Channeling Change: Google Tunes Into CCI for an Android TV Truce

Google has settled its Android TV antitrust case with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) by paying ₹20.24 crore and agreeing to sweeping changes in how it licenses its Play Store and Play Services to TV makers. The landmark settlement-the first under India's new competition laws-puts an end to Google's demands that TV makers bundle its apps and restrict alternative operating systems, giving manufacturers greater liberty to innovate and pre-install other app stores or "forked" versions of Android.

 

For customers, this may translate into greater variety in smart TV capabilities, app stores, and possibly lower prices as competition heats up. Google, in turn, steers clear of additional penalties and has a presence in India's burgeoning smart TV market, albeit its dominance may reduce as competitors gain traction. The CCI will keep compliance under watch for five years, guaranteeing constant monitoring.

 

Source: Business Today, Hindustan Times, ICLG, Reuters