Ted Miracco
- CEO of Approov
Ted’s high-technology experience spans 30 years in cybersecurity, electronic design automation (EDA), RF/microwave circuit design, semiconductors, and defense electronics.
The image above shows the download page for the messaging app Viber. What makes this image significant is that it features not just the usual two icons for Apple's App Store and Google Play, but also icons for Huawei's AppGallery, GetApps, and Samsung's Galaxy Store. This is a direct result of Epic Games winning their lawsuit against Google, which has paved the way for alternative app stores to gain a foothold in the mobile market.
For years, Google and Apple have enjoyed a near-monopoly on the distribution of apps for Android and iOS devices. This has led to app developers being forced to pay a hefty 30% commission on all in-app purchases and subscriptions. This has been a major source of frustration for many developers, who have long argued that these fees are excessive and stifle innovation.
The Epic Games lawsuit challenged Google's policies on in-app payments. The company argued that Google's requirement that developers use its in-app payment system was anti-competitive and violated antitrust laws. The court agreed, and ruled in favor of Epic Games.
The significance of this ruling cannot be overstated. It is a major victory for app developers, who are now free to distribute their apps through alternative stores and avoid paying Google's hefty fees. This could lead to a surge in innovation and competition in the mobile app market.
The image of the Viber download page is a symbol of this new era of freedom for app developers. It shows that there are now viable alternatives to the App Store and Google Play. This is good news for consumers, who will benefit from a wider range of apps and potentially lower prices.
It is still too early to say what the full impact of the Epic Games ruling will be. However, it is clear that it has the potential to disrupt the status quo in the mobile app market. The image of the Viber download page is a reminder that the days of the app store duopoly may be numbered.
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