Technology

Fortnite Maker Epic Games to Test Idea of iPhone as Market Unto Itself in Lawsuit

Published

4 years ago

August 17, 2020

Fortnite Maker Epic Games to Test Idea of iPhone as Market Unto Itself in Lawsuit

Fortnite maker Epic Games has launched probably the most important effort but to advance the authorized principle that Apple’s iPhone ecosystem has turn into so “sticky” that it’s a distinct software program market over which Apple workout routines monopoly energy.

On Thursday Epic filed a lawsuit in federal court docket after Apple pulled Fortnite from its App Retailer to punish Epic for implementing a fee mechanism that bypassed Apple’s observe of taking a 30 p.c fee on in-app purchases.

The go well with seeks a court docket order ending Apple’s fee construction and forcing Apple to permit customers to set up software program on iPhones outdoors the confines of the App Retailer. Epic additionally sued Alphabet’s Google, however the case is totally different as a result of Android telephones permit app installs outdoors its Play Retailer.

Epic isn’t the primary to sue over the App Retailer. Shoppers have filed go well with alleging Apple’s practices increase software program costs. Builders in one other go well with have argued that software program for iOS, the iPhone’s working system, is its personal market but in addition made intensive various arguments.

Epic’s lawsuit depends nearly utterly on the one argument that Apple’s iOS app distribution and in-app fee methods are their very own markets. It additionally goes additional to argue that Apple purposely created these markets by constructing an “ecosystem” of gadgets and providers meant to favor Apple merchandise.

“A buyer selecting to buy or change to a non-Apple system loses entry to these providers, main to elevated prices a buyer should face when selecting to depart Apple’s ecosystem,” Epic wrote.

Apple on Friday declined to touch upon Epic’s go well with.

Its major protection in the previous when confronted with allegations of anticompetitive practices is that it doesn’t have a majority share of the worldwide smartphone market.

“Apple doesn’t have a dominant market share in any market the place we do enterprise,” Chief Government Tim Cook dinner instructed the US Home Judiciary Committee throughout a listening to on competitors in digital markets in July.

The protection is factually correct. iPhones and Macs have a lot decrease international market share than Android and Home windows gadgets, and Apple executives typically say that buyers can entry no matter software program they need on these competing gadgets or by way of the net browser on iPhones.

But when a federal court docket accepts the argument that the iOS app distribution and in-app fee markets are distinct, the implications could possibly be profound, stated John M. Newman, an affiliate professor on the College of Miami Faculty of Regulation.

The related market wouldn’t be “apps for smartphones” the place Apple has a small international share in contrast to Android, however moderately “apps for iPhones” the place Apple has way more energy.

A landmark case in opposition to Microsoft in the 1990s established that taking actions that make it tougher for customers to get purposes from builders – even when customers can nonetheless finally entry the purposes with further work – could possibly be grounds for an antitrust declare, he stated.

If a court docket agrees that Apple controls the marketplace for iOS app distribution, that would make Apple susceptible to Epic’s claims of unlawful “tying” of two merchandise collectively by requiring the use of Apple’s in-app fee system to be allowed in the App Retailer.

“It sounds just like the weirdest and most arcane half of the case, but it surely truly will be the easiest from a authorized perspective,” Newman stated.

© Thomson Reuters 2021

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Technology

Samsung develops the fastest DRAM chip for AI applications in the industry

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2024

IANS

Samsung develops industry's fastest DRAM chip for AI applications

In a groundbreaking development, Samsung has announced the creation of the industry’s first low-power double data rate 5X (LPDDR5X) DRAM chip for AI applications. The new chip boasts high performance of up to 10.7 Gbps, marking a significant improvement in both speed and capacity compared to previous models.

Low-power, high-performance LPDDR chips are becoming increasingly important in the on-device AI market. Samsung’s latest LPDDR5X products, developed with 12 nanometer-class process technology, are the smallest in size among existing LPDDR chips, further cementing the company’s position as a leader in the low-power DRAM sector.

A company spokesperson stated, “Samsung will continue to innovate and deliver optimized products for the upcoming on-device AI era through close collaboration with customers.” Mass production of the LPDDR5X is set to commence in the second half of the year, pending verification by mobile application processor and device providers.

The unveiling of Samsung’s LPDDR5X DRAM chip represents a significant step forward in the field of AI technology. The chip’s impressive performance and capacity enhancements are expected to further drive the adoption of on-device AI solutions in various industries. This groundbreaking innovation is sure to set a new standard for memory solutions tailored for AI applications.

Technology

PM Modi expresses strong interest in Zoho’s rural development model: Sridhar Vembu

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2024

IANS

PM Modi showed keen interest in our model of rural development: Zoho's Sridhar Vembu

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) – Zoho Founder and CEO, Sridhar Vembu, revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed interest in Zoho’s rural development model in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu during his recent meeting. PM Modi praised the company’s efforts in creating high-tech capabilities and jobs in rural areas.

During an election rally in Ambasamudram, PM Modi met Vembu to discuss Zoho’s rural development through R&D model. Vembu expressed gratitude towards PM Modi for taking the time to understand and appreciate the company’s operations in Tenkasi as a model of rural development.

“PM Modi came to Ambasamudram which is close to my village. Even in the middle of his hectic campaign schedule, he gave me time to meet him and brief him on our rural development through R&D model and on creating high-tech capability and jobs in rural areas,” Vembu shared on social media.

Vembu highlighted that PM Modi showed keen interest in Zoho’s Tenkasi operations. He praised the Prime Minister’s leadership and expressed his support for his continued health and service to the nation. Zoho, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Chennai, employs over 15,000 individuals globally.

During his rally in Ambasamudram, PM Modi criticized the DMK in Tamil Nadu, alleging that they conspired with the Congress to hand over the Katchatheevu island to a foreign nation. PM Modi emphasized his commitment to developing a ‘Viksit Tamil Nadu’ along with a ‘Viksit Bharat’ for overall progress.

The interaction between PM Modi and Zoho’s CEO highlights the government’s interest in innovative rural development models like the one implemented by Zoho in Tenkasi district. The meeting signifies a recognition of the potential for high-tech job creation in rural areas leading to localized economic growth and development.

Technology

MediBuddy Healthcare Platform Reaches Break-Even Point in Fiscal Year 2024

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2024

IANS

Healthcare platform MediBuddy achieves break-even in FY24

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) Digital healthcare platform MediBuddy has announced that it has reached break-even with a marginal loss in the previous fiscal year, moving towards EBITDA neutrality. The company has seen a significant increase in its user base by 2.4 times over the last three years, serving close to 3 crore people with over 1 crore subscribers.

According to Satish Kannan, Co-founder and CEO of MediBuddy, “By leveraging technology, our platform enhances doctor-patient interactions, fueling remarkable growth and expanding healthcare access nationwide.” The company is now focusing on exploring mergers and acquisitions opportunities in key healthcare areas such as chronic disease management, mental health, diabetes, women’s care, and weight management, supported by an $18 million capital pool.

MediBuddy has a network of over 90,000 doctors across more than 22 specialities, and works with over 7,100 hospitals and clinics. The company has also onboarded over 10,000 hospitals and diagnostic centers for all radiology and pathology investigations. Kannan stated, “We empower doctors through our platform, offering accessible care via video consultations, hospital visits, clinics, pharmacy deliveries, and diagnostic services.”

The company’s commitment to innovation and technology has led to its break-even milestone, as it continues to focus on providing quality healthcare services to its growing user base. MediBuddy’s emphasis on enhancing doctor-patient interactions and expanding healthcare access has contributed to its success in achieving break-even status in the previous fiscal year.