Digital distribution service by Google, official app and media store for Android and ChromeOS
Google has rolled out Android 17 changes, starting with Pixel devices, under the Epic settlement. The update introduces a two-part fee structure, a 10% service fee on the first $1 million, and allows external checkout options. Australia, Japan, and Korea will join later in the year, with further global expansion planned.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is consulting on rules to allow app developers to steer users away from Apple and Google’s payment systems. The move aims to boost competition by lowering platform fees and potentially passing savings to UK customers.
The European Court of Justice has dismissed Google's appeal against the Android antitrust ruling, confirming the European Commission's 4.1–4.3 billion euro penalty for pre-installation practices. The decision comes after years of litigation, as Brussels continues to push for stronger digital regulation.
Paralives, an indie life-sim from Alex Masse, has gained traction since Steam early access in May 2026, selling 250,000 copies in a day and drawing attention as a potential ethical alternative to EA’s The Sims amid industry consolidation and AI costs. The creator aims for bold customization and performance improvements to appeal to fans seeking creativity over realism.
Apple has released iOS 27 public beta and publicly rolled out Siri AI, promising deeper device-wide access and improved accuracy. The beta opens the door to a broader test, with the full update expected in September, and highlights include on-device intelligence and a standalone Siri app.
The independent reports that District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín has approved a $1.5 billion class-action settlement with Anthropic over AI training on copyrighted books. About 91% of the 482,000+ works covered have been claimed; payouts are about $3,000 per work. While this marks a historic recovery, authors retain the right to pursue future training claims. Judge Alsup previously approved the deal; he has since retired.
The European Commission has fined AliExpress €1.2bn for failing to stop the sale of illegal, unsafe and counterfeit goods on its platform. The EC found weak staffing, bypassable checks, ineffective brand authorisation and recommendation systems that promoted flagged items. AliExpress has called the penalty disproportionate and says it will appeal.