US judge says 'monopolist' Google can't avoid app store reforms

FILE PHOTO: The logo of Google is seen outside Google Bay View facilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, U.S. August 13, 2024. Google unveils a new line of Pixel smartphones, plus a new smart watch and wireless earbuds at its annual hardware event. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo/File Photo

(Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Wednesday said he was planning to issue an order forcing Alphabet's Google to give Android users more ways to download apps, but would not micromanage the tech giant's business, following a jury verdict last year for “Fortnite” maker Epic Games.

U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco heard from technology experts and lawyers for Epic and Google about proposed reforms in the blockbuster antitrust case.