Google to pay $700 million to US states, consumers in app store settlement
Google has agreed to pay $700 million and make several other concessions to settle allegations that it had been stifling competition against its Android app store โ the same issue that went to trial in another case that could result in even bigger changes.
Epic wins its antitrust lawsuit against the Play Store. What does this verdict mean for Google?
Google lost an antitrust lawsuit over barriers to its Android app store, as a federal court jury has decided that the companyโs payments system was anticompetitive and damaged smartphone consumers and software developers.
Federal jury decides Googleโs Android app store benefits from anticompetitive barriers
A federal court jury has decided that Googleโs Android app store has been protected by anticompetitive barriers that have damaged smartphone consumers and software developers, dealing a blow to a major pillar of a technology empire.
Fortnite maker accuses Google of bullying and bribing to block competition to its Android app store
Google on Monday confronted the second major U.S. antitrust trial in two months to cast the internet powerhouse as a brazen bully that uses its immense wealth and peopleโs dependence on one of its main products to stifle competition at consumersโ expense.
EU clears Google's $2.1B takeover of Fitbit, with conditions
EU regulators cleared Google's plan to buy fitness tracking device maker Fitbit after the company promised to silo off user data and not use it for advertising. The EU was initially worried the deal would expand Googleโs โdata advantageโ and raise barriers for rivals in the online ad industry. The Silicon Valley tech giant's commitments included a promise to silo off Fitbit user data from other Google data and not use it for advertising purposes. Google also vowed to continue giving outside health and fitness apps access to Fitbit data. โThere is a serious risk that Google will exploit Fitbit usersโ data, including sensitive health data, in several markets," said Director General Monique Goyens.
Low tech talk in Google, Oracle high tech copyright clash
But on Wednesday the Supreme Court looked to more low tech examples, from the typewriter keyboard to restaurant menus, try to resolve an $8 billion-plus copyright dispute between tech giants Google and Oracle. In developing Android, Google used some of Oracle's computer code. Google won the first round when a trial court rejected Oracleโs copyright claim, but that ruling was overturned on appeal. Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that the justices had been told โthe sky will fallโ if the court rules against Google. Microsoft, IBM and major internet and tech industry lobbying groups have weighed in, in favor of Google.
Android phones to track quakes; California gets alert system
The state worked with the U.S. Geological Survey and Google, the maker of Android, to build the quake alerts into all phones that run the commonplace operating system. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)SACRAMENTO, Calif. Android phones will be used to sense earthquakes around the world and may one day be able to provide global warnings, with the first mass alert system unveiled Tuesday in California, Google announced. Google, which helped develop Android, worked with California and the U.S. Geological Survey to build the quake alerts into all phones that run the commonplace mobile operating system. By contrast, many millions of people own Android phones. Also Tuesday, Google announced that Android phones will begin detecting earthquakes from around the world through their motion-sensing accelerometers.
Huawei needs Android rival to succeed where Samsung, Microsoft failed
Rolling out a new operating system is pretty easy, especially for a big tech firm like Huawei. Even Samsung, which makes more smartphones than anyone else, has struggled to gain traction with its own operating system Tizen. Google problemHuawei has a pretty obvious reason for wanting to create its own operating system. Consumers who already owned Huawei smartphones were largely unaffected, Google said in May. Last quarter, global sales accounted for about one third of Huawei's smartphone shipments, according to IDC.
Here are some apps to help keep you safe in the sun
But, there are apps that can help you avoid trouble and have fun in the sun. The Sunwise UV Index app is brought to you by the EPA, the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It delivers daily information on the day's UV index, which measures the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation. The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool, also from the CDC, is designed to help you take precautions against outdoor heat while outside. It features a real-time heat index and hourly forecasts, specific to your location.
Apps to keep you safe in the sun
But, there are apps that can help you avoid trouble and have fun in the sun. The Sunwise UV Index app is brought to you by the EPA, the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It delivers daily information on the day's UV index, which measures the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation. It features a real-time heat index and hourly forecasts, specific to your location..Other features include information about signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. The app is free for iOS and Android.
These 3 meditation apps will help your anxiety, stress
Luckily, there are a number of meditation apps that can help you do that. HeadspaceThis app trains you to develop a routine and gives you the option of "mini-mediations" and "SOS" sessions if your anxiety is increasing. It is free for iOS and Android, but a paid subscription is required. This app is also free for iOS and Android, but requires a paid subscription. This app is free for iOS and Android and features premium options available for purchase.
Here are 3 apps to help you focus, stay on task
Whether you're distracted by summer plans, getting ready for the school year, or even too much news, there are apps that can help you stay on track. The app called Focus makes a game of planting virtual seeds that grow when you stay on task and away from your phone. A more straightforward approach to staying on-track is from the app called Focus To-Do. Use the app's timer while performing a task, schedule break times, and more. The app is free for Android users but does require a subscription, starting at $2.50 a month.