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Elon Musk Chastises Apple for 30% App Store Fees

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Elon Musk slammed Apple in a series of tweets o Twitter on Monday over its 30% App Store fees, providing Spotify and Epic Games with a powerful ally in their battle against the tech giant.

Elon Musk chastised Apple for charging software developers a fee for in-app purchases and posted a meme implying he was willing to “go to war” rather than pay the levy.

Musk also claimed that Apple had threatened to remove Twitter from its app store, though he did not elaborate.

Spotify has filed antitrust complaints against Apple in Europe, and Epic Games planned to sue Apple in the United States in 2020.

Musk, who purchased Twitter last month, has announced plans to charge users $8 per month to become verified on the social media platform to increase profitability and avoid bankruptcy. A 30% reduction would be a significant blow to those plans.

After Spotify filed an antitrust case against Apple in 2019, the European Commission has been investigating whether Apple’s rules for app developers violate its rules.

If found guilty of violating EU antitrust rules, Apple faces a fine of up to 10% of its global revenue.

Apple is “playing a dangerous game,” according to Luke Suddards, an analyst at investment insights firm Finimize, by threatening to remove Twitter from its App Store.

“If Twitter is suspended, another lawsuit could be filed. Elon Musk used the courts effectively during his Twitter acquisition, and it would not be surprising if he used the same strategy now.”

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Apple vs. Epic Games

Epic Games asked a three-judge U.S. federal appeals panel earlier this month to overturn portions of a lower court antitrust ruling that favored Apple and its App Store payment business.

Apple previously stated that the commissions it receives help it fund app reviews to ensure consumers are not exposed to fraudulent, pornographic, or privacy-invading apps.

“Apple continues to disadvantage competitors, with significant consequences for consumers, app developers, and, most recently, authors and publishers. Nothing will change unless policymakers take action. “Last month, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek posted on Twitter.

Musk, who was in the process of purchasing Twitter at the time, responded to Ek’s post with “concerning.”

However, some analysts are concerned that going to war with Apple will drive more users away from Twitter.

“While Musk seeks to rekindle the ongoing feud between Apple and developers, all of this negativity will drive Twitter users away,” said Paolo Pescatore, an analyst with PP Foresight.

“People are not going to abandon their iPhones… They are used to signing up for various social services but only use one phone at a time, “He stated.

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Apple threat to yank Twitter from App Store

In a series of tweets on Monday, Elon Musk accused Apple of threatening to block Twitter Inc from its app store without explaining why. He also claimed that the iPhone maker had stopped advertising on social media.

The billionaire CEO of Twitter and Tesla claimed that Apple was putting pressure on Twitter over content moderation requirements.

Apple has not confirmed the action, but it would not be unusual given that the company has routinely enforced its rules and previously removed apps such as Gab and Parler.

Apple restored Parler, popular among US conservatives, in 2021 after the app updated its content and moderation practices, the companies said at the time.

“Apple has largely discontinued advertising on Twitter. Do Americans despise free speech? “Musk, who purchased Twitter for $44 billion last month, stated in a tweet.

In a subsequent tweet, he tagged Apple CEO Tim Cook’s Twitter account, asking, “what’s going on here?”

Apple did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

“It wasn’t clear to me how far up the Apple food chain that idea went internally,” Randal Picker, a law professor at the University of Chicago, said.

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Apple was the top advertiser on Twitter.

According to ad measurement firm Pathmatics, the world’s most valuable company spent an estimated $131,600 on Twitter ads between Nov. 10 and Nov. 16, down from $220,800 between Oct. 16 and Oct. 22, the week before Musk closed the Twitter deal.

According to an internal Twitter document, Apple was the top advertiser on Twitter in the first quarter of 2022, spending $48 million and accounting for more than 4% of total revenue for the period.

Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report from Reuters.

The up to 30% fee Apple charges software developers for in-app purchases was among Musk’s list of grievances, with Musk posting a meme suggesting he was willing to “go to war” with Apple rather than pay the commission.

The fee has drawn criticism and lawsuits from companies such as Epic Games, the creators of ‘Fortnite,’ as well as the attention of regulators worldwide.

The commission may consider Musk’s efforts to increase subscription revenue at Twitter, partly to compensate for the exodus of advertisers due to content moderation concerns.

Since the acquisition, companies ranging from General Mills Inc (GIS.N) to luxury automaker Audi of America have stopped or paused advertising on Twitter, and Musk stated earlier this month that the company had seen a “massive” drop in revenue.

Ad sales generate roughly 90% of Twitter’s revenue.

The self-described free speech absolutist, whose company has reinstated several Twitter accounts, including that of former US President Donald Trump, in recent days, has blamed activist groups for putting pressure on advertisers.

According to Ben Bajarin, the head of consumer technologies at research firm Creative Strategies, Musk may be reading too much into a routine process Apple uses for app review.

“App review from Apple is not perfect by any means, and it is a consistently frustrating process for developers,” he said. “However, from what I hear, it is a two-way conversation.”

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Geoff Brown is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Geoff's' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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On December 24, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Will Make Its Closest Approach To The Sun.

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(VOR News) – NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will make its last approach to the sun, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This is expected to take place on the 24th of December. On this particular date, it is widely predicted that the project will be finished on time.

It has been reported by Sci Tech Daily that the Parker Solar Probe, which is currently in fine condition and is being controlled by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is functioning in an efficient manner. This data was provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is in charge of supervising the Living With a Star Program, which includes the Parker Solar Probe, which is an essential undertaking associated to the program.

The program is managed by NASA.

The program’s principal mission is to conduct research to enhance understanding of the Sun and its effects on Earth.

The airplane is projected to traverse a distance of 3.8 million miles (6.1 million kilometers) from the Sun throughout the mission. In comparison to the Sun, this distance signifies an exceptionally close encounter with the star in question.

The persons responsible for the mission will encounter difficulties in contacting them during the interval when the spacecraft is at its closest approach, known as perihelion.

On December 27th, subsequent to the flyby, it will transmit a signal to confirm its proper functionality and acceptable operation. This will provide as evidence that it is functioning within its standard parameters. The implementation of this plan will ensure its proper functioning.

The acquisition of fresh knowledge and discoveries related to solar activity and phenomena will be facilitated by the subsequent collecting of these data.

“This exemplifies NASA’s audacious missions, undertaking unprecedented endeavors to address enduring inquiries regarding our universe,” stated Arik Posner, a scientist involved in the Parker Solar Probe program at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

“This exemplifies one of NASA’s audacious missions.” “This exemplifies one of NASA’s audacious missions.” “This exemplifies one of NASA’s audacious missions.”

“This has to be one of NASA’s most ambitious undertakings.”

Posner dedicated time and effort to composing this assertion, which he then included into a publicly released statement.

He remarked, “We anticipate receiving the initial status update from the spacecraft and commencing the acquisition of scientific data in the forthcoming weeks.”

This constitutes an additional point of interest. These are additional things of interest to contemplate. This subject is attracting significant attention from persons worldwide.

While at the Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) laboratory, Nick Pinkine, newly appointed mission operations manager for the Parker Solar Probe, noted that “no human-made object has ever approached a star this closely, thus Parker will indeed be transmitting data from uncharted territory.”

Pinkine is responsible for supervising the mission activities of the Parker Solar Probe and is accountable for these operations. Pinkine’s observation pertains to the Parker Solar Probe’s return of data from hitherto uncharted locations. These ecosystems have not been before encountered.

He issued the following remark for the sake of clarification: “We anticipate a response from the spacecraft upon its completion of the solar orbit.”

SOURCE: JN

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Google Responds To The US Bid To Mandate Chrome’s Sale.

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(VOR News) – Google responded to a request from the United States to sell its Chrome browser late on Friday. The request was made by Google’s Chrome browser.

A judge should be asked to settle antitrust issues by barring the corporation from making advantageous treatment of its software a condition of licensing, according to the company’s proposal.

According to a proposed judgement that Google has published, which is twelve pages long, it is forbidden for the internet giant to demand favourable distribution or treatment of its software on mobile devices as a condition of licensing popular apps like Chrome, Play, or Gemini. This is because the proposed ruling prohibits such a requirement.

The United States government, as part of a substantial antitrust assault on the firm, made a motion to a judge in November to compel the deconstruction by selling its Chrome browser, which is widely used. This phase of the inquiry into the corporation was part of a bigger antitrust investigation.

The US Justice Department has called for a shake-up of Google’s business.

This shake-up would include forbidding deals that would allow Google to be the default search engine on mobile devices and preventing the corporation from exploiting its Android mobile operating system among other things.

United States District Court Judge Amit Mehta concluded in August that Google was a monopoly. The next stage of the historic antitrust trial is to discover how to repair the wrongs that Google has committed in its business practices. This is the next stage of the trial.

Google has urged that Mehta stop it from using the licensing desirability of its programs to compel mobile device manufacturers to pre-install its search engine or make it the default option, according to a court filing.

Mehta has also requested that Google be prohibited from employing this method. This request was made in response to the proposition that Mehta had made.

The order that is being considered states that “nothing in this Final Judgement shall otherwise prohibit Google from providing consideration to a mobile device manufacturer or wireless carrier with respect to any product or service in exchange for such entity’s distribution, placement on any access point, promotion, or licensing of that Google product or service.” This clause is incorporated into the order that is being requested.

The decision made by the authorities of the United States government to call for the dissolution of Google reflects a fundamental departure in the approach that they have taken. The authorities have, for the most part, disregarded the digital titans ever since they were unsuccessful in their attempt to smash Microsoft twenty years ago.

If Judge Mehta denies the injunction, Google will likely appeal.

This will most certainly cause the process to drag on for a number of years, and it is possible that the Supreme Court of the United States will have the final word in the matter.

A further issue that has the potential to influence the outcome of the case is the fact that President-elect Donald Trump arrived at the White House in the month of January.

There is a significant possibility that his administration will replace the leadership team that is now in charge of the antitrust division of the Justice Department under the current government.

When it comes to the newcomers, they have three choices: they may either continue with the case, they can ask Google for a settlement, or they can choose not to pursue the case at all.

The trial, which was completed the year before, included an investigation into confidential deals with smartphone manufacturers, including Apple. This investigation was carried out for the entirety of the trial.

The objective of these collaborations is to ensure that Google’s search engine is the default option on any device, including browsers, iPhones, and other gadgets. This is accomplished by charging substantial fees.

The judge came to the judgement that this relationship provided Google with access to user data that was unmatched by any other corporation. As a result, Google was able to build its search engine into a platform that is at the forefront of competition on a worldwide scale.

SOURCE: BR

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Nukkleus Acquires Star 26 Capital Inc., Marking a Strategic Shift.

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Nukkleus Acquires Star 26 Capital Inc., Marking a Strategic Shift.

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(VOR News) – A major strategic change has been made when Nukkleus Inc., a fintech business that specialises in digital financial technology, stated that it has paid $26 million to acquire a controlling 51% position in Star 26 Capital Inc.

Israel’s prestigious Iron Dome missile defence system is mostly supplied by RIMON, which Star 26 Capital owns a 95% controlling interest in.

With this acquisition, Nukkleus is expanding from its finance roots into the defence industry, interacting with a rapidly growing industry driven by shifting demands for global security. As businesses look into high-growth industries to improve their market position, the activity aligns with broader trends in strategic diversification.

The Role of Star 26 Capital in the World’s Defence Infrastructure

Through its full ownership in RIMON, Star 26 Capital Inc. plays a crucial role in Israel’s defence infrastructure. The Iron Dome missile defence system, a well acknowledged technology that has successfully saved civilian lives during rising regional tensions, depends heavily on RIMON.

The Iron Dome is renowned for its advanced radar and interceptor systems, which provide outstanding protection from artillery shells and short-range rockets.

Along with the Iron Dome, RIMON has made a name for itself as a key supplier of systems and components for other defence applications.

Their goods include masts, tactical vehicle solutions, specialist generators, and contemporary lighting systems—all crucial for security and military operations. The company operates through exclusive contracts and alliances, which increase its competitiveness in the market.

Nukkleus’s Strategic Justification

The purchase of Star 26 Capital by Nukkleus demonstrates a calculated diversification strategy. This move highlights the company’s goal to leverage emerging opportunities in defence technology, even though finance and digital assets are essential to its operations.

“The acquisition of Star 26 Capital represents a significant milestone, allowing us to enter the rapidly growing defence technology industry,” said Emil Assentato, CEO of Nukkleus. Because of its proven track record of providing vital defence solutions, RIMON is the best partner for us as we work to create long-term value for our investors.

Through this strategic move, Nukkleus is able to profit from the growing global defence budget, which has been exacerbated by regional conflicts, geopolitical instability, and increased security concerns.

By purchasing a share in Star 26 Capital, Nukkleus gains access to cutting-edge technologies and strengthens its position in a prominent international defence industry.

The process of diversification In Light of Changing Market Dynamics

Nukkleus has purposefully diversified its assets during the past year. In order to bolster its position in international financial markets, the company previously inked a term sheet to acquire Mercury Global, a cross-border payments provider.

By acquiring Star 26 Capital, Nukkleus is showcasing a well-rounded expansion strategy by leveraging both financial and defence technologies to increase its footprint.

Star 26 Capital will provide Nukkleus with a significant revenue stream outside of traditional fintech markets thanks to its involvement in the development of tactical vehicles, exclusive contracts for cutting-edge components, and vital contribution to defensive infrastructure.

The Future of Star 26 Capital and Nukkleus

Through the deal, Nukkleus’s financial expertise and Star 26 Capital’s technological know-how may work together more effectively.

Nukkleus is capable of researching financial innovations created especially for military supply chain management, defence contract procurement, and safe international payment options. In an increasingly digital environment, this integration may revolutionise the operational and transactional administration of defence companies.

According to industry analysts, Nukkleus made a bold and wise move by entering the defence market. With the growth of international defence markets and the increasing need for technologies like the Iron Dome, Nukkleus is well-positioned to benefit from this diversification strategy in the long run.

Final evaluation

The purchase of a majority stake in Star 26 Capital and, by extension, RIMON by Nukkleus Inc. represents a significant milestone in the company’s development.

Nukkleus has demonstrated its ability to identify and seize high-growth opportunities by moving from the financial sector to the defence technology sector. This deal strengthens Star 26 Capital’s position as a major player in the global defence ecosystem by providing new avenues for growth and innovation.

By strategically acquiring Star 26 Capital, Nukkleus demonstrated its proactive approach in the military technology space and opened the door for future expansion and influence in a number of industries.

SOURCE: AL

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