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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.
Samsung is rolling out an April 2024 update for the Customization Service app with version 3.5.01.4. This update brings bug fixes and general enhancements that promise to elevate the overall user experience.
The fresh update of the Samsung Customization service improves some functions for smoother performance. Also, it fixes some issues that users encountered in previous versions to make the app more reliable. Notably, the update is compatible with Galaxy devices running Android 14 or Android 13.
The Customization Service app is designed for Samsung devices to deliver individual preferences and needs smartly. By analyzing user interactions and data, the service offers personalized content and recommendations, creating a unique and tailored experience for each Samsung device owner.
With the April 2024 update, Samsung aims to provide better performance and user experience to Galaxy users through Customization Service. You can get the latest update through the Galaxy Store or download it directly from the third-party app source link mentioned here.
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Samsung announced the expansion of its semiconductor investment in the US. The Biden government is also awarding a subsidy of $6.4 billion to the company so it can accelerate the expansion of its global semiconductor supply chain in the era of AI.
- Experts pointed out Samsung’s production capabilities as a world-leading semiconductor producer and commitment to US investment have led to the third-biggest subsidy deal with Washington.
The Korean tech giant revealed that it’s increasing its investment in its semiconductor plants in Texas to more than $40 billion from $17 billion. Following the CHIPS Act subsidy, Samsung will help to boost the US semiconductor production to 20% by the end of the decade.
Samsung is committed (via KoreaTimes) to doing its best to strengthen the local semiconductor ecosystem in the US, as well as dealing with booming demand for new high-performance AI chips like HBM amid the rise of applications such as GenAI, exemplified by models like ChatGPT.
“We’re not just expanding production facilities, we’re strengthening the local semiconductor ecosystem and positioning the US as a global semiconductor manufacturing destination,” Kyung Kye-hyun, CEO and head of semiconductor business at Samsung Elec, said after the govt’s announcement in Taylor.
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Try Galaxy AI on Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for FREE in the US [30-Day Money-Back Guarantee]
Samsung is allowing US consumers to buy the Galaxy S24 Ultra and other models to try out Galaxy AI. Interestingly, if the user isn’t amazed by the Galaxy AI features even within 30 days of using it, Samsung will refund the full amount.
The company is offering up to $750 instant trade-in credit for Galaxy S24 Ultra buyers. If you buy from Samsung.com, you will also get $75 instant Samsung Credit, which can be used for shopping for protective cases, glass, and accessories.
Buy & Try
Samsung has partnered with select US carriers to avail Buy and Try facility to consumers. You need to buy the phone from the online shop, depending on the carrier, you will be notified about the offer. Purchase on the website and get your product delivered to your doorstep.
Now, you will have 30 days trial period, in which, you can enjoy all the Galaxy AI features on the S24 Ultra. You can also opt for other eligible Galaxy models under the Buy and Try promo. If you like it, then keep it otherwise Samsung will refund the full amount to you!
Try it now: http://smsng.us/GalaxyS24Ultra
Give it a try. Explore #GalaxyAI. Try Galaxy AI, now available on even more Galaxy phones. Buy it now, try it for 30 days, then keep it or get a full refund. Terms and conditions apply. #GalaxyS23 Series #GalaxyS24 Series #GalaxyZFlip5 #GalaxyZFold5
Try it now:… pic.twitter.com/WxvZrabHAc
— Samsung Mobile US (@SamsungMobileUS) April 15, 2024
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