Month: July 2025

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Epic Games Condemns UK’s Vague Digital Markets Regulation; Fortnite’s Comeback Stays Doubtful
    Epic Games Condemns UK’s Vague Digital Markets Regulation; Fortnite’s Comeback Stays Doubtful

    **Epic Games Critiques UK Digital Markets Regulation**

    Epic Games has voiced its disappointment regarding the recent Digital Markets regulation introduced by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The firm contends that the new guidelines do not fulfill expectations and fail to properly tackle the monopolistic behavior of leading tech giants such as Apple and Google.

    ### What is Digital Markets Regulation?

    The UK’s CMA has recently completed an extensive investigation and suggested that Apple and Google be classified as having “strategic market status” under the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act. This classification subjects these companies to specific regulatory responsibilities, which include:

    – Allowing app developers to direct users to alternative payment options.
    – Enhancing transparency in app store rankings.
    – Submitting to ongoing oversight from the CMA for a duration of up to five years.

    The CMA is also set to explore whether Apple should allow alternative app stores on iOS and if users should have the capability to sideload apps.

    ### Epic Games’ Response

    In a blog entry, Epic Games critiqued the CMA’s announcement, emphasizing that it obstructs their capacity to launch the Epic Games Store on iOS in the UK and creates uncertainty about the return of Fortnite to the platform. The firm expressed disappointment that the CMA has overlooked a chance to encourage competition in what they consider a monopolized market dominated by the App Store and Google Play Store.

    Epic Games indicated that four years after the CMA acknowledged the monopolistic tendencies of these platforms, minimal progress has been made to support competing app stores. They unfavorably contrasted the UK’s regulatory stance with recent actions in Brazil and Japan, which they assert will aid in the return of Fortnite and the debut of the Epic Games Store.

    The blog post also condemned the CMA’s ambiguous statements regarding anti-steering measures, which aim to enable developers to steer customers towards payment alternatives outside apps. Epic Games warned that without robust actions against fees and discriminatory practices enforced by Apple and Google, the prospects for real market competition remain dismal.

    ### Conclusion

    Epic Games has called upon the CMA to rethink its regulatory framework, cautioning that without substantial amendments, the firm may face difficulties in reintroducing Fortnite to iOS in the UK. The ongoing discussion underscores the challenges of regulating powerful tech platforms and the necessity for effective strategies to guarantee competition and consumer options in the digital marketplace.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple News+ Audio Stories Grow Globally Five Years Post-Launch
    Apple News+ Audio Stories Grow Globally Five Years Post-Launch

    **Apple News+ Broadens Audio Stories to Three Additional Countries**

    Almost precisely five years ago, Apple unveiled a collection of new capabilities for Apple News and Apple News+, featuring audio stories that were initially available solely in the U.S. These audio narratives, which include about 20 professionally narrated segments each week, are now extending to more nations.

    ### Three Additional Countries Receive Audio Stories

    According to MacRumors, Apple News+ Audio is now obtainable in Australia, Canada, and the U.K. Users in these regions can savor audio stories similarly to American subscribers since their debut in July 2020, through the Apple News app and, based on the content, the Podcast app.

    For those who might not be acquainted with Apple News+ audio stories, Apple originally declared:

    > “Starting today, Apple News will generate approximately 20 audio stories weekly covering a diverse array of topics. Voiced by professional voice actors, these are audio renditions of some of the finest feature journalism and long-form articles published by Esquire, Essence, Fast Company, GQ, New York magazine, Sports Illustrated, TIME, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Wired, and others, alongside newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal. Audio stories are now accessible to Apple News+ subscribers in the US.”

    With this latest expansion, audio stories are now offered in all four countries where Apple News and Apple News+ have been launched. The limited regional availability may be due to distribution and contractual arrangements with publishers, as well as the challenges of creating localized content in different languages.

    Apple’s continuous investment in the platform is evident, underscored by the introduction of a Food section last year and the recent rollout of a new Emoji Game. Many anticipate that this momentum will ultimately result in a broader global expansion.

    Apple News+ is priced at $12.99 per month, which includes a one-month free trial, or as part of the Apple One Premier bundle.

    Are you a subscriber to Apple News+? Do you listen to audio stories? Share your insights in the comments.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on WhatsApp Carries Out Trials on Upcoming Message Reminder Function
    WhatsApp Carries Out Trials on Upcoming Message Reminder Function

    ### WhatsApp’s Latest Reminder Functionality: A Solution for Forgetful Users

    If you frequently read a message, promise yourself you’ll respond later, and then promptly forget about it, WhatsApp is trialing a new feature that could offer a remedy. According to recent insights from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is rolling out a capability that enables users to establish reminders for particular messages.

    #### New Functionality: Presets and Custom Selections

    Rather than depending on pinning chats, starring messages, or merely wishing to remember to revisit later, users will soon have the ability to schedule notifications for individual messages. This feature is presently being trialed in the newest beta version of WhatsApp for Android.

    To create a reminder, users can long-press any message, select “Remind me,” and choose from options of 2 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, or a personalized timer. Once a reminder is configured, the message will feature a small bell icon in the corner, enhancing its visibility within an active conversation. When the timer runs out, WhatsApp will issue a notification with a “🔔Reminder” label, displaying the message content, the originating chat, and a preview of any attached media, similar to standard notifications.

    #### Proactive Reminders Under Development

    In tandem with the reminder capability, WhatsApp is also focusing on proactive reminders. This feature is designed to alert users about unread messages from their most frequently contacted individuals. As highlighted by WABetaInfo, this will assist users juggling multiple chats who might overlook messages from significant contacts.

    While these features are currently in beta testing, there is no projected timeframe for their official deployment. Users are invited to keep an eye out for updates, particularly concerning the possible expansion of these trials to iOS.

    #### Conclusion

    WhatsApp’s new reminder capability and proactive notifications have the potential to greatly improve user experience by assisting individuals in managing their conversations more efficiently. With these functionalities, users can ensure that crucial messages are not overlooked, enhancing communication efficacy.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple to Improve Sleep Monitoring Capabilities on Apple Watch
    Apple to Improve Sleep Monitoring Capabilities on Apple Watch

    For several years, Apple has provided Apple Watch users with a sleep tracking feature. By activating the Sleep Focus mode, the device monitors your sleep data, such as sleep stages, heart rate, and respiratory rate. However, for many, this information isn’t particularly helpful, as the most they may receive is “You achieved your sleep goal,” or they may find they’re not meeting the necessary amount of sleep. With watchOS 11, Apple launched the Vitals app, offering a more user-friendly way to interpret this data and even integrate it with Training Loads.

    Nonetheless, the company has remained quite cautious with this feature, only indicating whether your metrics fall below, exceed, or align with your usual patterns based on the previous week. However, watchOS 26 could bring changes, as the latest beta disclosed that Apple is developing a core sleep feature for Apple Watch users.

    The Apple Watch may introduce a sleep score feature. Code discovered in iOS 26 by MacRumors reveals that the Health app includes a reference to an Apple Watch displaying an “84,” alongside three bars that may signify time awake, REM sleep, and core or deep sleep. While this code also contains several other icons associated with Sleep mode, the publication identified the name of this image as “Watch Focus Score.” Currently, it remains uncertain whether Apple intends to unveil this functionality with watchOS 26 this fall or if it could be part of an update in watchOS 26.1 or later.

    In contrast to previous years, Apple is concentrating on announcing features intended for launch alongside the initial official release of its software. Given this focus, we remain unsure of what the company may be concealing for iOS 26.1 and subsequent versions. However, for those seeking a compelling reason to wear their Apple Watch while sleeping, Gentler Streak is worth trying. BGR’s favorite app, Gentler Streak utilizes your sleep data to gauge your readiness for the upcoming day and assesses how exercise might affect your body (whether you should pursue a more strenuous workout or opt for rest).

    This new Sleep Score feature could potentially improve further depending on the sensors Apple plans to enhance or introduce in the Apple Watch Series 11, although the much-speculated Apple Ring would be the ideal Apple sleep tracker. Unfortunately, there are no indications that Apple has any intentions to launch a smart ring in the foreseeable future.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on AppleCare+ Pricing Information for iPad and Apple Watch Theft and Loss Protection Unveiled
    AppleCare+ Pricing Information for iPad and Apple Watch Theft and Loss Protection Unveiled

    the recently introduced AppleCare One subscription revealed by Apple on Wednesday also includes an extension of AppleCare+ Theft and Loss coverage for users of iPad and Apple Watch. With this updated plan, should you leave your iPad at a cafeteria or forget your Apple Watch in a hotel, you are able to utilize the AppleCare+ coverage to obtain a new device.

    The newly added AppleCare+ Theft and Loss coverage is offered for all iPad and Apple Watch models that Apple currently provides. The coverage is available in both monthly and annual subscription options, with pricing determined by the specific device. Below are the costs for AppleCare+ Theft and Loss for Apple Watch:

    • Apple Watch SE: $2.99/month or $29.99/year
    • Apple Watch Series 10: $4.99/month or $49.99/year
    • Apple Watch Ultra: $5.99/month or $59.99/year
    • Apple Watch Series 10 Hermes: $5.99/month or $59.99/year
    • Apple Watch Ultra Hermes: $5.99/month or $59.99/year

    Here are the prices for AppleCare+ Theft and Loss for iPad:

    • iPad: $4.99/month or $49.99/year
    • iPad mini: $4.99/month or $49.99/year
    • iPad Air 11″: $5.99/month or $59.99/year
    • iPad Air 13″: $6.99/month or $69.99/year
    • iPad Pro 11″: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
    • iPad Pro 13″: $10.99/month or $109.99/year

    It’s essential to remember that there is also a charge for obtaining a replacement — $119 for a new Apple Watch and $129 for a new iPad.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Automaker Verifies Absence of Intent to Endorse Apple’s CarPlay Ultra
    Automaker Verifies Absence of Intent to Endorse Apple’s CarPlay Ultra

    **CarPlay Ultra: A New Chapter of Integration and BMW’s Position**

    After a considerable wait, CarPlay Ultra was released a few months back, providing the much-awaited enhanced integration between the iPhone and automotive systems that was promised during WWDC 2022. This innovative feature seeks to improve the user experience by enabling a more profound connectivity and functionality between Apple devices and cars.

    Although Apple initially formed partnerships with various automakers to endorse CarPlay Ultra, some manufacturers have since chosen to withdraw. Particularly, BMW has reiterated its choice to abstain from integrating with CarPlay Ultra.

    ### BMW’s Dedication to iDrive

    In a recent communication to BMW Blog, a representative from BMW AG stated, “BMW currently has no plans to incorporate Apple CarPlay Ultra.” Instead, the German manufacturer is concentrating on its own system, iDrive, which has received a substantial overhaul announced earlier this year at CES. The redesigned iDrive system is anticipated to launch with the iX3 model, with intentions for a wider introduction across all Neue Klasse vehicles.

    Although these new models will still support standard CarPlay functionality, BMW is reducing its integration. The application of CarPlay will be restricted to the central display, rather than extending to additional surfaces like the panoramic or heads-up displays, which were part of the initial vision for CarPlay Ultra.

    ### The Change in Automaker Support

    BMW’s decision underscores a broader trend within the automotive sector concerning CarPlay Ultra. Since its introduction, around 20 brands, such as Fiat, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, and Volkswagen, have either declared their intention to bypass the feature or have not committed to endorsing it. This shift raises concerns about the future of CarPlay Ultra and its potential influence on user experiences in vehicles.

    For those curious about the current status of CarPlay Ultra alliances, a complete list of confirmed automakers is available online, featuring three new partners revealed last May.

    ### Conclusion

    As CarPlay Ultra progresses, the decisions made by key automakers like BMW will significantly influence its adoption and capabilities. While the incorporation of Apple’s technology into cars offers exciting prospects, the reluctance of certain manufacturers may impede its widespread acceptance.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Birthright Citizenship Decision Included in Apple’s Appeal Against Epic Games
    Birthright Citizenship Decision Included in Apple’s Appeal Against Epic Games

    In its ongoing legal confrontation with Epic Games over App Store regulations, Apple has recently cited a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court ruling concerning President Trump’s birthright citizenship directive. This action is part of Apple’s effort against two injunctions that were granted in relation to its antitrust case with Epic Games.

    In a submission to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Apple claims that the June Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. CASA bolsters its case to overturn the injunctions. The key point of Apple’s argument is that the Supreme Court’s decision shows that federal judges lack the power to issue universal injunctions, which Apple asserts indicates that the district court overstepped its jurisdiction by applying remedies concerning the App Store to all developers in the United States, instead of just to Epic Games.

    Apple’s submission reads, “Trump v. CASA, Inc., 606 U.S. __, (2025), affirms that the district court’s civil contempt order cannot be upheld, and that the district court wrongly broadened its injunctions—both new and old—to include nonparties.” The company argues that the district court misapplied civil contempt as a punitive tool rather than as a means to ensure compliance with an injunction, which is its intended function.

    Moreover, Apple contends that the district court did not have the authority to extend its injunctions to all developers, as the Supreme Court’s ruling made it clear that federal courts are only able to offer complete relief between the involved parties. Apple highlights that Epic Games chose to pursue its case on its own and did not represent other developers, rendering the broad application of the injunction unsuitable.

    In this regard, Apple is asking the appeals court to annul the second injunction entirely and to direct the district court to reassess the first injunction in view of the Supreme Court’s ruling in CASA.

    Furthermore, Apple has reiterated its earlier argument that the solutions outlined in the second injunction, especially the “zero-commission” rule that bars Apple from charging fees on outside transactions, surpass the parameters of the original order.

    As the case progresses, the repercussions of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the outcome of Apple’s appeal could have a substantial effect on the realm of app distribution and developer relationships within the App Store environment.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on AI Agent Unintentionally Erases Complete Database Owing to Fright
    AI Agent Unintentionally Erases Complete Database Owing to Fright

    As reported in posts on X, Lemkin attempted to access his project on the ninth day of a database coding initiative and discovered that Replit had entirely erased his database, including the production database. Therefore, while some may worry about AI seizing control over humanity, such errors illustrate that it still has a considerable journey ahead before global domination becomes an issue.

    Any tool can encounter malfunctions

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/ai-vibe-coding-agent-deleted-an-entire-database-because-it-panicked/any-tool-can-experience-glitches-175330344

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters Reaches Unmatched Achievement
    Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters Reaches Unmatched Achievement

    Netflix animated feature “KPop Demon Hunters.” However, this is not the day.

    In fact, the streaming service celebrated in a tweet earlier this week that the film has once again made Netflix history — achieving a new viewership high five weeks following its debut on the platform. Such a remarkable achievement in sustained popularity is especially noteworthy for an animated movie that stars imaginary K-pop idols who also act as demon hunters. Unlike nearly all of Netflix’s live-action theatrical offerings, this K-pop-infused musical-action mix has managed to soar, gaining traction rather than plummeting rapidly. It is currently experiencing its most successful week yet for global viewership, amassing 25.8 million views in just this past week, according to Netflix’s recent Top 10 report.

    Additionally: It holds the position of the #1 Netflix original film in 26 nations. Moreover, it’s not solely about the stunning visuals or the narrative. The film’s soundtrack has surged on music rankings, generating significant word-of-mouth excitement and attracting new audiences who then uncover the film that lies behind the music — or is it the music that lies behind the film?

    The Netflix film that refuses to fade away

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple Arcade Provides Complimentary Trial During Exclusive Crossover Event
    Apple Arcade Provides Complimentary Trial During Exclusive Crossover Event

    ### Apple Arcade: An Opportunity to Play for Free

    If you haven’t experienced [Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/arcade/subscribe?itscg=30200&itsct=arcade_box_subscribe) yet, now is your moment. Halfbrick Studios is offering a limited quantity of 2-month free trials for Apple’s ad-free gaming service, but availability is restricted. Here’s how you can secure yours.

    #### Bluey Meets Fruit Ninja

    Among the most legendary iOS games ever, Fruit Ninja, features prominently in [Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/arcade/subscribe?itscg=30200&itsct=arcade_box_subscribe) with an ad-free version named [Fruit Ninja Classic+](https://apple.co/4lCJXG9). At present, there’s a Bluey [crossover event](https://www.bluey.tv/blog/bluey-is-taking-over-fruit-ninja/) taking place until September 19:

    > “The Bluey event introduces four exciting activities – Featherwand, Sticky Gecko, Asparagus, and Fruit Salad – being released from June through August. Whether you’re engaging with Bingo and her Featherwand or aiding Bluey in catching Gecky off the ceiling, each activity offers plenty of thrills and special rewards for players of every age.”

    To support the [event](https://www.halfbrick.com/applearcade/bluey-x-fruit-ninja-classic-apple-arcade-promotion), Halfbrick is providing up to 2 months of [Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/arcade/subscribe?itscg=30200&itsct=arcade_box_subscribe) for free. This offer is accessible to users in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, the U.S., and the U.K.

    Simply navigate to [Halfbrick’s special page](https://www.halfbrick.com/applearcade/bluey-x-fruit-ninja-classic-apple-arcade-promotion), enter your name and email, and you should receive a code within 10 to 15 minutes. If you’ve previously subscribed to Apple Arcade, you will still receive 1 complimentary month instead of 2.

    Apple Arcade

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