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Apple Becomes First Target Of EU’s New Digital Competition Rules Aimed At Big Tech

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LONDON — On Monday, European Union regulators filed the first allegations under the bloc’s new digital competition regulation, accusing Apple of prohibiting software developers from directing users to cheaper alternatives outside its software Store.

According to the European Commission’s early conclusions, the iPhone maker’s limits on developers using its mobile App Store violate the Digital Markets Act of the 27-nation bloc.

The rulebook, also known as the DMA, is a comprehensive set of restrictions to prevent electronic “gatekeepers” from monopolizing digital marketplaces under the fear of severe financial penalties. After taking effect in March, the commission launched a first set of inquiries, including a separate ongoing examination into whether Apple is doing enough to make it easy for iPhone users to switch web browsers and additional instances involving Google and Meta.

apple

Apple | AP News Image

Apple Becomes First Target Of EU’s New Digital Competition Rules Aimed At Big Tech

Apple has faced pressure from both sides of the Atlantic to remove some competitive obstacles surrounding its lucrative iPhone business. This year, the US Justice Department filed a massive antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of unjustly monopolizing the smartphone market, locking out competitors, limiting innovation, and unfairly raising prices. App developers such as Spotify had long complained about Apple’s restriction that subscriptions be purchased solely through iOS applications, which allowed the corporation to charge up to a 30% fee.

According to the DMA, app developers must be able to advise clients about cheaper purchase options and direct them to those offers.

The commission, the bloc’s executive arm, stated that App Store policies “prevent app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content.”

Apple now has the opportunity to reply to the results. The commission must conclude Apple’s compliance by March 2025. The corporation could face fines of up to 10% of its global revenue, equivalent to billions of euros or daily penalties.

The commission increased the pressure on Apple by initiating a fresh probe into the contractual terms it offers app developers.

Regulators focused on a “core technology fee” of 50 euro cents (54 cents), which Apple now charges developers for each download and installation of their programs from sources other than Apple’s App Store. The DMA’s regulations pave the path for other app stores, giving consumers additional options.

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Apple | Cap Image

Apple Becomes First Target Of EU’s New Digital Competition Rules Aimed At Big Tech

The commission stated that the additional terms are a “condition for access to some of the new features enabled by the DMA.” Rivals had questioned the price, claiming it would dissuade many existing free apps from leaving the platform.

“We are concerned that Apple’s new business model makes it too difficult for app developers to operate as alternative marketplaces and reach their end users on iOS,” European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager stated on social media.

Apple Inc. stated that during the last few months, it “has made a number of changes to comply with the DMA in response to feedback from developers and the European Commission.”

“We are confident our plan complies with the law, and estimate more than 99% of developers would pay the same or less in fees to Apple under the new business terms we created,” according to a statement from the company. “All developers doing business in the EU on the App Store have the opportunity to utilize the capabilities that we have introduced, including the ability to direct app users to the web to complete purchases at a very competitive rate.”

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Apple | Medium Image

Apple Becomes First Target Of EU’s New Digital Competition Rules Aimed At Big Tech

The corporation announced it will “continue to listen and engage” with the commission.

Since 2020, the EU has conducted a similar inquiry to determine whether Apple’s in-app purchasing system and limits breach Brussels’ antitrust regulations. However, “to avoid multiple investigations into the very same conduct,” the commission said Monday that the probe is being closed to focus on the investigation under the DMA, which explicitly spells out what Apple cannot do.

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Environment Canada Issues Heat Warning for BC and Alberta

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Environment Canada Issues Heat Warning
Heat Warning for BC and Alberta - Environment Canada Image

On Saturday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a heat warning for British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and Alberta’s Edmonton, and Calgary cities.

A heat warning will remain in place until about the middle of next week, according to the weather service, because of the moderate risk to public health, Environment Canada reported.

“Very high temperatures are on the horizon starting Sunday,” Environment Canada warned in a press statement, citing a developing ridge of high pressure over the area.

The highs during the day will be in the low to mid-30s. Daytime highs will reach the upper 20s when you’re close to the water. Lows throughout the night will drop to about 17 degrees. By the middle of next week, the scorching weather should start to cool off, though when exactly that will happen is still up in the air.

Cooling Centers in Vancouver

With the installation of cooling centers, the City of Vancouver would like to remind its citizens.

“Anyone is welcome to cool down and rehydrate at one of these centers, and some will even allow well-behaved pets,” the city announced.

“Anyone can find a cool place to relax in the shade at any of the City’s other community centers, on plazas with coverings from the elements, or under the shade of trees, umbrellas, or awnings at parks or beaches.”

Next week’s temperatures in Alberta might reach 35C or higher, prompting Environment Canada to issue heat advisories for the province. Areas in northern, central, and southern Alberta, including High Level, Edmonton, and Calgary, are currently under the alerts.

By Sunday, the province can anticipate “extremely warm temperatures” brought on by a developing upper ridge, according to meteorologists.

Daytime Temperature to rise

A weather notice states that many sections of Alberta may expect daytime highs of near 30 C on Sunday, which will gradually rise to near 35 C by Wednesday.

“Downturns into the teens for the night won’t cool things down much.”

Residents of Alberta who live in the hotspots should stay indoors, avoid going outside as much as possible, and reschedule any outside activities they have planned. In order to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion, people should drink lots of water and other non-alcoholic, caffeine-free drinks.

The City of Edmonton has stated that it will activate its weather response for excessive heat on Monday to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals in anticipation of warmer temperatures.

Unless there is a significant change in the forecast, city officials have stated that the response plan will conclude on Friday night.

The city emphasized the growing importance of preventing dehydration during heat waves.

Environment Canada has offered some tips to help residents stay cool during the upcoming heatwave, including:

  • drink plenty of water, even if you aren’t thirsty, especially at night
  • reduce activity level and avoid intense activity
  • wear a damp shawl or shirt
  • sit in a cool or tepid bath
  • take a cool shower
  • use a personal mister or spray bottle

As well, people are advised to watch out for signs of heat stroke, which include severe headache, confusion, unsteadiness, vomiting, and a loss of thirst.

Source: Global and City News

Heatwave in Delhi Claims 200 Homeless Lives in One Week

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South Korea’s First ‘Robot Suicide’ Raises Concerns: Robot Civil Servant Falls Down Stairs at Gumi City Council

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South Korea's First 'Robot Suicide' Raises Concerns Robot Civil Servant Falls Down Stairs at Gumi City Council

A robot civil servant in South Korea was discovered unresponsive at the foot of a stairwell, marking the country’s first ‘robot suicide’ case. Gumi City Council officials reported that the robot, known as “Robot Supervisor,” worked a conventional 9-to-5 workday and had its civil service ID card.

“Robot Supervisor” was apparently spotted by municipal staff about 4 p.m., who claimed that the robot had previously behaved abnormally, “circling in one spot as if something was there.”

“It was technically a member of the city hall staff, one of us.

According to the Daily Mail, a municipal official said “it worked diligently.”

What led to the ‘robot suicide’ in South Korea

While the cause of the fall is still being investigated, reports wonder whether the robot was asked ‘to work too hard’. The officials have collected the parts for analysis, which the robot’s maker is testing.

“Pieces have been collected and will be analysed by the company,” an official stated.

Bear Robotics, a California-based robot-waiter startup, produced the robot, which has been active since August 2023.

Unlike other service robots limited to single floors, the Gumi City Council robot explored the building independently, calling elevators to go between levels.

According to reports, the robot “helped with daily document deliveries, city promotion, and delivered information” to local residents.

The city council has postponed plans to deploy another robot.

According to reports, the Gumi City Council has postponed deploying another robot officer in response to this event.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, South Korea has a high rate of robot adoption, with one industrial robot for every ten employees.

Source: Daily Mail

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Tracking Tropical Storm Beryl: Implications for Texas, Houston, Routes, and Hurricane Watch

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Beryl likely makes landfall in south coastal Texas as a category 1 Hurricane late Sunday into Early Monday

(VOR News) – Severe weather is a hallmark of the tropics. Storm Beryl is presently en route to the Texas coast, passing over the Gulf of Mexico. This very moment is the present moment.

The hurricane was situated approximately 385 miles southeast of Corpus Christi at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. It was traveling at a speed of thirteen miles per hour in a northwesterly direction. The highest wind speed ever recorded was seventy-five miles per hour when it was sustained.

What’s the deal with Tropical Storm Beryl, and how will it pass over Texas?

It is highly recommended that you prepare to “hunker down.” The National Hurricane Center is presently in the process of relocating to the general vicinity of Corpus Christi.

It is traveling in an exceedingly uncommon manner, despite the fact that its trajectory has not significantly changed.

The final landfall location will be substantially impacted by any modifications, regardless of their size, to the left or right as it travels up the coast. This is a result of the hurricane’s descent along the coast.

The National Storm Center (NHC) continues to anticipate that the storm will make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane early on Monday, despite the fact that all factors have been considered.

Nevertheless, there are a few things to be cognizant of, one of which is a precipitous increase in intensity that occurs immediately before the impact. It is not entirely improbable that a similar incident could occur, despite my sincere desire that it does not.

It is essential that the residents of Matagorda Bay, Galveston, or the coast are cognizant of the possibility of a five-foot increase in sea levels and storm surges. It is essential that you maintain a high level of awareness in relation to this issue.

The winds that follow will be substantially impacted by a variety of factors, including the precise location of landfall and any last-minute category adjustments.

It is crucial to have water, food, medication, pet food, and any other essentials on hand in the event of an electricity outage. By performing this, you will be able to effectively address any unforeseen circumstances. It is more advantageous to be overly prepared than to be underprepared. In these situations, it is advantageous to be overly prepared.

At present, the FOX 26 Weather Team is meticulously monitoring the most recent advancements in the weather phenomenon. They will continue to keep you informed of the most recent events by utilizing the internet, TV broadcasts, social media, and FOX Local.

Beryl is accountable for both monitoring and issuing warnings.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the entire Texas coast, which spans from the entrance of the Rio Grande River to San Luis Pass. The entire littoral is included in the warnings. The warning extends to the entire Rio Grande River.

A WARNING TO TRAVELERS FROM THE POLAR LANDS: Kindly be informed that

A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the northeastern coast of mainland Mexico, which spans from Barra el Mezquital to the estuary of the Rio Grande River, and the coast of Texas, which extends from Baffin Bay to the outlet of the river.

Both of these regions are situated within the United States. The United States of America is divided into two distinct regions.

AIM FOR AND BE PREPARED FOR STORM SURGES.

Storm surges that would impact the entire Texas coast, from the entrance of the Rio Grande River to High Island, have been the subject of a warning. This notification will continue to be in effect until the end of the day.

Texas is enhancing its readiness for Hurricane Beryl.

On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas declared a severe meteorological calamity in response to Hurricane Beryl. Forty municipalities of the province were included in the declaration.

In order to improve the preparedness of the State Emergency Operations Center, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has implemented the following measures. This is one of the accomplishments they have achieved. Furthermore, the Texas catastrophe Management Council’s agencies are spending an inordinate amount of time coordinating the state’s resource acquisition for the catastrophe response response.

It is truly impossible to overstate the importance of having a disaster preparedness pack stored and ready to go well in advance of any potential storm. The essentials, including food, water, first aid supplies, and flashlights, should be included in the bare minimum of your kit, among other items.

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