Google recently began allowing users to download third-party app stores through the Google Play Store, but U.S. District Judge James Donato ruled that the company’s implementation still creates unnecessary “anti-competitive friction.” After reviewing the process for accessing the first non-Google app marketplace, Donato ordered Google to make rival app store installations easier.
Although Epic Games and Google have reached a global partnership agreement, the companies remain involved in a U.S. antitrust dispute. Google lost the case in 2023, and the years since have focused on establishing remedies for its anti-competitive practices. One of the court’s major requirements is that Google make third-party app stores available through the Play Store, allowing users to download apps from sources other than Google. Aptoide Games recently became the first alternative app store to receive approval under the ruling.
Google previously attempted to avoid allowing third-party app stores and sought a settlement with Epic that would have removed the requirement. When Google was ultimately forced to approve Aptoide Games, however, it did not provide a prominent or straightforward way for users to find the alternative marketplace. During Thursday’s hearing, Judge Donato said Google’s approach was inadequate. The Verge reported.
While the Google Play Store includes a link to an alternative app store page, users must navigate through several confusing menu layers to find it. Epic attorney Yonatan Even told the court that searches for terms such as “app store” or “Aptoide” do not produce the expected results. Instead, Google displays a “Looking for it” banner that directs users to a page featuring third-party app stores.
Source: arstechnica.com