The EU on Monday (Apr 23) launched an in-depth probe of tech giant Apple's plan to buy leading song-recognition app Shazam because of fears the deal may reduce choice for consumers. Apple announced the deal with London-based Shazam, worth a reported US$400 million, in December last year. (AFP/Josh Edelson) Apple announced the deal with London-based Shazam, worth a reported US$400 million, in December last year in a fresh bid to secure an edge in the intensifying battle of streaming services in which Sweden-based Spotify dominates. The investigation of Apple's Shazam buyout becomes yet another source of contention between Brussels and Silicon Valley as the European Union adopts tougher regulation of the likes of Facebook, Google and Amazon. The European Commission said in February it would consider an inquiry into Shazam at the request of EU states Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden, and non-EU Norway and Iceland, which form part of the affiliated European Economic Area. … [Read more...] about EU probes Apple plan to buy music app Shazam
Apple
Apple turns green, claiming ‘100% clean energy’
Apple said Monday (Apr 9) it had achieved a goal of "100 per cent clean energy" for its facilities around the world. In this file photo taken on September 22, 2017 an Apple logo is seen on the outside of an Apple store in San Francisco, California. (Photo: AFP/Josh Edelson) The California tech giant said its retail stores, offices, data centres and co-located facilities in 43 countries were operating with nonpolluting or renewable energy. Nine additional manufacturing partners have committed to powering all of their Apple production with clean energy, bringing the total number of supplier commitments to 23. "We're committed to leaving the world better than we found it," Apple chief executive Tim Cook said in a statement. "After years of hard work, we're proud to have reached this significant milestone. "We're going to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the materials in our products, the way we recycle them, our facilities and our work with suppliers to … [Read more...] about Apple turns green, claiming ‘100% clean energy’
Apple VN announces discount on expired battery replacement
The discount is applicable to all customers using iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. — Photo vtv.vn Apple Viet Nam LLC has launched a discounted replacement programme for iPhone’s expired battery from now until December 31 this year, reported the Viet Nam Competition Authority. Consumers can visit authorised Apple service providers nationwide to replace batteries. The discount is applicable to all customers using iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Accordingly, Apple will reduce the replacement cost of expired batteries by some VND1.31 million ($58) from VND2.04 million to VND729,000. For phones under warranty, Apple Vietnam LLC (through authorised service stations) will carry out the replacement for free. Apple said the programme was implemented to overcome battery bottlenecks and prevent sudden power outages. Apple has also upgraded its new operating system, … [Read more...] about Apple VN announces discount on expired battery replacement
Intel shares tumble on report Apple making own Mac chips
Intel shares tumbled on Monday (Apr 2) after Bloomberg reported that Apple intends to switch to chips of its own for Mac computers in two years. Intel shares tumble on report Apple making own Mac chips, Photo: AFP Intel shares were down more than 7.5 per cent to US$48.12 in late afternoon trading on the Nasdaq exchange in New York. Apple declined to comment on the report, which cited unnamed sources as saying Apple is designing its own chips for Mac computers and could begin using them instead of Intel processors in 2020. Apple has used chips from Intel, Qualcomm, and others in the industry, but has increasingly taken to designing its own computing engines for products. Apple has a reputation for tightly controlling all aspects of its line-up, from hardware to software, and making its own chips fits into that strategy. What appeared to be troubling news for Intel came as the California-based company worked to get to market with chips designed to address vulnerabilities … [Read more...] about Intel shares tumble on report Apple making own Mac chips
Spotify challenges Apple Music in Vietnam’s streaming market
Sweden-based music, podcast, and video streaming service Spotify has become available to users in Vietnam since Monday, in its expansion to 64 markets worldwide. Limited songs and features are available for free with advertisements, while additional features such as improved streaming quality and downloads are offered via paid subscriptions. In Vietnam, customers can upgrade to a premium account for VND59,000 (US$2.60) a month, after a 30-day free trial. Vietnam was among three countries involved in Spotify’s market expansion on Monday, which also saw the Swedish company expanding its reach to South Africa and Israel. The combined population of the three countries is approximately 160 million, making it Spotify’s biggest international expansion since it became available in Thailand in August last year, Music Business Worldwide reported. Monthly premium subscriptions in South Africa and Israel cost $5.08 and $5.78, respectively. Spotify’s arrival in … [Read more...] about Spotify challenges Apple Music in Vietnam’s streaming market