Google Play Services

Google is mounting a legal challenge against European Union regulatory orders that would force it to give AI companies and rival search engines greater access to its services and data. The dispute is the latest clash between Big Tech and Brussels over competition rules, with regulators arguing open access is needed to level the playing field for emerging AI and search competitors.

A widely shared reply to Nextcloud on Mastodon argues that rooting an Android device is the basic starting point for de-Googling a phone. The steps suggested: download a browser from the Google Play store, allow software installation in settings, then get apps from F-Droid, the independent open-source app repository, instead of relying on Google services.

A tutorial from Capawesome explains how to implement barcode scanning in Capacitor-based Android apps without relying on Google Play Services. The approach matters for devices without Google's services, such as de-Googled phones, custom ROMs, and budget hardware, letting Ionic developers keep apps fully functional across a wider range of Android devices.

Google has announced Project Stream, a new game streaming service. The announcement means Google plans to let users stream games over the internet, positioning the company as a potential competitor to console makers and existing streaming platforms in the gaming market.

Google has published its monthly Google System release notes for September 2026, detailing changes to Play services and the Play Store across Android phones and tablets, Wear OS, Google and Android TV, Android Auto, and Android on PC. The updates are the standard monthly rollout that keeps devices current without full OS upgrades.

Users are being urged to regain control of their Android devices by changing where they download apps. The advice centres on switching from Google's Play Store to F-Droid, an app store offering only free and open-source software, free of trackers and advertising, and auditable by anyone. It is presented as a first, manageable step towards a more private smartphone rather than overhauling everything at once.

OpenAI has introduced new features that compete directly with the traditional app store model, according to TechCrunch. The move suggests OpenAI wants users to access apps and services through its AI products rather than through platforms like Apple's App Store or Google Play. The report is drawing attention in tech circles, where observers are weighing what this means for platform gatekeepers and mobile software distribution.

Google is preparing to roll out new subscription models on its Play Store, optimized for usage-based billing. The approach is aimed at apps where costs vary with consumption, such as AI models that charge per request or per token. Instead of flat-rate subscriptions, developers would be able to bill users based on how much of a service they actually use. The move signals Google adapting its app store billing to the growing market for AI-powered services with variable usage costs.