Yazılar

Australian Court Partly Rules Against Apple and Google in Epic Games Antitrust Case

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An Australian federal court has ruled that Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android app marketplace engage in uncompetitive practices, handing Epic Games a partial victory in its long-running legal battle against the tech giants.

The 2,000-page judgment, not yet publicly released, found that Apple and Google’s app stores lacked safeguards against anti-competitive behavior. However, the court also determined that the companies had not intentionally violated the law, local media reported.

Epic Games argued that both Apple and Google charged excessive fees for app downloads and in-app purchases while blocking users from installing alternative app stores. In response to the ruling, Epic said on X that the decision confirmed the companies “abuse their control over app distribution and in-app payments to limit competition.” The company also announced that Fortnite and the Epic Games Store would soon be available on iOS devices in Australia, calling it a win for both developers and consumers.

Apple welcomed the court’s dismissal of some of Epic’s claims but expressed strong disagreement with the findings on competition, maintaining that it faces “fierce competition in every market where we operate.” Google similarly said it would review the full judgment but disagreed with the court’s characterization of its billing practices and certain historical partnerships.

The ruling adds to Epic Games’ global campaign challenging the dominance of app distribution systems controlled by Apple and Google, which has included high-profile cases in the United States and Europe.

Google Pledges $1 Billion for AI Training at U.S. Universities

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Alphabet’s Google (GOOGL.O) announced a $1 billion, three-year commitment to support artificial intelligence training and tools at U.S. higher education institutions and nonprofits. Over 100 universities, including major public systems like Texas A&M and the University of North Carolina, have joined the initiative so far.

The program will provide participating schools with cash funding and resources such as cloud computing credits to facilitate AI training for students and research projects in AI-related fields. The $1 billion figure also includes the value of paid AI tools, including an advanced version of Google’s Gemini chatbot, offered free to college students.

Google aims to expand the program to every accredited nonprofit college across the U.S. and is exploring similar initiatives internationally, said Senior Vice President James Manyika. However, he did not disclose how much of the commitment represents direct funding versus cloud credits and software licenses.

This move follows similar efforts by AI competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon, and Microsoft, the latter having pledged $4 billion to boost AI education globally. By introducing their AI tools to students early, tech companies hope to foster long-term adoption as these students join the workforce.

Despite some concerns around AI’s impact on education, including issues like academic dishonesty and critical thinking erosion, Manyika said Google has encountered little resistance from university administrators but expects ongoing discussions about best practices.

“We’re hoping to learn together with these institutions about how best to use these tools,” he said, emphasizing the initiative’s collaborative nature and potential to influence future AI product development.

AI Startup Clay Valued at $3.1 Billion in Latest Fundraise Amid AI Investment Boom

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AI startup Clay’s valuation more than doubled in roughly three months, reaching $3.1 billion in its latest funding round as investor appetite for artificial intelligence companies remains strong.

Clay offers an AI-driven platform designed to automate sales and marketing operations, with notable clients including Google and Reddit. The company raised $100 million in this round, led by CapitalG, Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) independent growth fund. Around three months ago, Clay’s valuation stood at $1.5 billion, based on an employee tender offer.

The surge in Clay’s valuation coincides with a broader surge in dealmaking, with investment activity in AI hitting its highest level since the pandemic-era peak in 2021. Big Tech’s recent earnings reports highlighted AI as a key growth driver across internet search, digital advertising, and cloud services.

Clay plans to use the new funding to accelerate product development. Co-founder Kareem Amin told Reuters that upcoming tools will enable clients to analyze data such as sales tickets and video calls with potential customers. The company is also developing a “signals” product aimed at providing sales representatives with insights on the optimal timing to contact potential leads.

Existing investors including Sequoia, Meritech Capital, and First Round Capital also participated in the round.