Judge James Donato’s decision in the Epic v. Google case marks a before and after in the Android ecosystem. Google will have to open its Play Store to competition for the next three years.

Why is it important?. The decision will not only impact Google, but could also redefine how app stores work in general; Something that will impact developers, users, and the entire tech industry.

What happened.

• Google will need to allow third-party app stores on the Play Store.
• Competing stores will have access to the entire Play Store catalogue.
• It will no longer be mandatory to use Google’s billing system.
• Developers may offer alternative payment methods.

This decision comes amid increased antitrust scrutiny of Big Tech. Epic also had a lengthy lawsuit against Apple with similar but less serious consequences. Another thing is what will come later in the form of European legislation.

And now what?. What will happen and what will probably happen:

1. Google will object. He has already announced this and with this he will at least try to pause the implementation of the changes.
2. Google has eight months to implement the necessary technical changes. If you appeal successfully and a break is granted, you will gain time until the eight-month timer starts. This is a story that could go all the way to the Supreme Court.
3. Developers will see reduced commissions they have to pay once the changes are implemented and will have more freedom when distributing their apps.
4. Epic, like other companies, will open its own alternative store.
5. This is a situation limited to the United States. And there are two possible scenarios: Google rolling out the changes to other markets for homogenization purposes, or those other markets enacting similar legislation and a domino effect ensues.

between the lines. There is no mention of an indefinite measure in the sentence, rather it is limited to three years. However, if developers and users quickly adapt to the measure and alternative stores are successful, Android may make these changes permanent.

The question is to what extent Google will maintain its dominance in the distribution of applications on Android, whether the influence of these stores will be permanent or significant, and to what extent the Android ecosystem will also fragment. level of app stores.

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Featured image | Vlad Yera on Unsplash