X’s Grok AI chatbot is now available to free users on X, allowing non-Premium subscribers to send up to 10 messages every two hours. Previously, Grok was only accessible to Premium users. Launched last year as a humorous assistant, Grok added a text-to-image feature in August. The free version aims to compete with other free chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. xAI is also considering a standalone app for Grok, which competitors already offer.
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Google and the DOJ met in court to debate Google's online ad tech monopoly. The DOJ argues Google used its ad tech products to dominate markets, while Google claims it faces competition. The trial's key issue is whether Google operates in one or three markets. The DOJ also accuses Google of deleting incriminating chat messages. Judge Brinkema will rule by the end of 2024, potentially leading to a second trial for remedies.
Google faces a £7 billion class action lawsuit in the UK for allegedly abusing its dominance in search, leading to higher advertising costs and consumer prices. The case, filed by Nikki Stopford, claims Google forced Android phone makers to use Google Search and Chrome and paid Apple to make Google the default search engine on Safari. Despite Google's attempt to dismiss the case, the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled it can proceed.
Google is making a leadership change. CEO Sundar Pichai announced that Prabhakar Raghavan, senior VP in charge of search, ads, and other segments, will become Chief Technologist. Nick Fox will replace Raghavan, leading Search, ads, geo, and commerce. The Gemini app division will join Google DeepMind, and the Assistant team will become part of the platforms and devices team. This shift comes as Google aims to strengthen its AI position.
Judge James Donato ruled Google must open Google Play to competition for three years, allowing third-party app stores access to its full catalog unless developers opt out. Google must stop requiring Google Play Billing, allow developers to inform users of other payment methods, and link to downloads outside the Play Store. Google cannot offer incentives to favor its store. The ruling aims to foster competition and reduce Google's monopoly.
Google defended itself against anticompetitive claims by highlighting security benefits of a closed ad ecosystem. Executives argued that controlling ad tech ensures safety from fraud and bot traffic. They cited efforts to combat click fraud and maintain ad quality. Google emphasized that a closed system prevents security risks and benefits the industry, referencing past fraud schemes and collaborative efforts to improve ad security.
Google employees labeled emails as “privileged and confidential” and used “off the record” chat messages despite being told to preserve communications for investigators. This could backfire if the judge in Google’s antitrust trial believes evidence was intentionally destroyed. Former employees testified to using default chat settings to avoid documentation. The DOJ presented evidence showing Google’s cautious communication practices.
Google and the US Justice Department are in a legal battle over control in the ad tech market. The DOJ claims Google monopolizes ad tech by controlling publisher ad servers, ad exchanges, and advertiser ad networks, benefiting itself at others' expense. Google argues the government wants to unfairly control its business. The trial will determine if Google has illegally monopolized these markets. Witnesses testified about the challenges of competing with Google's tools.
Yelp has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging the search giant maintains a monopoly in local search services by favoring its own inferior vertical over competitors. Yelp claims this harms competition and reduces service quality. The lawsuit follows a DOJ win against Google for exclusionary practices. Yelp seeks damages and an end to Google's conduct. Google denies the claims, citing past dismissals.
