It is no surprise as Temu was listed in April 2025 as one of the most downloaded shopping apps worldwide with 25 million downloads.

The e-commerce platform was presented at the conference as a case study for implementing these technologies to deliver a more dynamic and engaging digital shopping experience.

Google I/O is Google’s premier annual developer conference, where the company unveils its latest products, showcases innovations across its portfolio, and shares its vision for the future of technology.

This year, the conference’s focus includes new Web UI primitives designed to simplify the development of common yet complex components—such as Carousels, Tooltips, and Drop-down menus—to create more seamless and responsive user experiences.

“Temu, the e-commerce company, has been setting the bar when it comes to applying these new primitives to their full potential,” said Paul Kinlan, lead of Chrome Developer Relations at Google I/O 2025. “The web is becoming more stylish and responsive every single day.”

Since integrating the MPA View Transitions API, Temu has seen a 10% increase in user session duration and a 15% rise in page views, according to Paul Kinlan’s presentation.

The platform has also been piloting several new APIs—including Carousels, Popover, Anchor Positioning, and Customizable Select—which have improved page performance and reduced CPU load by 10–15%, helping to lower device battery consumption and interactivity latencies.

Google also highlighted its collaboration with Temu to enable next-generation capabilities for select features.

Temu has been actively adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance customers’ digital shopping experiences.

It was one of the first developers to optimize its app for the Google Pixel Fold and integrate Android’s “dialog full-screen dim” feature, earning recognition from Google.

Temu is listed as an Editors’ Choice on the Google Play Store.

Since its debut in September 2022, Temu has rapidly expanded to over 90 markets worldwide, offering a diverse range of merchandise at highly competitive prices.

Temu was named a top Apple-recommended app of 2024 and operates one of the most visited e-commerce websites in the world.

The tech giant plans to present its case before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, seeking to overturn a jury verdict and subsequent judicial order that found its Play Store operations violated antitrust laws.

In 2020, Epic Games, the developer behind “Fortnite,” filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company monopolised app distribution and in-app payment systems on Android devices. 

A San Francisco jury sided with Epic in 2023, concluding that Google’s techniques unlawfully suppressed competition. Following the verdict, U.S. District Judge James Donato instructed Google to implement measures to enhance competition. 

These measures include permitting users to download alternative app stores through the Play Store and ensuring that Play’s app catalogue is accessible to competitors. The enforcement of this order is currently suspended pending the outcome of Google’s appeal.

Google contends that the trial court committed legal errors that unfairly advantaged Epic Games. The company argues that its Play Store faces strong competition from Apple’s App Store and that the court improperly allowed Epic to assert that Google and Apple do not compete in app distribution and in-app payments. 

Added to this, Google challenges the nationwide scope of the judge’s order, asserting that it oversteps by imposing broad product design mandates.

Epic Games maintains that Google’s activities represent a “years-long strategy to suppress competition among app stores and payment solutions.”

The company says it is committed to ensuring that the jury’s verdict and the court’s injunction are upheld, holding Google accountable for its anti-competitive behaviour.

The case has garnered support for Epic from entities, including Microsoft, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission, all of which have filed briefs backing Epic’s position. A decision from the 9th Circuit is anticipated later this year, with the possibility of further appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Recently, Google appealed a record €4.3 billion fine imposed by the European Union for antitrust violations related to its Android operating system. Google argues that the penalty unjustly punishes its innovation and has requested that the Court of Justice of the European Union overturn the fine. 

The decision, delivered on 21 January 2025, also mandates changes to Google’s operations within the country.

The KPPU concluded that Google’s policies unfairly restricted competition by requiring application developers to use the GPB System exclusively for digital product transactions in the Google Play Store. 

Developers who failed to comply faced penalties, including the removal of their apps from the store. Google also charged developers service fees ranging from 15% to 30%, which the KPPU found to be excessive compared to other payment platforms.

The regulator’s investigation revealed that the mandatory use of GPB didn’t stop at restricting alternative payment methods, it also led to increased costs for developers and app users. These costs, in turn, caused a decline in app usage, reduced transactions, and limited revenue generation.

The KPPU further disclosed that the Google Play Store, pre-installed on all Android devices in Indonesia, dominates the market, holding more than 50% of the app distribution share. The regulator determined that this allowed Google to enforce restrictive policies that hindered competition and repressed technological development.

In addition to the fine, Google has been ordered to discontinue the mandatory use of the GPB System and to introduce the User Choice Billing (UCB) programme. Under this initiative, developers must be offered a service fee reduction of at least 5% for a year after the decision is legally binding.

Google has 30 days to pay the fine or face additional penalties, including a 2% monthly interest for late payment. If the company chooses to appeal, it must provide a bank guarantee for 20% of the fine’s value, as stipulated by Indonesian regulations.

Reacting to the ruling, a Google spokesperson, Danielle Cohen, stated: “We strongly disagree with the KPPU’s decision and will appeal. Our current practices foster a healthy, competitive Indonesian app ecosystem, offering a secure platform, global reach, and choice, including user choice billing — which enables alternatives to Google Play’s billing system.”

Cohen further noted Google’s contributions to Indonesia’s tech sector through programmes like the Indie Games Accelerator and Play Academy, adding, “We remain committed to complying with Indonesian law and will continue collaborating with the KPPU and stakeholders throughout the appeals process.”

This decision adds to several global regulatory challenges Google faces over its alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

Similar investigations are ongoing in Japan, with its regulator expected to issue a ruling soon, while past fines have been imposed in countries including India, South Korea, and France.

These probes, which began in March 2021 and June 2022 respectively, investigated the companies’ practices in app distribution through their App Stores. 

The investigations focused on the terms and conditions set by Apple for developers on its iOS and iPadOS platforms, as well as Google’s Play Store rules governing in-app purchases on Android devices. Issues were put forward that these practices might limit developers’ choices.

Despite initial findings indicating possible anti-competitive conduct, the CMA has opted not to take further action. The reason for closing these cases is linked to the anticipated powers that the CMA expects to receive under the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA). 

This upcoming legislation, which aims to introduce tougher controls over tech giants with strategic market power, is expected to come into force later this year. The CMA believes that these new powers will enable it to address issues around app store practices more effectively than under the current legal framework.

Will Hayter, the CMA’s executive director for Digital Markets, said the new regime will allow the regulator to consider applying these powers to issues already identified through their previous investigations. He pointed to the importance of ensuring a fair and competitive app sector in the UK, which would benefit app developers and consumers alike.

The DMCCA, which has faced delays due to political issues, was finally passed in May 2024. Once in effect, the CMA will be able to designate certain tech companies as having “strategic market status” (SMS), which will subject them to new regulatory obligations. 

However, it is expected that the process of determining which companies fall under this designation will take some time, delaying any immediate regulatory action against Apple and Google.

Interestingly, the CMA also rejected commitments proposed by Google during the investigation, which aimed to address the Play Store’s billing system.

Developers were dissatisfied with Google’s proposals, particularly regarding the fees they would still be required to pay and the perceived limitations of alternative payment options.

This is why millions of people in, and outside Nigeria are increasingly choosing Verve Card for its unmatched convenience and seamless transactions.

in a world where balancing work, family, and social commitments is a constant challenge, finding better and faster ways of doing the things that matter and keep our lives going is essential.

That’s where Verve, Naija’s Agba and Odogwu Card, comes in—as that trusted companion that simplifies payments and enhances daily experiences without the hassle.

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a soft life? A critical part of the soft life experience includes making payments like a breeze, transactions like smooth sailing, and shopping sprees with pure joy! Verve transforms simple transactions into moments of joy.

Whether swiping, tapping, or clicking, Verve promises a stress-free path to managing finances and enjoying life.

Verve has become a dominant force and thought leader in the payment space, not just in Nigeria but Africa.

It continues to delight consumers and partners with its agility and dedication to their yearnings, creating a portfolio of solutions and tokens such as its Debit, Contactless, Credit, Prepaid cards and more.

It is further changing the narrative with its smart Identity Card solutions giving multi-purpose expressions to what used to be known only for identification.

Have you heard about the Lagos State multi-purpose ID – LAG ID? It serves as a government-issued means of identification and provides access to loans, LAG bus rides, and more. Verve enriches everyday life with these practical conveniences.

For over 15 years, Verve has been synonymous with enabling cardholders to enjoy a good life. Whether binge-watching Netflix, streaming on Prime or Showmax, or enjoying music on Spotify, Verve Card unlocks endless entertainment at users’ fingertips.

Verve offers shoppers various discounts, including a 10% discount on shopping sprees at Addide stores, allowing them to save while they spend.

Verve, the largest PAN African Card Scheme, has over 280 scheme members. Verve is more than just a payment card – it’s a lifestyle enabler! Cardholders can manage their favorite services such as funding their Uber Wallet, Google Play Store contents – LinkedIn, and TikTok, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Facebook Ads and more, all in Naira, eliminating concerns about dollar rates or additional fees.

More merchants, partners and global brands around the world now choose Verve Card. Verve is now accepted on Udemy and by many others. The list is endless and still growing.

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Going shopping or on a date and forgetting your ATM card at home. That is no longer an issue, because with Verve Paycode, cardholders can make payments without their ATM card. This feature enables cardholders to withdraw cash even without their card.

So, here’s the best part – Verve prioritizes convenience over complications. With over 65 million Verve cards in circulation, it’s clear that millions of people find it a trusted choice.

Users appreciate Verve for its seamless transactions and hassle-free experience, making it an essential part of their daily lives.

So, why settle for anything less? Many are switching to Verve today and discovering the benefits of enjoying a more convenient lifestyle.

Verve is not just a payment card; it’s a lifestyle. With its increasing offers, premium access, and a world of boundless possibilities, it’s the perfect companion.

So, what are you waiting for? Join the millions who have already chosen Verve and start living the Verve life, the good life!

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had removed 47 unregistered loan apps from the platform as part of its investigation to curb illegal lending practices. However, many of these apps have turned to using Android Application Packages (APKs) to reach their customers.

APKs allow users to download apps directly via shared links, bypassing the need for official app stores. This tactic has enabled unregistered loan apps to continue their activities, avoiding compliance with FCCPC regulations.

These apps have been notorious for their aggressive and often illegal debt recovery methods, including harassment and defamation of borrowers. By sharing these APK links, the loan apps circumvent the restrictions imposed by the FCCPC and continue to target vulnerable consumers.

Gbemi Adelekan, Chairman of the Money Lenders Association, said these unregistered apps exploit regulatory loopholes to operate freely. He noted that these apps often extend unsolicited loans and use unethical means to recover debts, causing significant distress to borrowers.

In contrast, licensed Digital Money Lenders (DMLs) adhere to the laws and guidelines set by the FCCPC, promoting fair lending practices. Adelekan pointed out that while most licensed DMLs operate ethically, the few unregistered apps damage the industry’s reputation with their unscrupulous tactics.

The FCCPC, under the leadership of Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, is concerned about the rising infractions by these loan apps. In addition to delisting 47 apps, the Commission has placed 88 more on a watchlist and is considering involving law enforcement to address the issue more effectively.

This move aims to bolster consumer protection and maintain accurate standards in Nigeria’s digital lending space. The Commission’s Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending, established in 2022, was designed to ensure fair and transparent lending practices and to protect consumer rights.

Dr Abdullahi highlighted that infractions have been increasing as more Nigerians turn to loan apps due to the challenging economic conditions. The FCCPC’s actions come in response to the proliferation of unregistered and potentially predatory loan apps that have been causing distress among Nigerians.

The registration framework was necessitated by the disturbing activities of loan apps in the country, especially the illegal ones, over allegations of rights violations and unfair practices.

As of May 2024, the number of registered loan apps in Nigeria had increased to 284, including 232 companies with full approval and 41 others licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This increase in registered apps is a positive response to the regulatory measures, yet the challenge of unregistered apps is still an issue.

With over 65 million users already on board and counting, the promise of a good life is not just rhetoric, it is evidential. Verve Card is more than just a payment method, it is a ticket to a lifestyle of ease and excitement.

Verve Card is the renowned Africa’s indigenous payment card, with a strong Naija heritage and over 15 years of providing unwavering delightful payment solutions to millions of customers in Nigeria and beyond; and the exciting benefits that come with being part of the Verve family are enormous.

First off, say goodbye to the hassle of juggling multiple subscriptions and hello to uninterrupted fun! Picture unlimited access to your favourite entertainment platforms like Google Play Store, Spotify, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Showmax; all seamlessly managed and paid for with your Verve Card, ensuring endless entertainment without any hassle.

With your Verve Card, you are not just paying; you are opening doors to a world of entertainment.

But that is not all, Verve Card extends its magic into other aspects of your everyday activities effortlessly.

So, whether you’re topping up your Uber wallet for smooth rides or managing subscriptions on Google Play Store, LinkedIn, and TikTok, Verve has got you covered, all in Naira!

Love shopping? Let’s go there! With a Verve Card at hand, you can now get a fantastic 10% discount on your shopping spree at any Addide store. It is the perfect way to save on your purchases while enjoying the wide variety of goods available.

And here is where things get even more exciting: Verve has teamed up with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and Sterling Bank to power the innovative LAG ID.

This multi-purpose ID is not just about identification—it opens doors to loans, LAG bus access, train services and a plethora of other benefits, making it an indispensable part of your daily life.

And just when you think you have seen it all, there comes the awkward moment when you have to make payment and you find out you have left your card at home. Even at such awkward moments, Verve card pulls up another cutting-edge solution called Paycode.

With Paycode, you can generate payment codes on the fly, ensuring you are never stranded without access to your funds. Plus, experience the sheer convenience of contactless payments with the Verve Contactless Card; speeding up your checkout process while minimizing physical contact.

Switching to Verve is not just a financial decision—it is a lifestyle upgrade. From unlimited entertainment and shopping perks to innovative payment solutions, Verve Card is your passport to a simpler, faster, and all-around good life.

So, now that you are Verve aware, let’s welcome you to the Verve family. Start using your Verve card or ask your bank for one! Remember to take a moment to confirm it is a Verve Card.

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The landslide vote, split 79 to 18, followed an equally thumping majority in the House of Representatives at the weekend, where the bill was passed after being folded into a wider $95bn package of American aid for Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine, after a previous attempt to push it through stalled. It now heads to the desk of President Biden, who has indicated he means to sign it.

At its core, the law gives ByteDance less than 12 months to sell TikTok to a US-based entity or face being removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for good.

Both Apple and Google would face financial penalties for non-compliance.

Although, TikTok has not directly commented on the development, it has indicated that it intends to challenge it in court.

Such arguments would likely hinge on how a court interprets the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects the right to freedom of speech and prevents Congress from passing laws prohibiting it.

The bill’s passage comes amid a growing freeze in relations between China and the US, and long-held concerns that China’s national security laws appear to give it the right to force ByteDance to give it access to any and all data TikTok holds, something ByteDance has always strenuously denied.

A recent report produced by Oxford Economics, found TikTok drove $15bn of revenue for SMEs in the US alone in 2023, supported an overall contribution of $24.2bn to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), $5.3bn of tax revenues, and 224,000 jobs.

Speaking ahead of the vote, senator Mark Warner, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said it was “not hard to imagine” how such a widely used platform could be manipulated by the Chinese state, and while he said he respected the views of TikTok users – 170 million Americans would be impacted – he pointed out that they had not been present for the classified briefings in which politicians were able to delve more deeply into the potential threats posed by Chinese control of TikTok.

“I want to make clear to all Americans, this is not an effort to take your voice away,” said Warner.

This settlement, part of a tentative agreement reached in September, addresses concerns raised in a class-action lawsuit filed by U.S. states and consumers in 2021.

The financial commitment from Google amounts to $630 million allocated to U.S. consumers and an additional $70 million directed to a fund utilised by U.S. states. White emphasised Google’s dedication to improving Android and Google Play, despite ongoing legal challenges.

White stated, “While we are challenging that verdict and our case with Epic is far from over, we remain committed to continually improving Android and Google Play.”

As part of the settlement, Google expands its user choice billing program in the U.S., allowing app and game developers to implement alternative billing options alongside Google Play’s system for in-app purchases. This enables users to choose between different billing methods when making transactions.

Regarding the streamlined sideloading process, White highlighted Google’s commitment to enhancing safety efforts. “While we maintain it is critical to our safety efforts to inform users that sideloading on mobile could come with unique risks, as part of our settlement we will be further simplifying the sideloading process and updating the language that informs users about these potential risks of downloading apps directly from the web for the first time.”

Android 14 introduces features that facilitate the upgrading process for third-party app stores through an API, aiming to improve user experience and controls. White highlighted Google’s zeal to provide choices and opportunities for innovation, stating, “Android and Google Play provide choices and opportunities for innovation that other platforms we compete against simply don’t.”

Developers are granted the freedom to communicate directly with customers outside the app about subscription offers or lower-cost options available on rival app stores or their own websites. Google’s openness in this regard is seen as enhancing healthy competition.

Google will contribute $630 million to a settlement fund for the benefit of consumers, following a Court-approved plan. An additional $70 million will be allocated to a fund used by the states. Despite the settlement, Google asserts that its legal battle with Epic is far from over and plans to appeal the recent verdict. The trial brought to light Google’s deals with companies like Spotify, which enjoyed exemptions from Play Store commissions for in-app purchases.

This development reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to address concerns surrounding app distribution, enhance user choice, and scale the growing digital platforms.

As of today, Nigerians can use their Verve cards to make purchases on the Google Play Store, strengthening the digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

Under this new arrangement, Google will process Verve transactions within Nigeria.

These transactions will be undertaken in Nigerian Naira (NG), and treated as local transactions by the country’s banking institutions. As a result, any Nigerian with an Android device and a Verve card now has a streamlined method for making purchases on the Google Play Store.

Anthea Crawford, Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships, Google Play, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Verve, expanding Google Play access for more Nigerians.

The introduction of local payments with Verve cards is a significant milestone, enabling more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need.”

Speaking about this partnership, Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director Verve International, stated that “the integration with Google Play is a significant stride towards achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. We are excited to bring digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, hence bridging the digital divide.”

As a foremost payment card scheme in Nigeria, Verve’s expanding acceptance promotes inclusion by extending the reach of digital services to a larger segment of the Nigerian population. Maximising this exciting possibility, users can now add their Verve Cards to their Google Play Account and pay in Naira, without stress. 

Here’s how to use your Verve card on Google Play: Open the Playstore, choose the app you want to buy, click the amount you see on your screen, click “add credit or debit card” enter your Verve card details when asked. You can also go to pay.google.com, log in with your Gmail account, click on ‘Add a payment method,’ enter your Verve card details and save. Then, return to the Playstore to make your purchase. Your card will be charged automatically.

This new partnership not only simplifies the payment process for Google Play Store apps and services but also contributes significantly to a more inclusive digital environment for Nigerians.