Gadget Insiders
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • iOS
  • PC
  • Phones
  • Playstation
  • Reviews
  • Samsung
  • Xbox
No Result
View All Result
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • iOS
  • PC
  • Phones
  • Playstation
  • Reviews
  • Samsung
  • Xbox
No Result
View All Result
Gadget Insiders
No Result
View All Result
Home Gaming

Epic Games Takes on Google and Samsung: New Lawsuit Alleges Unfair App Store Practices on Android Phones

Prashant Chaudhary by Prashant Chaudhary
October 12, 2024
in Gaming, Samsung
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Epic Games Takes on Google and Samsung New Lawsuit Alleges Unfair App Store Practices on Android Phones

LOS ANGELES — In a bold move underscoring the ongoing tensions within the tech industry, Epic Games, the developer behind the blockbuster title “Fortnite,” has initiated a lawsuit against giants Google and Samsung. The litigation, filed in San Francisco federal court, accuses both tech behemoths of colluding to stifle third-party competition through restrictive phone settings on Samsung devices, potentially marking a significant battle over app distribution practices.

Epic Games Takes on Google and Samsung New Lawsuit Alleges Unfair App Store Practices on Android Phones-
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announces lawsuit against Google and Samsung.

Unpacking the Controversy: Samsung’s Auto Blocker Feature

Central to the dispute is Samsung’s “Auto Blocker” function, a default setting on their devices that permits installations solely from recognized sources like the Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. This feature, Epic argues, plays directly into Google’s hands, reinforcing its stronghold over Android app distribution.

The complaint articulates a grim view, suggesting that Auto Blocker “is virtually guaranteed to entrench Google’s dominance over Android app distribution.” Samsung counters these allegations by asserting that their device features adhere to rigorous standards of security, privacy, and user control, emphasizing that users can disable Auto Blocker anytime. They describe their approach to market competition as robust, aiming to enhance consumer choice and conduct operations fairly.

Epic Games Takes on Google and Samsung New Lawsuit Alleges Unfair App Store Practices on Android Phones--
Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature restricts app installations from unauthorized sources.

The Broader Implications for the Tech Ecosystem

Epic Games’ legal challenge is not just about corporate disputes but highlights a larger dialogue on antitrust issues within the tech ecosystem. The company’s aggressive stance against what it perceives as anti-competitive practices comes on the heels of a prior victory against Google in December, where a jury sided with Epic in its first antitrust lawsuit, marking a significant precedent. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, vocalized his frustration on social media platform X, stating, “Literally no store can compete with the incumbents when disadvantaged in this way. To have true competition, all reputable stores and apps must be free to compete on a level playing field.” This statement captures the essence of the conflict — a fight for a fair competitive landscape in the app distribution market.

Epic Games Takes on Google and Samsung New Lawsuit Alleges Unfair App Store Practices on Android Phones---
Court documents reveal allegations of anti-competitive practices by tech giants.

Epic’s Tactical Moves and the Path Forward

Further complicating the tech landscape, Epic introduced its own Epic Games Store on iPhones within the European Union and on Android devices globally. However, the company points out an “exceptionally onerous 21-step process” required to download third-party apps outside of the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store, highlighting what it views as deliberate barriers to entry created by these tech giants. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this lawsuit could have profound implications for how apps are distributed across Android systems globally. The tech community and consumers alike are keenly watching this case, as its resolution could redefine the dynamics of app marketplaces and either bolster or hinder innovation depending on the verdict.

Epic Games Takes on Google and Samsung New Lawsuit Alleges Unfair App Store Practices on Android Phones-----
Epic Games challenges the dominance of Google Play and Samsung Galaxy Store.

With the gauntlet thrown, all eyes are now on the courts to see how they will navigate these complex antitrust allegations and what this will mean for the future of app distribution on a global scale. Samsung’s pledge to “vigorously contest Epic Game’s baseless claims” promises a legal showdown that could reshape industry practices and policies in significant ways.

Tags: AndroidAntitrustApp StoreEpic GamesGooglelawsuitSamsung

TRENDING

Google’s Gemini AI to Transform Your Car with Android Auto

Google’s Gemini AI to Transform Your Car with Android Auto

May 15, 2025
Google Set to Launch Pinterest-Like Feature at I/O 2025 to Change How We Search

Google Set to Launch Pinterest-Like Feature at I/O 2025 to Change How We Search

May 15, 2025
Samsung's New Galaxy S25 Edge Is the Slimmest Smartphone Yet – A Bold Move to Beat Apple

Samsung’s New Galaxy S25 Edge Is the Slimmest Smartphone Yet – A Bold Move to Beat Apple

May 15, 2025
60+ Gaming Consoles and Platforms Compared

60+ Gaming Consoles and Platforms Compared

May 15, 2025
75+ Smart Home Gadgets That Work with Google Home

75+ Smart Home Gadgets That Work with Google Home

May 15, 2025
iOS 19 Aims to Fix Bugs and Introduce a Fresh Look – What We Can Expect

iOS 19 Aims to Fix Bugs and Introduce a Fresh Look – What We Can Expect

May 15, 2025
Nintendo’s New EULA Update Makes It Harder for Users to Sue Over Issues Like Joy-Con Drift

Nintendo’s New EULA Update Makes It Harder for Users to Sue Over Issues Like Joy-Con Drift

May 11, 2025
LegoGPT Lets You Create Real Lego Designs from Text – Here’s How It Works

LegoGPT Lets You Create Real Lego Designs from Text – Here’s How It Works

May 11, 2025
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • About Us
  • Fact Checking Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Ethics Policy

Copyright © 2023 GadgetInsiders.com

No Result
View All Result
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • iOS
  • PC
  • Phones
  • Playstation
  • Reviews
  • Samsung
  • Xbox

Copyright © 2023 GadgetInsiders.com.