to persuade developers to list their apps outside of Google Play, because maintaining apps in multiple stores takes extra work. If there is to be a fair playing field, rival stores have to be able to list apps that are on Google Play for six years. That would allow people to browse alternative stores without feeling they are missing out on popular apps, giving the store a better chance of success in the long term.

We’re walking on new terrain, so we’re gonna be there for a while. The result of breaking antitrust laws is changing how we do things.