A new Google lawsuit has been filed, targeting the company's Google Maps and other similar tools. As of writing, Android users can't install other map apps since there are no other options.
This illustration picture shows Google map application displaying popular times for transit station and how busy it is at the moment on a smartphone in Arlington, Virginia on June 9, 2020. - A new version of Google's mapping service being rolled out will display pandemic-related transit alerts and let people know when buses or trains might be crowded.
For the past few years, Google users have been left no choice but to rely on Google Maps, Google Places, Google Directions, and Waze as their map tools.
Because of this, many individuals criticize the search engine giant for controlling the digital mapping market. Dream Big, a California-based company, decided to sue Google for its alleged monopolization activity.
Aside from Dream Big, two unnamed companies also backed the new complaint against Google.
New Google Lawsuit Targets Google Maps, Other Mapping Tools
According to Digital Information World's latest report, Google hasn't allowed app developers to create new mapping tools.
The Google Maps app is seen on an Apple iPhone 4S on December 13, 2012 in Fairfax, California. Three months after Apple removed the popular Google Maps from its operating system to replace it with its own mapping software, a Google Maps app has been added to the iTunes store. Apple Maps were widely panned in tech reviews and among customers, the fallout resulting in the dismissal of the top executive in charge of Apple's mobile operating system.
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This means that the official Google Play Store only offers Maps and other similar tools as bundled mapping services.
The new lawsuit states that this allows Google to increase its map products' costs further.
Dream Big and other companies that filed the new lawsuit said that Google needs to remove its restrictions since these app limitations violate the antitrust policies.
For the past few years, Google faced various lawsuits for its anti-competitive behavior against other app developers. As of press time, the California-based lawsuit is still ongoing.
Are There Still Google Map Competitors?
Bloomberg Law reported that Google no longer has any competitors when it comes to the digital map market. The tech giant firm was able to acquire its one and only map app competitor, Waze, back in 2013.
Because of this, the exclusive features offered on Waze and Maps increased by 1,400%. The price hike started back in 2018.
This just shows how Google is now controlling the digital map products on its Play Store. Although this is the case, app developers still choose Google Play Store as their main application platform.
"Developers choose to use Google Maps Platform out of many options because they recognize it provides helpful, high-quality information," said a Google spokesperson.
On the other hand, the Google Snapshot feature has been removed.
Meanwhile, Google Play Store announced that it would soon limit the presence of apps with outdated APIs since they can lead to security threats.
For more news updates about the new Google lawsuit and other similar stories, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
