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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.
Japan’s KDDI selected Samsung as the main vendor for 5G expansion. Samsung’s vRAN will be deployed by KDDI starting next year for 5G expansion. The company will provide 4G and 5G O-RAN-compliant vRAN solutions in Japan.
Samsung today confirmed selection by KDDI as a key 4G and 5G O-RAN compliant vRAN provider for their Open RAN deployment in Japan. The partnership with KDDI will help Samsung strengthen its role in Japan’s 5G expansion.
“Together with KDDI, we are thrilled to take this significant step and strengthen our presence in Japan,” said Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Sales & Marketing, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.
The South Korean tech giant noted that it’s bringing vRAN 3.0 solution, a full suite of O-RAN compliant radios supporting low- and mid-bands including advanced Massive MIMO radios and third-party radio integration support.
Kazuyuki Yoshimura, Chief Technology Officer of KDDI: “Today’s announcement represents KDDI’s dedication to bringing innovative technologies to Japan. We are proud to deliver a cutting-edge and reliable radio access network.”
Key features of Samsung CognitiV Networks Operations Suite (NOS) will also be offered. The features streamline the onboarding, deployment, and operation processes, enabling KDDI to transform its widespread network efficiently.
Beyond that Samsung and KDDI will expand the reach of Open RAN in the coming years. For now, KDDI’s Open RAN network will feature enhanced capabilities for improved energy efficiency, optimized performance, and intelligent automation.
Samsung Wallet getting an instant Tap to Transfer feature for Galaxy users. The latest addition unlocks instant and seamless money transfer. This move reiterates Samsung’s commitment to upscaling the Galaxy ecosystem.
The Tap to Transfer feature allows users of Samsung Wallet on Galaxy phones to instantly transfer money by tapping the backs of their devices together. The transfer process is powered by NFC technology embedded in Galaxy phones.
Samsung confirmed that the feature will be gradually supported through app updates in Samsung Wallet. The Tap to Transfer feature eliminates the need to ask for or input the recipient’s account number during transfers.
This seamless process will help Galaxy users save time and effort as well as reduce the risk of sending money to the wrong account. It’s an answer to Apple iOS 18’s Tap to Cash feature, which allows users to transfer funds with nearby ecosystem devices.
Samsung Wallet allows the recipient to set a representative account for receiving funds and can receive ‘Tap to Transfer’ payments even when their Galaxy’s screen is off – even without opening the Samsung Wallet app.
Here’s how it works:
The user who wants to send money enters the password for their registered account in Samsung Wallet, inputs the transfer amount, then taps their phone against the recipient’s phone and completes the transfer through the default unlock method.
The recipient’s account number transmitted during the ‘Tap to Transfer’ process is encrypted and sent to the sender. Instead of displaying the full account number, only the last four digits of the recipient’s mobile phone number are shown.
The feature is currently available in South Korea and supported by Woori Bank.
Samsung could use the next-gen display across the Galaxy S25 series. A limited number of users reported display graininess issues on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is reportedly eliminated in the upcoming Galaxy S25 series.
IceUniverse reports Galaxy S25 series resolves the display graininess issue from the S24 Ultra. The tipster mentioned that the “Galaxy S25 series screen is great.” It suggests the inclusion of an upgraded screen tech in the flagships.
Pixel 9 series debuted Samsung’s best display technology. Industry expects that the Korean tech giant will now expand the cutting-edge screen to its upcoming flagships including the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Upgraded display is usually meant to offer vibrant colors while keeping efficiency. However, it’s a big development for Samsung consumers as the alleged graininess issue from the Galaxy S24 Ultra is finally eliminated.
Galaxy S25 series screen is great
Getrid of the screen graininess problem in S24.— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) October 10, 2024
Samsung is ensuring the upcoming flagships won’t lag in any way. From processor and memory to display and camera, pro-grade specifications coming to the next-gen Galaxy S line. The company could launch the S25 series in January next year.
Galaxy S24 Ultra screen graininess
Some S24 Ultra owners notice a grainy, pixelated, or textured appearance on the display. It occurs the most in certain lighting conditions or when viewing darker colors at low brightness. The anti-reflective glass was also suspected to be blamed.
However, graininess in screens could be caused by several factors such as OLED pixel arrangement, brightness levels, and software calibration. Samsung seemingly heard consumer feedback and improved the screen hardware.