Here is how tech giants are responding to the EU competition rules
The US FTC announced new rules that restrict Google’s ability to throttle or limit the ability to use third-party apps and services for its services, including Search. However, Google said that it would be willing to let third-party companies co-exist with its services. It also said it wouldn’t “condition” app store access of third-party developers on using their payments systems.
Apple could allow its pricing options to be shown in the EU
The European Commission has imposed a fine of 1.84 billion on Apple over its App Store policies. Apple restricted third-party mobile wallets and payment providers from using the iPhone’s Near-field Communication (NFC) feature for payment. Apple has been told that it can’t stop music services from advertising cheaper subscription deals outside of Apple’s store.
Apple was fined in the EU for the first time following a complaint
Apple has been fined 1.84 billion (about $2 billion) by the European Union antitrust regulators over its App Store rules. It was found that Apple restricts the ability of music streaming app developers to tell users of cheaper music subscription services available outside the app. Apple cannot stop music services from advertising cheaper subscription deals outside of Apple’s store.
Soon there will be an over-the-counter birth control pill in the US
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday approved over-The-Counter (OTC) birth control pill Opill for sale at retail stores without a prescription. “Today we begin shipping O Pill to our retailers for their bricks-and-mortar stores,” FDA’s deputy commissioner said. The pill is more effective than condoms, spermicides and other nonprescription methods, according to research.
The EU imposed its first ever fine on Apple
The European Union (EU) has found that Apple violated the bloc’s antitrust rules by limiting the availability of subscription offers from music streaming services like Spotify and others through its App Store. The ruling applies only to in-app purchases, which are made directly through Apple’s payment system. Spotify had said that it was disappointed with the ruling but would appeal against it.
HP is currently in the printing business
Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced a new subscription plan for users that includes the use of its printers with remote access. The plan will charge subscribers who cancel it before its end date up to $270 plus taxes. They’ll also see a $60 cancellation fee if they return the printer and ink cartridges within 10 days after cancelling their subscription.
Good luck with Biden banning competing nations from buying sensitive US data
US President Joe Biden has ordered the Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense, and Veterans Affairs to ensure personal data of Americans cannot be transferred to foreign companies that sell it. The order also bans the government from buying location information from data brokers. It aims to ensure Americans’ health data can not be transferred via other routes like federal grants.
No, Wendy’s is not going to introduce surge pricing
US fast-food chain Wendy’s is testing an artificial intelligence robot at its Columbus, Ohio drive-thru to give customers real-time pricing information during busy times of the day. The robot was tested for 86 percent of the time after which the company said it’ll be rolled out to other locations in the US. Surge pricing is when companies increase prices in real-time as demand increases.
Why did the Supreme Court argue about social media?
US’ Supreme Court is being asked to decide if a law in Texas, which protects tech firms from discriminating against users, is constitutional. The law, passed in 2016, allows states to ban companies from using their technology to block access to certain users. In the case, the court is hearing a lawsuit by NetChoice, a social media firm, against the law.
A lot of people dislike the Reddit IPO
A Reddit user has shared a video online, where he discusses the social networking website’s Initial Public Offering. ” Reddit shares won’t help the video game community, according to a user who goes by ‘Rat’,” he said. “The rest of the internet is all a giant mess… Reddit still feels like a place where you can learn things and have fun,” he added.