Tech News Weekly #412 – Epic Win: Google Slashes Play Store Fees

Date: November 6, 2025
Host: Micah Sargent
Guest Co-host: Abrar Al-Heeti
Guest: Ryan Whitwam (Ars Technica)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Micah Sargent is joined by Abrar Al-Heeti for the monthly roundup of key tech stories. The episode dives deep into Apple's AI future powered by Google's Gemini, the debut of a privacy-first AI ring, a major development in the Google vs. Epic legal saga, and a shocking story from the ransomware negotiation industry.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Apple’s Partnership with Google Gemini for Smarter Siri ([02:08]–[13:38])

• Main Point: Apple is set to integrate Google’s Gemini AI model into Siri, aiming to fulfil long-promised advancements in its digital assistant. The deal, reportedly worth around $1 billion annually, marks a shift from Apple’s in-house efforts to a “behind-the-scenes” partnership with Google.
• Privacy Commitment: Gemini will run on Apple’s private cloud compute infrastructure, ensuring Google can't access users' personal data.
• Strategic Reasoning: Apple sees this as a temporary step while it continues to develop its own AI. Users won’t see overt Google branding; Gemini will quietly power advanced Siri capabilities.
• Co-hosts’ Experience with AI Assistants:
  • Micah: Praises Gemini’s speed, relevance, and consumer orientation compared to other chatbots and critiques Siri’s ongoing inadequacy.

    “Apple's virtual assistant I don't use because it is a disappointment. ... I don't use the voice controls, save for setting timers...” – Micah Sargent, [08:47]

  • Abrar: Relates as an “AI skeptic” but finds Gemini meaningfully more helpful than Siri.

    “I genuinely cannot think of the last time I intentionally triggered it [Siri]... to have that actually within the iPhone would be a game changer...” – Abrar Al-Heeti, [10:49]

• Industry Implications: Suggests a multi-billion dollar “swapsies” between Google (now providing AI) and Apple (historically accepting payment for search default status).
• Quote:

  “I think that Apple’s making the right choice... I’ve been impressed with what Gemini had to offer.” – Micah Sargent, [10:40]

2. Stream Ring: The Whisperable Wearable for Capturing Thoughts ([14:23]–[26:49])

• Main Point: Introduction of the Stream Ring, an AI-powered smart ring from ex-Meta engineers, designed to transcribe whispered thoughts, organize notes, and act as a discreet “mouse for voice.”
• Key Features:
  • Not always listening – deliberate activation only
  • No audio files saved, only transcriptions
  • AI assistant mimics user’s voice (via 11 Labs) for playback
  • Touch controls for dictation and media
• Beta Use Cases Breakdown: [Percentage statistics, see [17:03]]
  • 20% note creation (lower than expected)
  • 20% single queries
  • 60% back-and-forth conversations
• Privacy & Comfort:
  • Abrar finds it “not creepy,” unlike always-on AI gadgets, and would gladly test it.
  • Both hosts highlight “uncanny valley” concerns around the AI mimicking user’s voice.
• Quote:

  “It doesn't feel like a surveillance method. So that's really cool… this is something that doesn't make me uncomfortable, which is great.” – Abrar Al-Heeti, [19:48]

• Tangent: Playful banter about the proliferation of smart rings (and joking horror at the idea of smart toe rings.)

3. Interview: Ryan Whitwam on Google vs. Epic Games Settlement ([30:35]–[44:02])

Background & Case Summary ([31:11]–[32:28])

• Epic sued Apple and Google in 2020 over app store fees (after trying to bypass them in Fortnite). Apple won, Google lost.
• After years of litigation, a settlement (pending court approval) has been reached with substantial changes for Google.

Key Settlement Points ([32:50]–[37:31])

• Play Store Fee Reduction: Developers will now pay lower fees (generally 9–20%, depending on product), with some direct billing allowed outside Google's system.
• Third-Party App Stores: Android will allow certified app stores to operate with fewer installation warnings and streamlined user experience (coming in next Android major version).
• Certification Uncertainties: Google will define its own rules for certifying app stores and can charge a flat fee, but not a revenue-based one.

  “The settlement doesn’t mandate any way that Google has to which... they can have a reasonable process by which they certify app stores and they’re allowed to charge for that process, but they cannot charge based on the App Store’s revenue.” – Ryan Whitwam, [35:47]

Epic’s Perspective ([37:31]–[41:07])

• Epic CEO Tim Sweeney calls it “an awesome proposal” as it prioritizes what Epic wanted: getting more Fortnite revenue with less legal expense.
• The 9% fee applies to most types of in-app purchases, which is favorable for many game developers worldwide.

Global Implications ([40:04]–[41:07])

• Settlement applies globally through 2032 (at least), simplifying compliance for developers in all markets.

Potential Challenges ([41:41]–[43:32])

• Google assumes more security risk by certifying third-party stores – must ensure they are as robust as the Play Store or risk reputational damage if malware spreads.
• The process remains fraught with ambiguity, and "malicious compliance" is a concern.

4. Ransomware Industry Scandal: When Negotiators Become Criminals ([46:09]–[End])

• Main Point: Two “ransomware negotiators” were indicted for conducting ransomware attacks themselves, merging the roles of attacker and supposed defender.
• Key Details:
  • Defendants: Kevin Tyler Martin (Digital Mint) and Ryan Clifford Goldberg (Signia Cybersecurity Services)
  • Accused of at least 5 attacks (1 successful, netting $1.2M)
  • Used insider knowledge and laundered proceeds via crypto mixing services
  • Goldberg fled to Paris post-interrogation; Martin released on bond
• Industry Fallout & Trust Issues:
  • Companies quickly distanced themselves, noting no breach of client data or use of internal systems
  • Host Micah highlights lack of adequate employee vetting in cybersecurity and considers whether poor compensation may have motivated the crime
• Quote:

  “The people who are best at being able to stop ransomware attacks and understand how to combat ransomware attacks would be the ones who are then going to be very good at causing them.” – Micah Sargent, [47:16]

• Broader Point: This case erodes hard-won trust in an already shadowy and high-stakes sector.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Micah’s on Siri:

  “Apple's virtual assistant I don't use because it is a disappointment.” [08:47]

• Abrar on Adoption:

  “I genuinely cannot think of the last time I intentionally triggered it [Siri]... to have that actually within the iPhone would be a game changer...” [10:49]

• Ryan Whitwam on Google’s defeat:

  “Google really like the case did not go well for Google. ... The judge, you know, really let them have it.” [37:31]

• Micah on the ransomware incident:

  “The people who are best at being able to stop ransomware attacks... would be the ones who are then going to be very good at causing them.” [47:16]

• Abrar on the AI Ring:

  “It doesn't feel like a surveillance method. So that's really cool…” [19:48]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:08] – Apple to use Google Gemini; privacy and strategy details
• [05:24] – Micah’s perspective on Gemini vs. Siri
• [10:49] – Abrar’s take: life as an “AI skeptic”
• [14:23] – Stream Ring demo and privacy-first feature set
• [19:48] – Abrar on psychological comfort, use cases, and uncanny AI voices
• [26:49] – Playful banter on future of smart wearables
• [30:35] – Start of Google vs. Epic discussion with Ryan Whitwam
• [32:50] – Ryan breaks down Play Store fee changes and third-party app store certification
• [37:31] – Epic’s “awesome proposal”
• [40:04] – Global impact and consistency of new settlement
• [41:41] – Google’s regulatory and security risks with new system
• [46:09] – Ransomware story: negotiators double-crossing as attackers
• [47:16] – Micah unpacks the industry trust implications

Tone and Style

The episode maintains the signature TWiT blend: conversational, humorous, tech-savvy, and skeptical where warranted. Both hosts bring relatable personal experiences, honest assessments, and respectful curiosity to every topic. Technical explanations are accessible but substantial, and there's a healthy dose of inside-tech humor and self-deprecating wit (especially about wearable tech and Siri).

Conclusion

This episode delivers a thorough yet approachable exploration of some of the week’s hottest tech news: a cross-giant AI partnership, a new “voice-only” wearable, a landmark settlement for the Play Store, and a reminder that cybersecurity, like all tech, is ultimately about trust. Whether it’s Apple’s AI ambitions, Google’s new app store openness, the allure of privacy-first wearables, or the risks of insider threats in security, the show gives listeners thoughtful analysis and a few laughs along the way.