ANDROID APP DISTRIBUTION
Lumio Vision 9 (2026) launches with a performance-first approach as it builds on early market traction
Lumio launched its Vision 9 (2026) smart TV in India, emphasizing performance as a key differentiator. The company's strategy, validated by early market feedback, focuses on addressing slow performance in smart TVs. This new model, powered by MediaTek's Pentonic 700 chipset, aims to reduce everyday friction for users.
Google sued by rival app store Aptoide over alleged monopoly
Based in Lisbon, Aptoide brands itself "the alternative Android app store," with about 436,000 apps in its catalogue and more than 200 million annual users by 2024. It said it offers lower commissions to developers and lower costs to users, yet suffers from irreparable harm because Google deprives rivals of exclusive content from top developers, and steers developers to Google Play and other "must have" services.
Xiaomi Pad 8 review: A performance-focused tablet with a growing productivity edge
The Xiaomi Pad 8 builds on its predecessor with a slimmer design, improved performance, and better battery life, positioning itself as a capable productivity-focused tablet. With a sharp 11.2-inch display, smooth 144Hz refresh rate, and optional Nano Texture finish for stylus use, it enhances both media consumption and creative tasks. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and paired with refined software and AI features, it handles multitasking with ease.
Samsung Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus: Great phones, tough choices
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 both offer a polished flagship experience, with premium design, excellent displays, smooth performance, and reliable cameras. The Plus model brings a larger screen and better battery life, but in real-world usage, both devices feel very similar in terms of overall experience. The key difference comes down to positioning.
PhonePe hits pause on IPO as Iran war roils primary market sentiment
Digital payments giant PhonePe has postponed its planned public listing in India. Citing global geopolitical conflicts and market instability, CEO Sameer Nigam expressed hope for a swift return to peace. The company, boasting over 65 crore users and a vast merchant network, remains committed to an Indian IPO once markets stabilize.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: AI takes the lead in a refined ultra
The new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra arrives with smart AI features and a privacy display. Its design is familiar, but hardware is enhanced for AI. The phone offers a great display, strong performance, and a versatile camera. Samsung promises seven years of updates. This device refines the Ultra experience for users seeking advanced technology.
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Cyber fraudsters using new tech to bypass UPI security for financial transactions: Report
New technology is bypassing UPI app security. Fraudsters are using a toolkit called "Digital Lutera" to steal money. This attack manipulates device trust, making traditional safeguards unreliable. Transactions worth lakhs have been processed in just two days.
Nothing Phone (4a) review: clean software, bold design, strong value
The Nothing Phone (4a) continues the brand's focus on distinctive design and a clean Android experience, effectively becoming a key device for 2026. Learning from past flagship struggles, Nothing prioritizes design and value with the 4a series, featuring a new Glyph Bar, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, and a periscope telephoto camera, aiming to stand out in the mid-range market.
Up to $2,500 on the line: Final weeks to file a claim in DoorDash payout settlement
Up to $2,500 per restaurant is available in the Chicago DoorDash settlement, with a March 30, 2026 deadline. Eligible Chicago restaurants with nine or fewer locations can file a claim if they were listed on DoorDash or Caviar without a contract between August 27, 2019 and November 14, 2025. Payments go out by June 2026. DoorDash did not admit wrongdoing. File the attestation form now to secure settlement money.
You could get $100 from Google’s new $135 million settlement — here’s who qualifies
Google faces potential payouts of $100 million to $135 million following two proposed class-action lawsuit settlements. One case alleges unauthorized collection of Android users' cellular data, while the other claims Google's Assistant recorded and shared private conversations for targeted advertising. Both settlements await judicial approval.
PhonePe takes its diversification to Dalal Street
Payments still power scale. But its updated draft red herring prospectus (UDRHP) shows that PhonePe’s monetisation story lies elsewhere.
$135 million data consent settlement: How cell phone users can claim their share now
Cell phone users may receive cash from a $135 million settlement. This follows a lawsuit alleging Google illegally collected consumer data via Android. Google denies wrongdoing but agreed to the payout. Eligible users will get a payment. Google must also change its terms of service and Android setup screens to disclose data collection and get consent.
Google cracks down! APKs, ROMs, and Emulators banned — is Android freedom over?
Google is implementing a significant policy shift, banning unverified APKs, ROMs, and certain emulators on certified Android devices starting in 2026. This move, aimed at enhancing security and combating malware, will restrict app distribution to verified developers. Critics argue this move curtails Android's famed openness, potentially impacting custom ROMs and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Google Play, Android fuel Rs 4 lakh crore app revenue, economy boost in India during 2024: Report
Google Play and Android significantly boosted India's economy in 2024, generating an estimated Rs 4 lakh crore for app publishers and related sectors. This thriving ecosystem fostered over 35 lakh jobs and positioned India as a hub for app development, boasting the second-largest number of active developers on Google Play.
Google Settles Android TV Case with CCI for Rs 20.24 crore
Google has settled with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for ₹20.24 crore over alleged antitrust violations in the Android Smart TV market. The settlement, the first under the amended Competition Act, involves Google amending vendor agreements to address anticompetitive concerns.
US judge says 'monopolist' Google can't avoid app store reforms
US District Judge James Donato in San Francisco heard from technology experts and lawyers for Epic and Google about proposed reforms in the blockbuster antitrust case. Donato showed impatience for Google's protests about the costs and difficulty of implementing many of Epic's proposals, and signaled he would issue a ruling that would maximize users' and developers' flexibility to download and distribute apps outside the Play store.
Google, Epic Games face off as app antitrust trial nears end
Alphabet's Google on Monday will try to persuade a federal jury in San Francisco to reject antitrust claims by "Fortnite" maker Epic Games in a case that threatens Google's app store and transaction fees imposed on Android app developers.
Google antitrust trial focused on Android app store payments to be handed off to jury to decide
A federal court jury is poised begin its deliberations in an antitrust trial focused on whether Google's efforts to profit from its app store for Android smartphones have been illegally gouging consumers and stifling innovation.
Alphabet, Tinder-owner Match settle Google Play antitrust claims before US trial
In a statement, Google said it was "pleased to reach a settlement agreement with Match Group." Google also recently settled related antitrust claims from US states and consumers for undisclosed terms.
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai set to testify in Google Play trial
Pichai and Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney have been listed as witnesses in a trial scheduled to start Nov. 6 in San Francisco federal court over whether Google Play policies are unlawful and thwart competition, according to court filings.
Google reaches tentative settlement with 36 states and DC over alleged app store monopoly
The agreement, cited in a court filing late Tuesday by both sides, is subject to approval by the state attorneys general and the board of directors of Google's parent company, the execution of an agreement and court approval.
CCI order an unfair imposition, rival apps not restricted: Google to NCLAT
Google said the placement of its apps on devices through pre-installation under MADA (Mobile Application Distribution Agreement) is not "unfair" as there is no restriction from installing other apps and enough space is available for them.
ETtech Explainer | How CCI’s Android ruling could affect Google
At the heart of the Android issue is an agreement that Google signs with smartphone makers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus and Oppo.
CCI's order opens Play Store door to PhonePe's Indus app
IndusOS, one of the few operating systems of Indian origin, started in 2013 with an emphasis on Indian languages. Prior to the Chinese invasion of the smartphone market, IndusOS powered over 100 smartphones from brands like Micromax, Celkon, Karbonn, Swipe, and Intex, among others.
Indus App Bazaar expects to scale up after CCI-Google order: Cofounder
ET’s Subhrojit Mallick caught up with Rakesh Deshmukh, co-founder of Indus App Bazaar, India’s largest localised app store for a freewheeling chat on what the CCI order against Google means for companies like Indus.
CCI imposes Rs 1,338-crore fine on Google for 'anti-competitive practices'
The competition watchdog said that Google’s business was found to be driven by the "ultimate intent of increasing users on its platforms"
Google sued by 36 US states over alleged play store abuse
State attorneys general said in a complaint filed on Wednesday in federal court in San Francisco that Google used anticompetitive tactics to thwart competition and ensure that developers have no choice but to go through the Google Play store to reach users. It then collects an “extravagant” commission of up to 30% on app purchases, the states said.
CCI prima facie finds Google in violation of abuse of dominance in smart TV OS market, orders probe
The CCI has ordered its investigative arm, the Director General, to conduct a probe into Google’s market practices including for anti-competitive agreements, in an order on Tuesday.
CCI seeks third party data on India's smartphone base
The CCI has sought details from third parties on yearly smartphone sales and Internet usage in the country.
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