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India exposes Google was guilty of crushing competition by promoting GMS and its own services
India is one of the most important markets for Google with Android phones enjoying more than 95% of the market share in the country. It’s not just about the OS though. All Android phones come with a Google suite of pre-installed apps which means there are millions of users using Google services automatically.
It could be Chrome Browsing, Gmail for Email, or the Google Play Store for Applications. As a result of this rule, the Indian Competition Commission (CCI) has launched an investigation back in 2019 to find out Google’s role in blocking competitors. Two years later, we now have the findings of an investigation.
According to an investigation report reviewed by The Times of India, CCI said Google was guilty of using anti-competitive, unfair, and restrictive trading methods in connection with its smartphone OS and other related activities. Investigations have found that Google is guilty of pressuring competition in the Indian market by pressing its services and applications to capture a large user base.
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With its popular services like Search, YouTube, Chrome, Google Play Store, etc., Google wanted to find a powerful place for what people are doing online in the country.
By forcing OEMs to first install these apps on all Android smartphones, Google wanted to ensure that users who bought a new smartphone would only use their apps and services automatically, which is why it created an environment that was not competitive and unfair to stakeholders.
The investigation also alleges that Google has imposed side-by-side contracts on both device makers and app developers who have denied market access to competitors. Google’s GMS Background is an integral part of all Android devices and this package includes a few Google apps that are the first to be installed when you buy a new Android phone. Google mandates OEMs to install this on all Android devices.
Google has even provided incentives to smartphone manufacturers by replacing the Google Dialer app with messages as default apps instead of the custom apps we’ve received before on most phones with a custom UI. The report also suggests how Google automatically integrates a search bar into the home screen as a widget, encouraging more people to use their search engine.
Note that this is only a finding of the report submitted to the CCI for consideration. The opposition party, South Africa, will be given the opportunity to present their side of the story and defend their practices before a decision is made. If found guilty, Google will have to pay a fine or stop these wrong practices, or both.
New York became the first US state to bring retail consumer rebates for appliances under the Inflation Reduction Act. Applauding the move, Samsung launched a huge energy-saving opportunity for the residents of New York.
Samsung started offering up-front discounts to consumers statewide through New York’s IRA HEAR program. Consumers can now access IRA’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program.
IRA HEAR rebate program advantages
- Save up to $840 on Samsung’s innovative ENERGY STAR products, including laundry appliances like heat pump dryers and all-in-one combo washers + heat pump dryers.
Visit Samsung’s home appliance page to learn more about the options available.
Samsung said this is just the beginning of its rebates journey in New York. The company looks forward to working with partners to expand these retail rebates to more products and in more states across the United States.
Pay attention, the IRA provides rebates and tax credits to households across America. New York is leading the way in providing direct retail point-of-sale appliance rebates, supporting an affordable clean energy transition.
Inflation Reduction Act
Signed in August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act is the single largest investment in climate and energy in American history.
It provides home appliance rebates for discounts on electric energy-efficient appliances like Induction cooktops, ranges, and heat pump laundry appliances.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has undergone one of the most extreme military tests. The company has recently published a Watch Ultra test video, featuring Phillip Chu Joy.
Phillip participated in the Peruvian Navy’s Special Operations Course to showcase the watch’s capabilities. It is renowned as one of the world’s most challenging military training programs.
“The Galaxy Watch Ultra pushes technology to its limits, handling extreme conditions with ease,” Chu Joy remarked. “It’s undoubtedly designed for those seeking exceptional performance.”
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra proves its durability and functionality in water, mud, and sand — excelling even under the grueling conditions of Peru’s most extreme military training.
Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Watch Ultra boasts a Grade 4 titanium frame. It also features a shockproof cushioned design that meets MIL-STD-810H2 military standards and water resistance of up to 10ATM.
The product is capable of operating within a broad temperature range of -20°C to 55°C4 and performing at altitudes of up to 9,000 meters above sea level.
These capabilities make it ideal for tracking advanced physical activities like ocean swimming and cycling in extreme conditions; take the Perivian military training as a recent proven example.
Samsung’s Watch Ultra is the ultimate companion for sports enthusiasts and extreme adventurers. It’s crafted to endure the toughest conditions with its pro-grade features and premium materials.
Samsung’s Mauricio Revollar stated:
“We wanted the public to experience the Galaxy Watch Ultra like never before in the Peruvian market by creating the most extreme product review ever undertaken here.”
“This was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Peruvian Navy, which allowed us to highlight and celebrate the commitment of the students in one of the world’s most demanding military training programs.”
Watch the video below:
Apple collaborated with OpenAI to power Apple Intelligence features. The ChatGPT maker continues to create obstacles for Google. In a recent move, OpenAI discussed a potential AI partnership with Samsung.
TheInformation (via Reuters) reported that OpenAI has recently discussed powering AI features on Samsung-made devices. It seems the ChatGPT-maker wishes an AI partnership with Samsung to expand its reach in multiple folds.
The company is considering developing a web browser to rival Google’s Chrome. OpenAI recently introduced its search engine called SearchGPT. It is available to limited users alongside internal testers and strategic partners.
Samsung x OpenAI
Samsung and Google’s close partnership doesn’t need any elaboration. The friendship isn’t limited to services, as both firms work across an ecosystem. However, it doesn’t stop Samsung from partnering with OpenAI in favor of better service.
As the AI phone market is growing rapidly, OpenAI may innovate further. Google doesn’t lag, but there’s still room for a potential alliance. Apple Intelligence-like features might be deployed on Galaxy phones after Samsung’s partnership.
OpenAI knows Samsung holds the command of the worldwide smartphone market. Expansion of its services will be quite broader than Apple if its partnership with Samsung pens down. For now, take this information as a grain of salt!
Apple x OpenAI
Apple leads the worldwide premium smartphone market. Google and Samsung introduced their AI phones in October 2023 and January 2024, respectively. It forced Apple to immediately enter the segment to normalize the innovation gap.
Google’s availing Gemini Nano AI model, but Apple joined hands with OpenAI. To create a difference, OpenAI powering some of the coolest AI features on recent iPhones. The move is to attract other vendors to adopt source AI from OpenAI.
Well, Apple still reportedly considering bringing Gemini AI on iPhones. The company believes that iPhone users should have different AI providers available. Hence, a multi-collaborative approach is also in the pipeline, at least from Apple’s end.