Microsoft has delayed a new Xbox app for Android because of the Google legal conflict.
Microsoft was expected to release an update to the Xbox Android app this month to enable users to buy and download games through their handheld gadgets. The update, however, has not been accomplished, and Microsoft is shifting the responsibility to Google. As per the insight of Sarah Bond, the President of Xbox, the update is possible only when a court order forces Google to change Play Store materially.
The Law Fight Against Google Play Store’s Monopolistic Control
Microsoft and Google have been in a bitter battle over a recent court decision. At the start of October, a judge decided that Google’s Play Store on Android is an unlawful monopolist and which requires the company to significantly alter its app store. The ruling directs Google to open its Play Store to more competition for three years, but the biggest change is that Google could no longer require apps to use its billing system. This would enable developers such as Microsoft to integrate their own billing systems but has been halted for some time by Google’s appeal.
Sarah Bond clarified further that Microsoft’s Xbox Android app update is prepared, but Microsoft cannot perform it due to a preliminary injunction order from the court. This delay was to be done to allow Google undergo the appeal process as was requested by the search engine giant. Microsoft cannot go ahead with the new Xbox Android app as intended until the appeal is settled.
Google’s Reaction to the Legal Decision
Google has been keen on challenging the ruling by the judge on the grounds of security in regard to the proposed change. The company’s case is that forcing it to allow third-party app stores and the removal of the Google Play Billing are likely to compromise the Play Store’s security and safety, which Google says shields users from malicious applications and fraud. In its response to the move by Microsoft, Google said, “The Court’s order, and the desire to execute it immediately, jeopardises Google Play’s capacity to deliver a secure platform.”
This issue spawns from the continuous case of Epic Games v. Google case where many developers including Epic Games have alleged that Google controls the Play Store as a monopolistic avenue. Microsoft and Epic Games are on the forefront of demanding more freedom within the app store, authorization of billing models and other methods of delivering apps. But this is where Google’s appeal could prolong such changes for as long as possible.
The Effectiveness of an Administrative Stay
The administrative stay granted by the courts helps to refrain from implementing the judge’s order, which, in other words, stops any alterations Google has to make on the Play Store. This halt has major implications for developers, including Microsoft, who want to grow their businesses on Android markets without following Google directives. Should the stay persist for a long time, Microsoft cannot update the Xbox Android app, and it will be unable to integrate the highly anticipated features such as purchasing and playing games from the app.
What is in Store for Xbox Android and the Law?
The future of the Xbox Android app is in the hands of Google for it to decide to appeal or the courts to uphold or dismiss Google’s case. In Google’s case, if the appeal is dismissed, then Google will be compelled to modify its Play Store extensively, which could create more competition. This would let developers such as Microsoft to integrate their own billing solutions and enable greater control over applications thus contributing to the advantage of both the buyer and the seller. But until the appeal is decided, the Xbox Android app will stay in legal limbo, hoping for change.
source:: pocket-lint.com
