A new hack on your iPhone can turn it into a foolproof snooping device. But there's a catch - you require a pair of wireless AirPods. First shared by a user on TikTok and then beamed across all social media platforms, the trick lets users turn their iPhones into spying devices by toying with settings already in place.

The trick requires users to access their iPhones' accessibility settings.&nbsp;To do this, one needs to go to control centre settings, then click on the "+" feature. After this, you will be able to see a list of features that are enabled on your phone's control centre.

Then you must connect your wireless AirPods to the iPhone, following which the "Live Listen" option needs to be activated. Once it's enabled, the users will be able to listen in on available broadcasts that are picked up by the phone's microphone and will be beamed directly to AirPods. The person needs to keep their phone close to what they're trying to hear, which can then be easily heard on their AirPods.

What was the feature designed for? 
As opposed to popular belief, the feature is not in place to simply facilitate snooping but allows users with hearing impairments to hear clearly, especially if they don't possess hearing aids of their own. Essentially, the feature enhances audio for people with hearing issues.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/did-apple-force-users-to-buy-new-iphones-359522" hreflang="en">Did Apple force users to buy new iPhones?</a> 
 
For example, if someone with hearing issues wants to focus on what just one person is saying in a crowded setting, they would simply use this feature.&nbsp; 
Even though the feature was created keeping in mind people that require hearing assistance, it can be easily used to spy on people and to listen in on conversations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/tim-cook-says-apple-buys-one-company-every-month-366032" hreflang="en">Tim Cook says Apple buys one company every month</a> 
 
The trick was first shared by a TikTok user @Brycenor, who was asked a question on the platform - "what's a piece of information that feels like it's illegal to know?". To which he responded by sharing information about the "Live Listen" feature while saying "I don't feel like it should be illegal, but it's shady".

A new hack on your iPhone can turn it into a foolproof snooping device. But there's a catch - you require a pair of wireless AirPods. First shared by a user on TikTok and then beamed across all social media platforms, the trick lets users turn their iPhones into spying devices by toying with settings already in place.

A new hack on your iPhone can turn it into a foolproof snooping device. But there's a catch - you require a pair of wireless AirPods. First shared by a user on TikTok and then beamed across all social media platforms, the trick lets users turn their iPhones into spying devices by toying with settings already in place. The trick requires users to access their iPhones' accessibility settings. To do this, one needs to go to control centre settings, then click on the "+" feature. After this, you will be able to see a list of features that are enabled on your phone's control centre. Then you must connect your wireless AirPods to the iPhone, following which the "Live Listen" option needs to be activated. Once it's enabled, the users will be able to listen in on available broadcasts that are picked up by the phone's microphone and will be beamed directly to AirPods. The person needs to keep their phone close to what they're trying to hear, which can then be easily heard on their AirPods. What was the feature designed for? As opposed to popular belief, the feature is not in place to simply facilitate snooping but allows users with hearing impairments to hear clearly, especially if they don't possess hearing aids of their own. Essentially, the feature enhances audio for people with hearing issues. Also read: Did Apple force users to buy new iPhones? For example, if someone with hearing issues wants to focus on what just one person is saying in a crowded setting, they would simply use this feature. Even though the feature was created keeping in mind people that require hearing assistance, it can be easily used to spy on people and to listen in on conversations. Also read: Tim Cook says Apple buys one company every month The trick was first shared by a TikTok user @Brycenor, who was asked a question on the platform - "what's a piece of information that feels like it's illegal to know?". To which he responded by sharing information about the "Live Listen" feature while saying "I don't feel like it should be illegal, but it's shady".

This iPhone trick lets people snoop on others' private conversations

The unchecked power of tech giants poses a threat not just to users and governments but also to small businesses. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A statement by Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple buys a new company every month. While the acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services, the tech giants are killing competition by making one sale at a time.&nbsp;

The most important question is that is it time to break up the big tech?&nbsp;

Turi Inc was once a promising artificial intelligence startup in Seattle. The company helped create software that uses machine learning. Its technology was so promising that Apple bought the company, paying a record $200 million for it. It's one of the many companies that Apple has acquired over the last few years. Buying companies is not new for tech giants but at the speed at which, they are buying competitors is alarming.&nbsp;

Apple chief Tim Cook revealed that they have acquired over 100 companies in nearly six years. It means they are buying one company every three to four weeks. It includes the $3 billion takeover of headphone maker Beats and $400 million takeover of music recognition app Shazam.&nbsp;

Apple isn't the only one. Remember when Facebook was threatened by Instagram? It ended up acquiring the company in 2012. The story was similar for Whatsapp. It posed a challenge, so Facebook bought it too in 2014.&nbsp;

Big tech giants are on an acquisition spree. Many acquisitions never even make it to the headlines. The idea is simple to eliminate potential rivals, kill innovation and poach talent from smaller companies.&nbsp;

At the centre of this is big tech monopoly. The last two decades have witnessed the rise of five major global tech giants - Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft. Today, these tech giants wield too much power. Each of them is monopolistic in their own domain.&nbsp;

They exercise enormous power over our digital lives, controlling the way we navigate through the web, etc. Some are even trying to manipulate the way democracies are run. Others have taken privacy of users for granted. &nbsp;The way to restore the power balance is to break up big tech. Current US anti-trust laws allow federal regulators to break up mergers, a move that could promote healthy competition in the market for global regulators, breaking up monopolies needs a new legal toolbox. Either way, the idea is to level the playing field and protect the future of the internet.&nbsp;

The unchecked power of tech giants poses a threat not just to users and governments but also to small businesses. A statement by Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple buys a new company every month.

The unchecked power of tech giants poses a threat not just to users and governments but also to small businesses. A statement by Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that Apple buys a new company every month. While the acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services, the tech giants are killing competition by making one sale at a time. The most important question is that is it time to break up the big tech? Turi Inc was once a promising artificial intelligence startup in Seattle. The company helped create software that uses machine learning. Its technology was so promising that Apple bought the company, paying a record $200 million for it. It's one of the many companies that Apple has acquired over the last few years. Buying companies is not new for tech giants but at the speed at which, they are buying competitors is alarming. Apple chief Tim Cook revealed that they have acquired over 100 companies in nearly six years. It means they are buying one company every three to four weeks. It includes the $3 billion takeover of headphone maker Beats and $400 million takeover of music recognition app Shazam. Apple isn't the only one. Remember when Facebook was threatened by Instagram? It ended up acquiring the company in 2012. The story was similar for Whatsapp. It posed a challenge, so Facebook bought it too in 2014. Big tech giants are on an acquisition spree. Many acquisitions never even make it to the headlines. The idea is simple to eliminate potential rivals, kill innovation and poach talent from smaller companies. At the centre of this is big tech monopoly. The last two decades have witnessed the rise of five major global tech giants - Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft. Today, these tech giants wield too much power. Each of them is monopolistic in their own domain. They exercise enormous power over our digital lives, controlling the way we navigate through the web, etc. Some are even trying to manipulate the way democracies are run. Others have taken privacy of users for granted. The way to restore the power balance is to break up big tech. Current US anti-trust laws allow federal regulators to break up mergers, a move that could promote healthy competition in the market for global regulators, breaking up monopolies needs a new legal toolbox. Either way, the idea is to level the playing field and protect the future of the internet.

Break up mergers to check tech giants’ growing power  

Big tech is taking over the world by establishing monopolies. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday that it acquires a new company every month.

The acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services but tech companies are killing competition one sale at a time.

Many lawmakers in recent years have called for laws and regulations to rein in dominant&nbsp;tech&nbsp;companies such as Facebook Inc, Twitter Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google, Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc.

Turi inc. was once a promising artificial intelligence startup in Seattle. The company helped create software that uses machine learning. Its technology was so promising that Apple bought the company and paid&nbsp;a record $200 million for it.

While buying companies is not new for tech giants, the speed at which they are lapping up competitors is alarming.

Apple CEO&nbsp;Tim Cook revealed that they have acquired over 100 companies in nearly six&nbsp;years. This means buying one company every three&nbsp;to four&nbsp;weeks.

This includes the $3 billion takeover of headphone maker Beats and music recognition app Shazam.

Apple isn't the only company that does hostile takeovers. Facebook bought Instagram and WhatsApp when it threatened its popularity within a span of two years.

Big tech giants are on an acquisition spree. Many acquisitions never even make it to the headlines...

The idea is simple: Eliminate potential rivals, kill innovation and poach talent from smaller companies.

At the centre of this&nbsp;is a big tech monopoly. The last two&nbsp;decades have witnessed the rise of five&nbsp;major global tech giants. These include Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft.

Today, these tech giants wield too much power. Each of them monopolistic in their own domain. They exercise enormous power over our digital lives, controlling the way we navigate through the web.

Some are even trying to manipulate the way democracies run while others have taken the privacy of users for granted. The way to restore the power balance is to break up big tech.

Current US antitrust laws allow federal regulators to break up mergers, a&nbsp;move that could promote healthy competition in the market.

For global regulators, breaking up monopolies needs a new legal toolbox. Either way,&nbsp;the idea is to level the playing field and protect the future of the internet.

Big tech is taking over the world by establishing monopolies. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday that it acquires a new company every month. The acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services but tech companies are killing competition one sale at a time.

Big tech is taking over the world by establishing monopolies. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on Wednesday that it acquires a new company every month. The acquisition strategy is aimed at offering better services but tech companies are killing competition one sale at a time. Many lawmakers in recent years have called for laws and regulations to rein in dominant tech companies such as Facebook Inc, Twitter Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google, Amazon.com Inc and Apple Inc. Turi inc. was once a promising artificial intelligence startup in Seattle. The company helped create software that uses machine learning. Its technology was so promising that Apple bought the company and paid a record $200 million for it. While buying companies is not new for tech giants, the speed at which they are lapping up competitors is alarming. Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that they have acquired over 100 companies in nearly six years. This means buying one company every three to four weeks. This includes the $3 billion takeover of headphone maker Beats and music recognition app Shazam. Apple isn't the only company that does hostile takeovers. Facebook bought Instagram and WhatsApp when it threatened its popularity within a span of two years. Big tech giants are on an acquisition spree. Many acquisitions never even make it to the headlines... The idea is simple: Eliminate potential rivals, kill innovation and poach talent from smaller companies. At the centre of this is a big tech monopoly. The last two decades have witnessed the rise of five major global tech giants. These include Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft. Today, these tech giants wield too much power. Each of them monopolistic in their own domain. They exercise enormous power over our digital lives, controlling the way we navigate through the web. Some are even trying to manipulate the way democracies run while others have taken the privacy of users for granted. The way to restore the power balance is to break up big tech. Current US antitrust laws allow federal regulators to break up mergers, a move that could promote healthy competition in the market. For global regulators, breaking up monopolies needs a new legal toolbox. Either way, the idea is to level the playing field and protect the future of the internet.

Tim Cook says Apple buys one company every month

With a lot of countries carrying out mass vaccination drives against the deadly coronavirus,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/apple"> Apple</a> has decided to slightly change the syringe emoji.

On Tuesday, Apple unveiled the new design of the syringe emoji in which it has removed the drops of blood coming out of the syringe.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-apple-force-users-to-buy-new-iphones-359522" hreflang="en">Did Apple force users to buy new iPhones?</a>

The syringe will also be shown as empty now, rather than being filled with blood like earlier.

It is being assumed that the change has been made to remove the misconception that vaccinations involve blood.&nbsp;

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Apple has removed the blood from the syringe emoji in iOS 14.5, making it more versatile to represent vaccination 💉 <a href="https://t.co/tdSiIYB0gI">https://t.co/tdSiIYB0gI</a> <a href="https://t.co/3R5gL83Cdz">pic.twitter.com/3R5gL83Cdz</a>
— Emojipedia (@Emojipedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Emojipedia/status/1361745569635573775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The change has been implemented as a part of Apple's iOS 14.5 beta. This version has also introduced new emojis such as a heart on fire, a spiral-eyed face.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/icar-apple-plans-self-driving-personal-vehicle-for-2024-launch-351524" hreflang="en">iCar? Apple plans self-driving personal vehicle for 2024 launch</a>

There is also an emoji for mending heart, exhaling face and a face in clouds.&nbsp;

One of the most popular additions to the emojis has been that of a beard for women and men, both. This has&nbsp;

With a lot of countries carrying out mass vaccination drives against the deadly coronavirus, Apple has decided to slightly change the syringe emoji. On Tuesday, Apple unveiled the new design of the syringe emoji in which it has removed the drops of blood coming out of the syringe.

With a lot of countries carrying out mass vaccination drives against the deadly coronavirus, Apple has decided to slightly change the syringe emoji. On Tuesday, Apple unveiled the new design of the syringe emoji in which it has removed the drops of blood coming out of the syringe. Also read| Did Apple force users to buy new iPhones? The syringe will also be shown as empty now, rather than being filled with blood like earlier. It is being assumed that the change has been made to remove the misconception that vaccinations involve blood. Apple has removed the blood from the syringe emoji in iOS 14.5, making it more versatile to represent vaccination 💉 https://t.co/tdSiIYB0gI pic.twitter.com/3R5gL83Cdz — Emojipedia (@Emojipedia) February 16, 2021 × The change has been implemented as a part of Apple's iOS 14.5 beta. This version has also introduced new emojis such as a heart on fire, a spiral-eyed face. Also read| iCar? Apple plans self-driving personal vehicle for 2024 launch There is also an emoji for mending heart, exhaling face and a face in clouds. One of the most popular additions to the emojis has been that of a beard for women and men, both. This has

Apple changes 'syringe' emoji in support of coronavirus vaccine drive

Fortnite maker Epic Games on Wednesday lodged a complaint against Apple with EU antitrust authorities, deepening its bitter feud with the iPhone-maker over its app store.

Apple and Epic have been caught in a fierce battle over whether Apple's tight control of the App Store, and its 30-per cent cut of revenue, is abusive.

The fight took a dramatic turn in August when Apple expelled Fortnite, one of the world's most popular games, from its app store after Epic released an update that dodges revenue-sharing with the iPhone maker.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/one-bad-apple-freefortnite-tournament-takes-a-dig-at-apple-322317">'One bad apple': #FreeFortnite tournament takes a dig at Apple</a>

Apple does not allow users of its popular devices to download apps from anywhere but its App Store, and developers have to use Apple's payment system which takes its cut.

"We will not stand idly by and allow Apple to use its platform dominance to control what should be a level digital playing field," said Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney in a statement.

The company said the lawsuit "complements" other legal proceedings it has launched in the United States, Australia and Britain.&nbsp;

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pacman-to-fortnite-video-games-that-changed-the-world-350735">From Pacman to Fortnite: Video games that changed the world</a>

The war over the Apple app store has widened to Facebook, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg has accused Apple of imposing rules for outside developers that it does not apply to its own services.

This echoes the accusations of Spotify, which also believes Apple has given unfair advantage to its Apple Music service over other streaming services.&nbsp;

With its European complaint, Epic joins Spotify and other developers who successfully spurred the EU into action with their own complaints.

Those gripes pushed the EU's powerful competition authority to open a series of cases against Apple in June, involving both its app store and its Apple Pay payment service.

Apple has angrily called the complaints by Spotify and others as "baseless", describing them as sour grapes by companies that do not want to play by the same rules as everyone else.

Apple — along with Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft — is also targeted in Europe by a new draft legislation, the Digital Markets Act, which aims to limit their omnipotence.&nbsp;

But the plan, unveiled in December, is only at the beginning of a legislative process that could last years.

Fortnite maker Epic Games on Wednesday lodged a complaint against Apple with EU antitrust authorities, deepening its bitter feud with the iPhone-maker over its app store.

Fortnite maker Epic Games on Wednesday lodged a complaint against Apple with EU antitrust authorities, deepening its bitter feud with the iPhone-maker over its app store. Apple and Epic have been caught in a fierce battle over whether Apple's tight control of the App Store, and its 30-per cent cut of revenue, is abusive. The fight took a dramatic turn in August when Apple expelled Fortnite, one of the world's most popular games, from its app store after Epic released an update that dodges revenue-sharing with the iPhone maker. Also read| 'One bad apple': #FreeFortnite tournament takes a dig at Apple Apple does not allow users of its popular devices to download apps from anywhere but its App Store, and developers have to use Apple's payment system which takes its cut. "We will not stand idly by and allow Apple to use its platform dominance to control what should be a level digital playing field," said Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney in a statement. The company said the lawsuit "complements" other legal proceedings it has launched in the United States, Australia and Britain. Also see| From Pacman to Fortnite: Video games that changed the world The war over the Apple app store has widened to Facebook, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg has accused Apple of imposing rules for outside developers that it does not apply to its own services. This echoes the accusations of Spotify, which also believes Apple has given unfair advantage to its Apple Music service over other streaming services. With its European complaint, Epic joins Spotify and other developers who successfully spurred the EU into action with their own complaints. Those gripes pushed the EU's powerful competition authority to open a series of cases against Apple in June, involving both its app store and its Apple Pay payment service. Apple has angrily called the complaints by Spotify and others as "baseless", describing them as sour grapes by companies that do not want to play by the same rules as everyone else. Apple — along with Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft — is also targeted in Europe by a new draft legislation, the Digital Markets Act, which aims to limit their omnipotence. But the plan, unveiled in December, is only at the beginning of a legislative process that could last years.

Fortnite's Epic takes Apple feud to Europe

Wistron Corporation, the manufacturing partner Apple Inc, will hire workers and restart operations in its Narasapura factory outside Bangalore after a violent protest shut the iPhone-manufacturing facility last December.

“A comprehensive set of corrective actions has now been completed and Wistron has restructured their recruiting team and enhanced training and support for workers,” Apple said in the statement. “Wistron remains on probation and we will monitor their progress closely.”

"We are looking forward to restarting our operations and welcoming back team members," David Shen, CEO Wistron Smart Devices, said in a statement.

He said since the violent incident at their Narasapura facility in Kolar district in December last year, the company has been working hard on improving across the board to raise standards and fix the issues.

"All employees have been promptly and fully paid, and we implemented new hiring and payroll systems to ensure everyone is paid correctly and provided the correct documentation going forward," Shen added.

The company official said Wistron will be delivering enhanced training programmes for all workers.

According to him, the management has put in a place a new system for workers to get information and raise any concerns they may have, anonymously.

While thanking the employees for their patience and support, Shen said the firm has worked through corrective actions.

Karnataka Labour Minister A Shivaram Hebbar told PTI company officials were willing to start their operations from February 15.

"There may be delay of a day or two in resuming their operations but they are serious about it," Hebbar said.

He assured the company that the Karnataka government was ready to extend all cooperation to ensure that the manufacturing facility starts.

"It is not just about Wistron but our support is to everyone who is willing to set up an industry in Karnataka," Hebbar added.

Over 4,000 employees on contract went on a rampage over non-payment of their wages.

The company had sacked its vice president overseeing its business in India, as it admitted that some workers were not paid correctly or on time, and offered an apology.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wistron Corporation, the manufacturing partner Apple Inc, will hire workers and restart operations in its Narasapura factory outside Bangalore after a violent protest shut the iPhone-manufacturing facility last December.

Wistron Corporation, the manufacturing partner Apple Inc, will hire workers and restart operations in its Narasapura factory outside Bangalore after a violent protest shut the iPhone-manufacturing facility last December. “A comprehensive set of corrective actions has now been completed and Wistron has restructured their recruiting team and enhanced training and support for workers,” Apple said in the statement. “Wistron remains on probation and we will monitor their progress closely.” "We are looking forward to restarting our operations and welcoming back team members," David Shen, CEO Wistron Smart Devices, said in a statement. He said since the violent incident at their Narasapura facility in Kolar district in December last year, the company has been working hard on improving across the board to raise standards and fix the issues. "All employees have been promptly and fully paid, and we implemented new hiring and payroll systems to ensure everyone is paid correctly and provided the correct documentation going forward," Shen added. The company official said Wistron will be delivering enhanced training programmes for all workers. According to him, the management has put in a place a new system for workers to get information and raise any concerns they may have, anonymously. While thanking the employees for their patience and support, Shen said the firm has worked through corrective actions. Karnataka Labour Minister A Shivaram Hebbar told PTI company officials were willing to start their operations from February 15. "There may be delay of a day or two in resuming their operations but they are serious about it," Hebbar said. He assured the company that the Karnataka government was ready to extend all cooperation to ensure that the manufacturing facility starts. "It is not just about Wistron but our support is to everyone who is willing to set up an industry in Karnataka," Hebbar added. Over 4,000 employees on contract went on a rampage over non-payment of their wages. The company had sacked its vice president overseeing its business in India, as it admitted that some workers were not paid correctly or on time, and offered an apology. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple supplier Wistron to restart riot-hit iPhone factory in India

South Korea's Hyundai and Kia Corporation said that they're not in talks with Tech Giant Apple for developing any autonomous vehicle.

World Business Watch: Hyundai, KIA deny talks with Apple for autonomous car development

Apple CEO Tim Cook & Facebook COE Mark Zuckerberg have publicly fired shots at each other over privacy concerns. In an event, without taking names Cook criticises digital platforms over privacy.

Apple CEO & Zuckerberg fires shots at each other

Facebook and Apple are in a fight over your browsing history. Apple will launch features that will allow users to stop Facebook and other apps from tracking their online activity. Facebook is considering a lawsuit against Apple.

Gravitas: Facebook and Apple are fighting over your browsing history

Facebook & Apple are among the world's most valuable companies. Facebook is a social network. Apple makes consumer electronics. They are not direct competitors. Then why are they fighting like sworn enemies?

Gravitas: Why Facebook and Apple are behaving like sworn enemies

Is Privacy the new sales pitch? Why is Apple fighting Facebook to protect your privacy?

Gravitas: Apple Vs Facebook on Privacy

Italy's consumer association has launched a class-action lawsuit against Apple for allegedly shortening the life of iPhones. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Apple sued in Italy for slowing down iPhones

Tech companies keep upgrading their products, sometimes at an alarming pace. One such company is the famous Apple.

It keeps pushing out new models of the iPhone every single year but the customers are not able to keep up as not everyone wants to buy a new phone&nbsp;every year unless they are forced to.

Lawsuits are being filed across Europe against Apple. All of them accuse the company of slowing down older iPhones so that customers will be forced to upgrade.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-to-break-monopoly-of-big-tech-358670">Time to break monopoly of Big Tech?</a>

In November last year,&nbsp;Apple admitted that it had concealed a major battery problem from its customers. The company then unveiled new software, one that allegedly cuts&nbsp;down performance to a great extent.

However, experts feel there could be a bigger plan here because even though Apple had to pay more than $100 million in damages, this was offset by the increased sales of its next-generation device.

Altroconsumo, an Italian consumer association is suing Apple and are seeking $73 million in damages. They are accusing Apple of&nbsp;tricking Italian consumers through planned obsolescence. It is a tactic called planned obsolescence which slows down older devices, forcing customers to upgrade.

The lawsuit covers four iPhone models:&nbsp;6, 6s, 6plus and 6Splus. In totality, Apple sold around 1 million of these models between 2014 and 2020. There are similar cases in Belgium and Spain and&nbsp;another one in the offing in Portugal.

However,&nbsp;Apple rejects these allegations and denies doing anything to shorten their device's life. Apple has called this a feature of protecting ageing batteries. The consumers, however, are not convinced and are accusing Apple of coaxing them into upgrading their device or buying new batteries.

If the Italian lawsuit holds, every affected consumer could end up getting $70 dollars — an amount that will not even get you a charger of that same device.

Tech companies keep upgrading their products, sometimes at an alarming pace. One such company is the famous Apple. It keeps pushing out new models of the iPhone every single year but the customers are not able to keep up as not everyone wants to buy a new phone every year unless they are forced to.

Tech companies keep upgrading their products, sometimes at an alarming pace. One such company is the famous Apple. It keeps pushing out new models of the iPhone every single year but the customers are not able to keep up as not everyone wants to buy a new phone every year unless they are forced to. Lawsuits are being filed across Europe against Apple. All of them accuse the company of slowing down older iPhones so that customers will be forced to upgrade. Also read| Time to break monopoly of Big Tech? In November last year, Apple admitted that it had concealed a major battery problem from its customers. The company then unveiled new software, one that allegedly cuts down performance to a great extent. However, experts feel there could be a bigger plan here because even though Apple had to pay more than $100 million in damages, this was offset by the increased sales of its next-generation device. Altroconsumo, an Italian consumer association is suing Apple and are seeking $73 million in damages. They are accusing Apple of tricking Italian consumers through planned obsolescence. It is a tactic called planned obsolescence which slows down older devices, forcing customers to upgrade. The lawsuit covers four iPhone models: 6, 6s, 6plus and 6Splus. In totality, Apple sold around 1 million of these models between 2014 and 2020. There are similar cases in Belgium and Spain and another one in the offing in Portugal. However, Apple rejects these allegations and denies doing anything to shorten their device's life. Apple has called this a feature of protecting ageing batteries. The consumers, however, are not convinced and are accusing Apple of coaxing them into upgrading their device or buying new batteries. If the Italian lawsuit holds, every affected consumer could end up getting $70 dollars — an amount that will not even get you a charger of that same device.

Did Apple force users to buy new iPhones?

Parler, a social media website and app popular with the American far right, has partially returned online with the help of a Russian-owned technology company.

John Matze, the chief executive of social media&nbsp;app Parler, which is popular&nbsp;among conservatives&nbsp;posted a brief message on the company's website vowing its returns after finding a new host.

"Hello world, is this thing on?," Matze asked in a message dated Saturday, posted above a note from the company saying the platform would be restored after challenges were resolved.

The internet protocol address it used is owned by DDos-Guard, which is controlled by two Russian men and provides services including protection from distributed denial of service attacks.

A little over a week ago, Apple Inc suspended the&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;from its App Store, shortly after Alphabet-owned Google banned it from Google Play. The app is still unavailable for download on both platforms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-ceo-tim-cook-says-parler-could-return-to-app-store-after-moderation-in-terms-of-service-357390">Apple CEO Tim Cook says Parler could return to App Store after 'moderation' in terms of service</a>

Amazon.com Inc then suspended&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;from its web hosting service, effectively taking the site offline unless it can find a new company to host its services.

US&nbsp;right-wing social media users have flocked to&nbsp;Parler, along with other apps such as Telegram and social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc, which intensified after the January&nbsp;6 Capitol riot.

Before Apple Inc banned&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;from its App Store store on Saturday, the social media site topped the charts as the most popular free app on its App Store in the United States.

Interest in the fast-growing app had surged again after Twitter banned President Donald Trump on Friday.

After Amazon.com Inc stopped hosting its business, effectively taking the upstart social media service offline,&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;is now fighting for survival.

What is&nbsp;Parler?

Parler, which was founded in 2018, is a social media network that styles itself as a "free speech-driven" space. The app has largely attracted US&nbsp;conservatives who disagree with rules around content on social media sites like Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc.

Parler&nbsp;has had about 10.8 million installs globally from across the App Store and Google Play, 8.7 million of those from the United States, according to Sensor Tower data. In January, it said it has over 12 million registered users.

Trump, who was last week permanently suspended from Twitter as social media platforms cracked down on his accounts, does not have a verified&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;account, but his 'Team Trump' campaign does. Trump allies such as attorney Rudy Guiliani and the president's son Eric Trump also joined the platform, as did conservative media such as Epoch Times and Breitbart News and prominent Republicans including Senator Ted Cruz.

In November, conservative activist Rebekah Mercer confirmed that she and her family, including her father and hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer, have provided funding to the company. Conservative commentator Dan Bongino also said in June he was taking an ownership stake in the company, which is based near Las Vegas in Nevada.

Why has&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;been taken offline?

The site effectively "went dark" after Amazon.com Inc suspended its web hosting service and will remain so unless it can find a replacement.

Suspensions by Apple Inc's App Store and Alphabet Inc's Google had already meant potential new users were unable to download the app.

The platforms said&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;was not doing enough to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence, following unrest at the US&nbsp;Capitol by Trump supporters last Wednesday after weeks of violent rhetoric on online sites.

Parler&nbsp;is now suing Amazon, accusing the company of an illegal, politically motivated decision to shut it down.

Amazon said the lawsuit has no merit. In an email correspondence included in&nbsp;Parler's lawsuit, Amazon cited 98 examples of&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;posts that "clearly encourage and incite violence."

Parler&nbsp;Chief Executive John Matze has said the company "does not condone or accept violence" on its platform.

Parler's policies ban certain types of content, including 'fighting words' or 'threats to harm' that include threats of violence against an individual or group, obscenity, and pornography. The guidelines advise users to "not purposefully share rumors about other users/people you know are false," but do not mention other policies against misinformation.

Disinformation researchers said far-right groups that appeared at the riot maintained a vigorous online presence on alternative platforms including&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;where they spread violent rhetoric and organized ahead of the unrest.

Parler, a social media website and app popular with the American far right, has partially returned online with the help of a Russian-owned technology company. John Matze, the chief executive of social media app Parler, which is popular among conservatives posted a brief message on the company's website vowing its returns after finding a new host.

Parler, a social media website and app popular with the American far right, has partially returned online with the help of a Russian-owned technology company. John Matze, the chief executive of social media app Parler, which is popular among conservatives posted a brief message on the company's website vowing its returns after finding a new host. "Hello world, is this thing on?," Matze asked in a message dated Saturday, posted above a note from the company saying the platform would be restored after challenges were resolved. The internet protocol address it used is owned by DDos-Guard, which is controlled by two Russian men and provides services including protection from distributed denial of service attacks. A little over a week ago, Apple Inc suspended the Parler from its App Store, shortly after Alphabet-owned Google banned it from Google Play. The app is still unavailable for download on both platforms. Also read: Apple CEO Tim Cook says Parler could return to App Store after 'moderation' in terms of service Amazon.com Inc then suspended Parler from its web hosting service, effectively taking the site offline unless it can find a new company to host its services. US right-wing social media users have flocked to Parler, along with other apps such as Telegram and social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc, which intensified after the January 6 Capitol riot. Before Apple Inc banned Parler from its App Store store on Saturday, the social media site topped the charts as the most popular free app on its App Store in the United States. Interest in the fast-growing app had surged again after Twitter banned President Donald Trump on Friday. After Amazon.com Inc stopped hosting its business, effectively taking the upstart social media service offline, Parler is now fighting for survival. What is Parler? Parler, which was founded in 2018, is a social media network that styles itself as a "free speech-driven" space. The app has largely attracted US conservatives who disagree with rules around content on social media sites like Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc. Parler has had about 10.8 million installs globally from across the App Store and Google Play, 8.7 million of those from the United States, according to Sensor Tower data. In January, it said it has over 12 million registered users. Trump, who was last week permanently suspended from Twitter as social media platforms cracked down on his accounts, does not have a verified Parler account, but his 'Team Trump' campaign does. Trump allies such as attorney Rudy Guiliani and the president's son Eric Trump also joined the platform, as did conservative media such as Epoch Times and Breitbart News and prominent Republicans including Senator Ted Cruz. In November, conservative activist Rebekah Mercer confirmed that she and her family, including her father and hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer, have provided funding to the company. Conservative commentator Dan Bongino also said in June he was taking an ownership stake in the company, which is based near Las Vegas in Nevada. Why has Parler been taken offline? The site effectively "went dark" after Amazon.com Inc suspended its web hosting service and will remain so unless it can find a replacement. Suspensions by Apple Inc's App Store and Alphabet Inc's Google had already meant potential new users were unable to download the app. The platforms said Parler was not doing enough to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence, following unrest at the US Capitol by Trump supporters last Wednesday after weeks of violent rhetoric on online sites. Parler is now suing Amazon, accusing the company of an illegal, politically motivated decision to shut it down. Amazon said the lawsuit has no merit. In an email correspondence included in Parler's lawsuit, Amazon cited 98 examples of Parler posts that "clearly encourage and incite violence." Parler Chief Executive John Matze has said the company "does not condone or accept violence" on its platform. Parler's policies ban certain types of content, including 'fighting words' or 'threats to harm' that include threats of violence against an individual or group, obscenity, and pornography. The guidelines advise users to "not purposefully share rumors about other users/people you know are false," but do not mention other policies against misinformation. Disinformation researchers said far-right groups that appeared at the riot maintained a vigorous online presence on alternative platforms including Parler where they spread violent rhetoric and organized ahead of the unrest.

'Hello world, is this thing on?': Parler's website is back online after finding new host

Apple CEO Tim Cook said Sunday that social networking app Parler, which is popular&nbsp;among conservatives,&nbsp;could return to its&nbsp;App Store if it changes how it moderates posts on the platform.

Apple suspended all downloads of the Parler app following the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, citing postings on the platform that could incite further violence. Google and Amazon also cut ties with the company.

Cook justified suspending Parler, favored by supporters of President Donald Trump.

"We looked at the incitement to violence that was on there, and we don't consider that free speech and incitement to violence has an intersection," Cook said.

Why has&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;been taken offline?

The site effectively "went dark" after Amazon.com Inc suspended its web hosting service and will remain so unless it can find a replacement.

Suspensions by Apple Inc's App Store and Alphabet Inc's Google had already meant potential new users were unable to download the app.

The platforms said&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;was not doing enough to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence, following unrest at the US&nbsp;Capitol by Trump supporters last Wednesday after weeks of violent rhetoric on online sites.

Parler&nbsp;Chief Executive John Matze has said the company "does not condone or accept violence" on its platform. He has gone into hiding after receiving death threats.

According to Matze's lawyer, “Many Parler employees are suffering harassment, fear for their safety and that of their families, and in some cases have fled their home state to escape persecution.”

After Amazon.com Inc stopped hosting its business, effectively taking the upstart social media service offline,&nbsp;Parler&nbsp;is now fighting for survival.

Parler's policies ban certain types of content, including 'fighting words' or 'threats to harm' that include threats of violence against an individual or group, obscenity, and pornography. The guidelines advise users to "not purposefully share rumors about other users/people you know are false," but do not mention other policies against misinformation.

The chief executive of social media platform Parler, popular with American right-wing users but which virtually vanished after the US&nbsp;Capitol riot, posted a brief message on the company's website. Parler's app, however, remains offline.

"Hello world, is this thing on?," Matze asked in a message dated Saturday, posted above a note from the company saying the platform would be restored after challenges were resolved.

US&nbsp;right-wing social media users have flocked to&nbsp;Parler, along with other apps such as Telegram and social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc, which intensified after the January&nbsp;6 Capitol riot.

Parler&nbsp;has had about 10.8 million installs globally from across the App Store and Google Play, 8.7 million of those from the United States, according to Sensor Tower data. In January, it said it has over 12 million registered users.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said Sunday that social networking app Parler, which is popular among conservatives, could return to its App Store if it changes how it moderates posts on the platform.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said Sunday that social networking app Parler, which is popular among conservatives, could return to its App Store if it changes how it moderates posts on the platform. Apple suspended all downloads of the Parler app following the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, citing postings on the platform that could incite further violence. Google and Amazon also cut ties with the company. Cook justified suspending Parler, favored by supporters of President Donald Trump. "We looked at the incitement to violence that was on there, and we don't consider that free speech and incitement to violence has an intersection," Cook said. Why has Parler been taken offline? The site effectively "went dark" after Amazon.com Inc suspended its web hosting service and will remain so unless it can find a replacement. Suspensions by Apple Inc's App Store and Alphabet Inc's Google had already meant potential new users were unable to download the app. The platforms said Parler was not doing enough to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence, following unrest at the US Capitol by Trump supporters last Wednesday after weeks of violent rhetoric on online sites. Parler Chief Executive John Matze has said the company "does not condone or accept violence" on its platform. He has gone into hiding after receiving death threats. According to Matze's lawyer, “Many Parler employees are suffering harassment, fear for their safety and that of their families, and in some cases have fled their home state to escape persecution.” After Amazon.com Inc stopped hosting its business, effectively taking the upstart social media service offline, Parler is now fighting for survival. Parler's policies ban certain types of content, including 'fighting words' or 'threats to harm' that include threats of violence against an individual or group, obscenity, and pornography. The guidelines advise users to "not purposefully share rumors about other users/people you know are false," but do not mention other policies against misinformation. The chief executive of social media platform Parler, popular with American right-wing users but which virtually vanished after the US Capitol riot, posted a brief message on the company's website. Parler's app, however, remains offline. "Hello world, is this thing on?," Matze asked in a message dated Saturday, posted above a note from the company saying the platform would be restored after challenges were resolved. US right-wing social media users have flocked to Parler, along with other apps such as Telegram and social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc, which intensified after the January 6 Capitol riot. Parler has had about 10.8 million installs globally from across the App Store and Google Play, 8.7 million of those from the United States, according to Sensor Tower data. In January, it said it has over 12 million registered users.

Apple CEO Tim Cook says Parler could return to App Store after 'moderation' in terms of service

According to reports, Korean carmaker Hyundai and US tech giant Apple have planned to sign a partnership deal on autonomous electric cars by March.

World Business Watch: Report says Apple, Hyundai will sign a deal on electric car by March

After twitter decided to permanently ban US President Donald Trump, largely unmoderated Parler social network sought in popularity. But now, Apple & Google have removed Parler from their app stores. Tech giant Amazon has also suspended it from its web hosting service.

Google, Apple, Amazon suspend Parler App over US Capitol siege

Apple Inc and&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc have suspended Parler from their respective App Store and web hosting service&nbsp;for allowing "threats of violence," after the deadly attack on the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

"Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people's safety. We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues," the iPhone maker said in a statement Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-suspends-american-social-networking-app-apple-gives-24-hour-warning-355520" hreflang="en">Google suspends American social networking app; Apple gives 24-hour warning</a>

Apple&nbsp;had given the service 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, pointing to participants' using the service to coordinate Wednesday's siege of the US&nbsp;Capitol.

Parler Chief Executive John Matze said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;was banning the service until it gives up free speech and institutes "broad and invasive policies like Twitter and Facebook."

"They claim it is due to violence on the platform. The community disagrees as we hit number 1 on their store today," Matze said in a post on Parler.

Amazon&nbsp;has suspended Parler from its&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;Web Services (AWS) unit, for violating AWS's terms of services by failing to effectively deal with a steady increase in violent content on the social networking service&nbsp;late on Saturday.

The Parler social network has become a haven for conservatives who say they have been censored by other social media platforms.

It had soared in popularity in recent months, becoming the No. 1 free app on&nbsp;Apple's App Store on Saturday after Twitter's decision hours earlier to permanently ban Trump from its platform.

Right-leaning social media users in the United States have flocked to Parler, messaging app Telegram and hands-off social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc.&nbsp;

"More details about our next plans coming soon as we have many options," Matze said.

Apple's action follows a similar move by Alphabet Inc's Google, which on Friday suspended Parler, saying that it must demonstrate "robust" content moderation if it wants to get back in the store.

Angry Trump supporters swarmed the building as lawmakers met to certify Joe Biden's November 3 election win, leaving five people -- including a policeman -- dead.

Other mainstream social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitch have also suspended Trump following the attack on the Capitol.

Parler started in 2018 and was initially a home for the extreme right, but now it attracts more traditional conservative voices including Republican lawmakers.

Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc have suspended Parler from their respective App Store and web hosting service for allowing "threats of violence," after the deadly attack on the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc have suspended Parler from their respective App Store and web hosting service for allowing "threats of violence," after the deadly attack on the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. "Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people's safety. We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues," the iPhone maker said in a statement Saturday. Also read: Google suspends American social networking app; Apple gives 24-hour warning Apple had given the service 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, pointing to participants' using the service to coordinate Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol. Parler Chief Executive John Matze said Apple was banning the service until it gives up free speech and institutes "broad and invasive policies like Twitter and Facebook." "They claim it is due to violence on the platform. The community disagrees as we hit number 1 on their store today," Matze said in a post on Parler. Amazon has suspended Parler from its Amazon Web Services (AWS) unit, for violating AWS's terms of services by failing to effectively deal with a steady increase in violent content on the social networking service late on Saturday. The Parler social network has become a haven for conservatives who say they have been censored by other social media platforms. It had soared in popularity in recent months, becoming the No. 1 free app on Apple's App Store on Saturday after Twitter's decision hours earlier to permanently ban Trump from its platform. Right-leaning social media users in the United States have flocked to Parler, messaging app Telegram and hands-off social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc. "More details about our next plans coming soon as we have many options," Matze said. Apple's action follows a similar move by Alphabet Inc's Google, which on Friday suspended Parler, saying that it must demonstrate "robust" content moderation if it wants to get back in the store. Angry Trump supporters swarmed the building as lawmakers met to certify Joe Biden's November 3 election win, leaving five people -- including a policeman -- dead. Other mainstream social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitch have also suspended Trump following the attack on the Capitol. Parler started in 2018 and was initially a home for the extreme right, but now it attracts more traditional conservative voices including Republican lawmakers.

After Google, Apple and Amazon suspend Parler social networking app for 'threats of violence'

Google, Apple, Amazon suspend Parler from App Store and web hosting service

Alphabet Inc's Google on Friday suspended the Parler social networking service from its app store, citing posts inciting violence.

It further demanded “robust” content moderation from the app favoured by many supporters of US President Donald Trump.

Apple Inc on Friday also gave the service 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, pointing to participants using the service to coordinate Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol building.

The actions by these social media companies mean that the network seen as a haven for people expelled from Twitter could become unavailable for new downloads on the world's main mobile phone app stores within a day. It would still be available in mobile browsers.

Right-leaning social media users in the United States have flocked to Parler, messaging app Telegram and hands-off social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc.&nbsp;

Twitter, meanwhile, permanently suspected President Trump's account on Friday.

In suspending the service, Google, whose software powers Android phones, cited its policy against apps that promote violence and gave recent examples from Parler, including a Friday post that began "How do we take back our country? About 20 or so coordinated hits" and another promoting a "Million Militia March" on Washington.

Parler Chief Executive John Matze said in a post on Friday that Apple was applying standards to Parler that it did not apply to itself.

In a statement, Google said that "for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content. In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app’s listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues."

In a letter from Apple's App Store review team to Parler seen by Reuters, Apple cited participants of the mob storming the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday.

"Content that threatens the well-being of others or is intended to incite violence or other lawless acts has never been acceptable on the App Store," Apple said in the letter.

Apple gave Parler 24 hours to "remove all objectionable content from your app ... as well as any content referring to harm to people or attacks on government facilities now or at any future date." The company also demanded that Parler submit a written plan "to moderate and filter this content" from the app.

(with inputs)

Alphabet Inc's Google on Friday suspended the Parler social networking service from its app store, citing posts inciting violence. It further demanded “robust” content moderation from the app favoured by many supporters of US President Donald Trump.

Alphabet Inc's Google on Friday suspended the Parler social networking service from its app store, citing posts inciting violence. It further demanded “robust” content moderation from the app favoured by many supporters of US President Donald Trump. Apple Inc on Friday also gave the service 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, pointing to participants using the service to coordinate Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol building. The actions by these social media companies mean that the network seen as a haven for people expelled from Twitter could become unavailable for new downloads on the world's main mobile phone app stores within a day. It would still be available in mobile browsers. Right-leaning social media users in the United States have flocked to Parler, messaging app Telegram and hands-off social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc. Twitter, meanwhile, permanently suspected President Trump's account on Friday. In suspending the service, Google, whose software powers Android phones, cited its policy against apps that promote violence and gave recent examples from Parler, including a Friday post that began "How do we take back our country? About 20 or so coordinated hits" and another promoting a "Million Militia March" on Washington. Parler Chief Executive John Matze said in a post on Friday that Apple was applying standards to Parler that it did not apply to itself. In a statement, Google said that "for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content. In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app’s listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues." In a letter from Apple's App Store review team to Parler seen by Reuters, Apple cited participants of the mob storming the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday. "Content that threatens the well-being of others or is intended to incite violence or other lawless acts has never been acceptable on the App Store," Apple said in the letter. Apple gave Parler 24 hours to "remove all objectionable content from your app ... as well as any content referring to harm to people or attacks on government facilities now or at any future date." The company also demanded that Parler submit a written plan "to moderate and filter this content" from the app. (with inputs)

Google suspends American social networking app; Apple gives 24-hour warning

Hyundai Motor said on Friday that early talks are going on with Apple after local media reported that the two giants were discussing a tie-up to develop electric cars and batteries.

"Apple and Hyundai are in discussion, but as it is early stage, nothing has been decided," Hyundai, in a statement, said.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/electric-cars-rise-to-record-54-market-share-in-norway-in-2020-355032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Korea Economic TV said that Apple had approached South Korean auto giant Hyundai for a potential partnership to manufacture electric cars and batteries for them.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/privacy-for-sale-as-apple-and-facebook-fight-for-consumers-354932">Privacy for sale as Apple and Facebook fight for consumers</a>

South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted a representative from Hyundai as saying that the talks with Apple are "at an initial stage".&nbsp;

Weeks ago, Reuters reported that the iPhone maker was developing self-driving car technology and targetting to manufacture a passenger vehicle as early as 2024 with its own breakthrough battery technology.&nbsp;

Apple's Project Titan is dedicated develop to self-driving technology but the Silicon Valley giant is known to not reveal its projects.

Hyundai has already rolled out fully-electric cars and announced it will come up with ten models of "electrified, eco-focused vehicles" including hybrid and hydrogen-powered models by the end of 2022.

Following the news, the shares of Hyundai skyrocketed 19.4 per cent in Seoul, with its affiliate Kia also seeing a rise of 8.4 per cent at the close.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Hyundai Motor said on Friday that early talks are going on with Apple after local media reported that the two giants were discussing a tie-up to develop electric cars and batteries.

Hyundai Motor said on Friday that early talks are going on with Apple after local media reported that the two giants were discussing a tie-up to develop electric cars and batteries. "Apple and Hyundai are in discussion, but as it is early stage, nothing has been decided," Hyundai, in a statement, said. Watch | Korea Economic TV said that Apple had approached South Korean auto giant Hyundai for a potential partnership to manufacture electric cars and batteries for them. Also read | Privacy for sale as Apple and Facebook fight for consumers South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted a representative from Hyundai as saying that the talks with Apple are "at an initial stage". Weeks ago, Reuters reported that the iPhone maker was developing self-driving car technology and targetting to manufacture a passenger vehicle as early as 2024 with its own breakthrough battery technology. Apple's Project Titan is dedicated develop to self-driving technology but the Silicon Valley giant is known to not reveal its projects. Hyundai has already rolled out fully-electric cars and announced it will come up with ten models of "electrified, eco-focused vehicles" including hybrid and hydrogen-powered models by the end of 2022. Following the news, the shares of Hyundai skyrocketed 19.4 per cent in Seoul, with its affiliate Kia also seeing a rise of 8.4 per cent at the close.

Hyundai in talks with Apple for developing electric cars

Apple and Facebook are fighting it out for dominance. There was a time the two tech giants were symbiotic. Their latest war over privacy has made consumers helpless.

Gravitas: Tech giants are fighting it out for consumers

WhatsApp has two options for you - my way or the highway, you either accept its terms and conditions, share your personal information or lose access to WhatsApp.

The same app claims "respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA". There is a tech war underway between Apple and Facebook. The tech giants have been fighting over consumers.

Two years ago Facebook's tagline was "it's free and always will be", that slogan silently vanished in August 2019. It was after it was out in the open that Facebook is feeding off its users while using the data to serve advertisements.

Facebook invariably greets users with related ads. Facebook tracks your online activities - the apps and websites- tacks a shopper, ads being clicked and then targets customers with personalised ads. It is Facebook's business model and the customer is the product.

Facebook has been monetising personal data and Apple says it wants to put an end to it. It wants to give users control over their data and allows them to make a conscious choice whether or not they want an app to track their browsing activity.

Apple tracks users with an app tracking transparency feature. It will come as an update with IoS 14. Facebook is obviously not happy. It says the move will strangle small businesses. Facebook has started a webpage criticising Apple's move.

The company also published a full-page newspaper ad in December 2020, it read: "more than 10 million businesses use our advertising tools each month to find new customers, hire employees, and engage with their communities."

Facebook pretends to champion small businesses while totally disregarding the fact that small businesses are frustrated- with Facebook. It has failed to provide customer support and has failed to stop scam ads.

Facebook has also pushed small businesses out of the market. New York attorney general Letitia James had said that "by using its vast troves of data and money, Facebook has squashed or hindered what the company perceived as potential threats."

On December 18, 2020, Tim Cook tweeted: "We believe users should have the choice over the data that is being collected." Apple is not the good guy, if it really cared about user data why would it store iCloud keys in China?

Apple has been basically building roadblocks for its rival with the intention to harm Facebook and not benefit users. Facebook is worth around $778 billion, Apple over $2 trillion. The consumer base for both companies is almost the same - educated and social media savvy.

People buy iPhones, browse Facebook and Instagram on them. Apple makes money on the hardware, Facebook makes money from targeted ads both companies were symbiotic at least for some time.

Then Facebook acquired WhatsApp and iMessage became its rival while Whatsapp gained popularity in Brazil, India, Mexico, Germany and Turkey, iMessage maintained its dominance in America.

Then came the drop in iPhone sales and Apple started looking at software, subscriptions and payments for money. Soon, Facebook announced it is developing a cryptocurrency for payments within Whatsapp. It meant there was a threat to Apple pay.

Apple and Facebook are now fighting on the same turf with both fighting for dominance and fighting to profit from users. In 2018, Apple CEO Tim Cook criticised Facebook for tracking people's browsing activities.

"The truth is we could make a ton of money if we monetized our customer, if our customer was our product. We've elected not to do that," the Apple CEO said.

The data privacy feature is Apple's latest move against Facebook and Facebook has shot back by sneaking in a privacy update on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp has two options for you - my way or the highway, you either accept its terms and conditions, share your personal information or lose access to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp has two options for you - my way or the highway, you either accept its terms and conditions, share your personal information or lose access to WhatsApp. The same app claims "respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA". There is a tech war underway between Apple and Facebook. The tech giants have been fighting over consumers. Two years ago Facebook's tagline was "it's free and always will be", that slogan silently vanished in August 2019. It was after it was out in the open that Facebook is feeding off its users while using the data to serve advertisements. Facebook invariably greets users with related ads. Facebook tracks your online activities - the apps and websites- tacks a shopper, ads being clicked and then targets customers with personalised ads. It is Facebook's business model and the customer is the product. Facebook has been monetising personal data and Apple says it wants to put an end to it. It wants to give users control over their data and allows them to make a conscious choice whether or not they want an app to track their browsing activity. Apple tracks users with an app tracking transparency feature. It will come as an update with IoS 14. Facebook is obviously not happy. It says the move will strangle small businesses. Facebook has started a webpage criticising Apple's move. The company also published a full-page newspaper ad in December 2020, it read: "more than 10 million businesses use our advertising tools each month to find new customers, hire employees, and engage with their communities." Facebook pretends to champion small businesses while totally disregarding the fact that small businesses are frustrated- with Facebook. It has failed to provide customer support and has failed to stop scam ads. Facebook has also pushed small businesses out of the market. New York attorney general Letitia James had said that "by using its vast troves of data and money, Facebook has squashed or hindered what the company perceived as potential threats." On December 18, 2020, Tim Cook tweeted: "We believe users should have the choice over the data that is being collected." Apple is not the good guy, if it really cared about user data why would it store iCloud keys in China? Apple has been basically building roadblocks for its rival with the intention to harm Facebook and not benefit users. Facebook is worth around $778 billion, Apple over $2 trillion. The consumer base for both companies is almost the same - educated and social media savvy. People buy iPhones, browse Facebook and Instagram on them. Apple makes money on the hardware, Facebook makes money from targeted ads both companies were symbiotic at least for some time. Then Facebook acquired WhatsApp and iMessage became its rival while Whatsapp gained popularity in Brazil, India, Mexico, Germany and Turkey, iMessage maintained its dominance in America. Then came the drop in iPhone sales and Apple started looking at software, subscriptions and payments for money. Soon, Facebook announced it is developing a cryptocurrency for payments within Whatsapp. It meant there was a threat to Apple pay. Apple and Facebook are now fighting on the same turf with both fighting for dominance and fighting to profit from users. In 2018, Apple CEO Tim Cook criticised Facebook for tracking people's browsing activities. "The truth is we could make a ton of money if we monetized our customer, if our customer was our product. We've elected not to do that," the Apple CEO said. The data privacy feature is Apple's latest move against Facebook and Facebook has shot back by sneaking in a privacy update on WhatsApp.

Privacy for sale as Apple and Facebook fight for consumers

Apple removed 39,000 game apps from its China store Thursday &nbsp;-- the biggest removal ever in a single day.

It had set year-end as deadline for all game publishers to obtain a licence.

The takedowns come amid a crackdown on unlicensed games by Chinese authorities.

Including this number, Apple has so far removed more than 46,000 apps in total from its store. These games include Ubisoft title Assassin's Creed Identity and NBA 2K20, according to research firm Qimai.

Only 74 of the top 1,500 paid games on Apple store survived the purge.

Apple initially gave game publishers an end-of-June deadline to submit a government-issued licence number enabling users to make in-app purchases in the world's biggest games market.

Apple later extended the deadline to December 31.

Apple removed 39,000 game apps from its China store Thursday -- the biggest removal ever in a single day. It had set year-end as deadline for all game publishers to obtain a licence.

Apple removed 39,000 game apps from its China store Thursday -- the biggest removal ever in a single day. It had set year-end as deadline for all game publishers to obtain a licence. The takedowns come amid a crackdown on unlicensed games by Chinese authorities. Including this number, Apple has so far removed more than 46,000 apps in total from its store. These games include Ubisoft title Assassin's Creed Identity and NBA 2K20, according to research firm Qimai. Only 74 of the top 1,500 paid games on Apple store survived the purge. Apple initially gave game publishers an end-of-June deadline to submit a government-issued licence number enabling users to make in-app purchases in the world's biggest games market. Apple later extended the deadline to December 31.

Apple removes 39,000 game apps from China store to meet deadline

Apple has taken down an iPhone app called Vybe Together that promoted private parties during the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
However, the now-deleted FAQ page of Vybe Together had said it was designed to promote "small gatherings" rather than "big parties." 
 
The app that used the tagline "Get your rebel on. Get your party on," has also been banned on TikTok. 
 
The app`s creators told The Verge that Apple was the one to take it off the App Store. 
 
The app promoted "gatherings every weekend" ? including an upcoming New Year`s Eve party ? in a TikTok video. 
 
The Vybe Together app had only 25 ratings before being removed, and its Instagram page has under 1,000 followers. I 
 
"The app appears to have launched previously under the name Trendies, a name mentioned on its now largely empty Instagram page". 
 
Its Instagram account now contains a single text post. "Blown out of proportion by media". 
 
"We DO NOT CONDONE LARGE GATHERINGS," it read. 
 
Vybe Together`s website also advertised a "Vybe House" for the 2021 Zamna Festival music event in Tulum, Mexico. 
 
Vybe Together kept a low profile although it was mentioned in at least one invitation to a New York party in September.

Apple has taken down an iPhone app called Vybe Together that promoted private parties during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the now-deleted FAQ page of Vybe Together had said it was designed to promote "small gatherings" rather than "big parties.

Apple has taken down an iPhone app called Vybe Together that promoted private parties during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the now-deleted FAQ page of Vybe Together had said it was designed to promote "small gatherings" rather than "big parties." The app that used the tagline "Get your rebel on. Get your party on," has also been banned on TikTok. The app`s creators told The Verge that Apple was the one to take it off the App Store. The app promoted "gatherings every weekend" ? including an upcoming New Year`s Eve party ? in a TikTok video. The Vybe Together app had only 25 ratings before being removed, and its Instagram page has under 1,000 followers. I "The app appears to have launched previously under the name Trendies, a name mentioned on its now largely empty Instagram page". Its Instagram account now contains a single text post. "Blown out of proportion by media". "We DO NOT CONDONE LARGE GATHERINGS," it read. Vybe Together`s website also advertised a "Vybe House" for the 2021 Zamna Festival music event in Tulum, Mexico. Vybe Together kept a low profile although it was mentioned in at least one invitation to a New York party in September.

Apple removes app that promoted private parties during pandemic

Apple is working hard to kick start its self-driving car technology, with a target of 2024 to produce a passenger vehicle.&nbsp;

Reuters reported that the vehicle would possibly include its own battery technology. Known as “Project Titan”, Apple’s efforts didn’t take off as expected when the company first announced plans to design its own vehicle from scratch in 2014.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/apple-supplier-wistron-couldnt-manage-scaled-up-india-plant-govt-report-says-350963" hreflang="en">Apple supplier Wistron couldn't manage scaled up India plant, govt report says</a>

In the middle, Apple hit a roadblock after which it reassessed the project and the software. A veteran from Apple - Doug Field, who had been working at Tesla returned to Apple to oversee the project. In 2019 alone, he laid off 190 people from the project.

Now, Apple wants to get its car out for customers to use. The Guardian reported the same while adding that Apple does not want its plans to go public yet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/facebook-accuses-apple-of-anticompetitive-behaviour-over-privacy-changes-350345" hreflang="en">Facebook accuses Apple of anticompetitive behaviour over privacy changes</a>

As opposed to Alphabet’s Waymo, Apple is going for a personal vehicle approach. Waymo, on the other hand, has built robo-taxis that transport passengers for a driverless cab experience.

Apple is trying to focus on a battery design which could radically reduce the cost of batteries, while improving the range of the vehicle. Apple may be a big tech player with hundreds of millions of products being made every year. But it has never built a car before.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/apple-faces-lawsuits-in-europe-for-slowing-down-old-iphones-347253" hreflang="en">Apple faces lawsuits in Europe for slowing down old iPhones</a>

It is still not known who would assemble the car made by Apple, but sources claim that the company will rely on a manufacturing partner to build the vehicles. It is also possible that Apple’s software becomes integrated with a car made by an independent traditional maker. 
 
Media reports claimed that due to pandemic-related delays, the production of Apple cars could be pushed into 2025 or beyond. Apple is trying to revolutionise batteries by using a “monocell” design which would effectively bulk cells in the battery, but to free up space inside the battery pack.

Apple is working hard to kick start its self-driving car technology, with a target of 2024 to produce a passenger vehicle. Reuters reported that the vehicle would possibly include its own battery technology.

Apple is working hard to kick start its self-driving car technology, with a target of 2024 to produce a passenger vehicle. Reuters reported that the vehicle would possibly include its own battery technology. Known as “Project Titan”, Apple’s efforts didn’t take off as expected when the company first announced plans to design its own vehicle from scratch in 2014. Also read: Apple supplier Wistron couldn't manage scaled up India plant, govt report says In the middle, Apple hit a roadblock after which it reassessed the project and the software. A veteran from Apple - Doug Field, who had been working at Tesla returned to Apple to oversee the project. In 2019 alone, he laid off 190 people from the project. Now, Apple wants to get its car out for customers to use. The Guardian reported the same while adding that Apple does not want its plans to go public yet. Also read: Facebook accuses Apple of anticompetitive behaviour over privacy changes As opposed to Alphabet’s Waymo, Apple is going for a personal vehicle approach. Waymo, on the other hand, has built robo-taxis that transport passengers for a driverless cab experience. Apple is trying to focus on a battery design which could radically reduce the cost of batteries, while improving the range of the vehicle. Apple may be a big tech player with hundreds of millions of products being made every year. But it has never built a car before. Also read: Apple faces lawsuits in Europe for slowing down old iPhones It is still not known who would assemble the car made by Apple, but sources claim that the company will rely on a manufacturing partner to build the vehicles. It is also possible that Apple’s software becomes integrated with a car made by an independent traditional maker. Media reports claimed that due to pandemic-related delays, the production of Apple cars could be pushed into 2025 or beyond. Apple is trying to revolutionise batteries by using a “monocell” design which would effectively bulk cells in the battery, but to free up space inside the battery pack.

iCar? Apple plans self-driving personal vehicle for 2024 launch

Apple is one of the world's richest companies. But, is the tech giant making the same mistakes once committed by Nokia? On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma tells you how slowing sales, controversies and an innovation problem might push Apple towards a decline.

Gravitas Plus: Will Apple be the Next Nokia?

A Google hacker, who finally acquired some success in weaponising the iPhone's remote network to gain access to the device, took six months to tell the world. The attack could not only read the contents of the phone, but also snoop through the camera and mic.

Ian Beer, a member of Google’s Project Zero hacking team, revealed on Monday that iPhones and other Apple devices could be remotely hijacked and turned into surveillance tools until May. He said Apple later patched the vulnerability.

Beer was able to remotely hijack the iPhone using the iPhone’s Apple Wireless Direct Link, and was able to read messages, page through photos, download data, and even watch and listen to the user by activating the phone’s microphone and camera from a distance.

In a video to demonstrate the attack, Beer hacked an iPhone 11 Pro in another room, stealing the most recently-taken photo on the device.

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The weaknesses were patched by Apple earlier this year, but this is the first time Google has demonstrated how the attacks would work on unpatched iPhones.

Apple’s sketchy record on privacy has put the company in the hot seat again over the last few weeks. Such experiments, notably, are not currently being carried out on Android phones.

A Google hacker, who finally acquired some success in weaponising the iPhone's remote network to gain access to the device, took six months to tell the world. The attack could not only read the contents of the phone, but also snoop through the camera and mic.

A Google hacker, who finally acquired some success in weaponising the iPhone's remote network to gain access to the device, took six months to tell the world. The attack could not only read the contents of the phone, but also snoop through the camera and mic. Ian Beer, a member of Google’s Project Zero hacking team, revealed on Monday that iPhones and other Apple devices could be remotely hijacked and turned into surveillance tools until May. He said Apple later patched the vulnerability. Beer was able to remotely hijack the iPhone using the iPhone’s Apple Wireless Direct Link, and was able to read messages, page through photos, download data, and even watch and listen to the user by activating the phone’s microphone and camera from a distance. In a video to demonstrate the attack, Beer hacked an iPhone 11 Pro in another room, stealing the most recently-taken photo on the device. × The weaknesses were patched by Apple earlier this year, but this is the first time Google has demonstrated how the attacks would work on unpatched iPhones. Apple’s sketchy record on privacy has put the company in the hot seat again over the last few weeks. Such experiments, notably, are not currently being carried out on Android phones.

Someone hacked the iPhone. But waited 6 months to tell the world

Apple is facing fresh lawsuits in Europe for function of its software that has the effect of slowing down older versions of iPhones. An advocacy group has brought these lawsuits against the tech giant.

As per Euroconsumer, the advocacy group's statement reported in the media, the class action lawsuits cover 2 million iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Apple was forced to admit in 2017 that software updates aimed at preventing battery crash caused older iPhones to slow down. Apple had received widespread flak after the admission.

Earlier this year in US, Apple was forced to pay owners of certain iPhones USD 25 per device over the same issue. This resulted in Apple having to shell out half a billion dollars.

The lawsuit filed by Euroconsumers mirrors this case and seeks USD 72 as compensation per consumer. If the lawsuit succeeds, Apple will have to pay more than 200 million dollars.

Apple is facing fresh lawsuits in Europe for function of its software that has the effect of slowing down older versions of iPhones. An advocacy group has brought these lawsuits against the tech giant.

Apple is facing fresh lawsuits in Europe for function of its software that has the effect of slowing down older versions of iPhones. An advocacy group has brought these lawsuits against the tech giant. As per Euroconsumer, the advocacy group's statement reported in the media, the class action lawsuits cover 2 million iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Apple was forced to admit in 2017 that software updates aimed at preventing battery crash caused older iPhones to slow down. Apple had received widespread flak after the admission. Earlier this year in US, Apple was forced to pay owners of certain iPhones USD 25 per device over the same issue. This resulted in Apple having to shell out half a billion dollars. The lawsuit filed by Euroconsumers mirrors this case and seeks USD 72 as compensation per consumer. If the lawsuit succeeds, Apple will have to pay more than 200 million dollars.

Apple faces lawsuits in Europe for slowing down old iPhones

Major US&nbsp;companies, reportedly including Apple, are lobbying against a new piece of legislation that seeks to prevent forced labor in China.

The move by Apple lobbyists&nbsp;highlights&nbsp;the clash between its business imperatives and its official stance on human rights.

The bill, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, levies sanctions on human rights violators and prevents imports of goods manufactured in the predominantly Muslim region of Xinjiang unless companies can guarantee they weren't produced by imprisoned or coerced workers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/batterygate-scandal-apple-to-pay-113-million-settlement-on-iphone-throttling-344089" hreflang="en">Batterygate scandal: Apple to pay $113 million settlement on iPhone throttling</a>

Apple is heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturing, and human rights reports have identified instances in which alleged forced Uighur labor has been used in Apple’s supply chain.

Earlier in 2020, select Apple suppliers were accused of using forced Uighur labor to manufacture components for the Cupertino tech giant.

In July, Apple said it was continuing to carry out investigations of the alleged forced labor. Results from the probe turned up no evidence of wrongdoing among its suppliers, Apple said.

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"Forced labor is abhorrent," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Congress in July. "We would not tolerate it in Apple" and would "terminate a supplier relationship if it were found.

Apple has repeatedly faced heat&nbsp;over its production facilities in China.&nbsp;The latest allegation came in March&nbsp;when a think tank published a&nbsp;report&nbsp;finding&nbsp;four instances of&nbsp;forced labour being used in Apple's supply chain.

The report says that in 2017&nbsp;the Chinese government transferred 1,000 to 2,000 Uighurs in a factory owned by o-film, a&nbsp;company that makes selfie cameras for the Apple iPhone.

Major US companies, reportedly including Apple, are lobbying against a new piece of legislation that seeks to prevent forced labor in China. The move by Apple lobbyists highlights the clash between its business imperatives and its official stance on human rights.

Major US companies, reportedly including Apple, are lobbying against a new piece of legislation that seeks to prevent forced labor in China. The move by Apple lobbyists highlights the clash between its business imperatives and its official stance on human rights. The bill, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, levies sanctions on human rights violators and prevents imports of goods manufactured in the predominantly Muslim region of Xinjiang unless companies can guarantee they weren't produced by imprisoned or coerced workers. Also read: Batterygate scandal: Apple to pay $113 million settlement on iPhone throttling Apple is heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturing, and human rights reports have identified instances in which alleged forced Uighur labor has been used in Apple’s supply chain. Earlier in 2020, select Apple suppliers were accused of using forced Uighur labor to manufacture components for the Cupertino tech giant. In July, Apple said it was continuing to carry out investigations of the alleged forced labor. Results from the probe turned up no evidence of wrongdoing among its suppliers, Apple said. × "Forced labor is abhorrent," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Congress in July. "We would not tolerate it in Apple" and would "terminate a supplier relationship if it were found. Apple has repeatedly faced heat over its production facilities in China. The latest allegation came in March when a think tank published a report finding four instances of forced labour being used in Apple's supply chain. The report says that in 2017 the Chinese government transferred 1,000 to 2,000 Uighurs in a factory owned by o-film, a company that makes selfie cameras for the Apple iPhone.

Apple rallying against bill to stop forced Uighur labour

Is Apple trying to water down a bill aimed at preventing forced labour in China? A report claims the tech giant is lobbying against a proposed law to protect Uighurs forced into labour in Chinese factories.

Gravitas: Is Apple supporting human rights violations of China?

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