Google's Play Store faces a major overhaul. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Google's plea to delay a court order. This means Google must allow competitors access to its Android apps. Alternative app downloads will be available on the Play Store. This move aims to increase competition in the app market.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said such tracking puts Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at risk. But users and developers of the apps say it's their First Amendment right to capture what ICE is doing in their neighborhoods - and maintain that most users turn to these platforms in an effort to protect their own safety as President Donald Trump steps up aggressive immigration enforcement across the country.
Media reports citing figures from analytics firm Appfigures show that Sora was downloaded 56,000 times on the day of its launch, September 30. In 48 hours, it had been installed by 1,64,000 people. Just weeks ago, ChatGPT had climbed to the top of the App Store on the back of the Ghibli image trend. Soon after, Gemini was ranked #1 after the Nano Banana tool was released.
Google introduced new Nest cameras and a doorbell, alongside a redesigned Home app, all centered on integrating its Gemini for Home AI. This platform aims to transform smart home control with conversational commands, detailed notifications, and activity summaries. Many advanced features, however, require a $20/month subscription, and Gemini will also update older devices.
The company behind ChatGPT released its new Sora social media app on Tuesday, an attempt to draw the attention of eyeballs currently staring at short-form videos on TikTok, YouTube or Meta-owned Instagram and Facebook.
The India-based companies that Apple has brought into its domestic ecosystem include Tata Electronics, Aequs, Jabil, Microplastics, ATL, Salcomp, Foxlink, Motherson, Bharat Forge, Wipro PARI and Hindalco, according to the official.
The move will give users a choice between paying a monthly fee or continuing to use the services for free with targeted advertising, a model that has faced increasing scrutiny from European regulators.
xAI, owned by Elon Musk, has sued OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, alleging the theft of trade secrets. The lawsuit accuses OpenAI of unlawfully hiring former xAI employees to gain access to confidential information, including source code and data center operational advantages. OpenAI has dismissed the allegations, calling it harassment from Musk, who has a history with the company.
Apple is threatening to halt product shipments to the EU over the Digital Markets Act, citing delayed features and increased security risks. The tech giant argues that the DMA's interoperability requirements force compromises on user privacy and create unfair advantages for competitors. Apple criticizes EU regulators for undermining its ecosystem and seamless integration, objecting to forced compatibility with non-Apple products.
Harman International, a Samsung subsidiary, has acquired Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Polk Audio. The $350 million deal includes eight audio brands from Masimo's Sound United. Masimo is known for its medical devices and legal battle with Apple. Sound United will operate within Harman. Masimo will now focus on its core medical business and the Apple dispute.
There is also no impact of the GST reforms on sales so far, as the tax on mobile phones remains at 18% despite requests from the industry to rationalise it by declaring mobiles as essential goods, industry executives said.
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