Apple&nbsp;Inc&nbsp;became the first publicly listed U.S. company with a $2 trillion stock market value on Wednesday, as Wall Street investors put aside challenges to its iPhone ecosystem in favor of bets it will only prosper more in the post-coronavirus world.

Shares in the company have surged since blowout quarterly results in July that saw the iPhone maker eclipse Saudi Aramco as the world's most valuable listed company, up about 57% in value so far in 2020.

The moves reflect growing investor confidence in&nbsp;Apple's shift towards relying less on sales of iPhones and other gadgets and more on services for its users, as well as a broad shift by big institutional investors during the coronavirus crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apple-denied-our-request-to-waive-off-30-commission-fee-facebook-inc-320716" hreflang="en">Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc</a>

With Amazon, Microsoft&nbsp;and Google-owner Alphabet, all now worth around $1 trillion or more, the big U.S. tech companies are together worth more than $6 trillion.

Cupertino, California-based&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;surprised Wall Street as it was able to get loyal shoppers buy iPhones, iPads and Macs online even as several brick-and-mortar stores remained closed due to the coronavirus lockdowns.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/entertainment/apples-famous-1984-video-parodied-by-fortnite-game-maker-320378" hreflang="en">Apple's famous '1984' video parodied by Fortnite game maker</a>

Apple's revenue grew across every category and all of its geographical regions in the June quarter, even as the coronavirus crisis caused the U.S. economy to collapse at its worst rate since the Great Depression.

Started in the garage of co-founder Steve Jobs in 1976,&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;has pushed its revenue beyond the economic outputs of Portugal, Peru and other countries.

Apple's shares rose as much as 1.4% at $468.63 on Wednesday.

Apple Inc became the first publicly listed U.S. company with a $2 trillion stock market value on Wednesday, as Wall Street investors put aside challenges to its iPhone ecosystem in favor of bets it will only prosper more in the post-coronavirus world.

Apple Inc became the first publicly listed U.S. company with a $2 trillion stock market value on Wednesday, as Wall Street investors put aside challenges to its iPhone ecosystem in favor of bets it will only prosper more in the post-coronavirus world. Shares in the company have surged since blowout quarterly results in July that saw the iPhone maker eclipse Saudi Aramco as the world's most valuable listed company, up about 57% in value so far in 2020. The moves reflect growing investor confidence in Apple's shift towards relying less on sales of iPhones and other gadgets and more on services for its users, as well as a broad shift by big institutional investors during the coronavirus crisis. Also read: Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc With Amazon, Microsoft and Google-owner Alphabet, all now worth around $1 trillion or more, the big U.S. tech companies are together worth more than $6 trillion. Cupertino, California-based Apple surprised Wall Street as it was able to get loyal shoppers buy iPhones, iPads and Macs online even as several brick-and-mortar stores remained closed due to the coronavirus lockdowns. Also read: Apple's famous '1984' video parodied by Fortnite game maker Apple's revenue grew across every category and all of its geographical regions in the June quarter, even as the coronavirus crisis caused the U.S. economy to collapse at its worst rate since the Great Depression. Started in the garage of co-founder Steve Jobs in 1976, Apple has pushed its revenue beyond the economic outputs of Portugal, Peru and other countries. Apple's shares rose as much as 1.4% at $468.63 on Wednesday.

Apple becomes first US company to hit $2 trillion in market value

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc&nbsp;(AAPL.O) have against locked horns —&nbsp; this time the topic is commission fee.

Facebook announced that Apple has&nbsp;now declined its request to waive a 30 per cent commission fee the iPhone maker charges apps listed on iOS devices. Facebook claims it made the request so that the small businesses do not have to pay Apple's cut&nbsp;for a new paid online 'events' product that Facebook&nbsp;is launching on its core platform.

Apple, much like Google, charges a commission fee between 15 to 30 per cent for app&nbsp;subscriptions and payments made inside apps, except for them companies that already&nbsp;have a credit card on file for iPhone customers. This practice by tech company has been criticised earlier too by various developers.

Recently, 'Fortnite' developer Epic Games also got into a legal and social war with Apple over similar issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/fortnite-makers-to-sue-apple-inc-as-freefortnite-trends-with-remake-of-1984-video-320327">Also read:&nbsp;'Fortnite' makers to sue Apple Inc as #FreeFortnite trends with remake of 1984 video</a>

The issue came to light after a mock up of the new feature of Facebook on iPhone showed that the company planned to tell users that Apple would take 30 per cent of the purchase.

While the same process is followed by Google, it is not clear if Google would walk the oath of Apple in this case, or let go of the fee for a greater cause.

Google and Facebook declined to reveal their arrangement, though.

Fidji Simo, head of&nbsp;the core Facebook app, announced the tool in a media conference call featuring small business owners who praised it as a way to reach customers and earn revenue online during the coronavirus pandemic.

She said Facebook considered it “important to be transparent, when people are supporting small businesses,” as users might not be aware that part of their payments could be “going to an almost $2 trillion company.”

Apple has not yet responded to the controversy.

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) have against locked horns — this time the topic is commission fee.

The cold war between two of the biggest tech companies is only escalating with every passing day. Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Apple Inc (AAPL.O) have against locked horns — this time the topic is commission fee. Facebook announced that Apple has now declined its request to waive a 30 per cent commission fee the iPhone maker charges apps listed on iOS devices. Facebook claims it made the request so that the small businesses do not have to pay Apple's cut for a new paid online 'events' product that Facebook is launching on its core platform. Apple, much like Google, charges a commission fee between 15 to 30 per cent for app subscriptions and payments made inside apps, except for them companies that already have a credit card on file for iPhone customers. This practice by tech company has been criticised earlier too by various developers. Recently, 'Fortnite' developer Epic Games also got into a legal and social war with Apple over similar issues. Also read: 'Fortnite' makers to sue Apple Inc as #FreeFortnite trends with remake of 1984 video The issue came to light after a mock up of the new feature of Facebook on iPhone showed that the company planned to tell users that Apple would take 30 per cent of the purchase. While the same process is followed by Google, it is not clear if Google would walk the oath of Apple in this case, or let go of the fee for a greater cause. Google and Facebook declined to reveal their arrangement, though. Fidji Simo, head of the core Facebook app, announced the tool in a media conference call featuring small business owners who praised it as a way to reach customers and earn revenue online during the coronavirus pandemic. She said Facebook considered it “important to be transparent, when people are supporting small businesses,” as users might not be aware that part of their payments could be “going to an almost $2 trillion company.” Apple has not yet responded to the controversy.

Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc

Apple Inc has been on a blocking rampage for the last few weeks now. After blocking games from Facebook, Microsoft and Google, Apple Inc has now blocked the famous "Fortnite" from its App Store.

Apple Inc has claimed "Fortnite" was violating in-app purchases policy of its App Store, due to which the company had to block the game. Epic Games, game developer, has now decided to retaliate in more than one way.

Epic Games has first filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc asking for no monetary compensation, but urging it to end its in-app purchases policy, and accusing it to block competition — an accusation which has been made against the tech giant earlier too.&nbsp;"Apple has become what it once railed against: the behemoth seeking to control markets, block competition, and stifle innovation. Apple is bigger, more powerful, more entrenched, and more pernicious than the monopolists of yesteryear," Epic said in its lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California.

This was Epic's legal way of handling the block. In addition to this, Epic Games took to social media to rally an online army against this block. Fortnite made a parody of Apple's 1984 introduction video and rolled out a video in which an Apple-shaped character is seen talking about the "anniversary of&nbsp;of the platform unification directives." The speech is interrupted when a woman fighter hurls a unicorn-head stick at the screen.

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The text at the end of the video reads, "Epic Games has defied the App Store monopoly. In retaliation, Apple is blocking Fortnite from a billion devices. Join the fight to stop 2020 from becoming 1984." which is followed by "#FreeFortnite" — a hashtag which has started trending on Twitter too.

Apple, on the other hand, claims a direct payment feature rolled out on the Fortnite app earlier on Thursday as the violation.

"The fact that their (Epic) business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users," Apple said in a statement.

Apple believes Epic Games launched the payment feature in Fortnite&nbsp;with the "express intent of violating the App Store guidelines" after having had apps in the store for a decade.

Spotify, the music-streaming app, was the first one to come to Epic's support.&nbsp;"Apple`s unfair practices have disadvantaged competitors and deprived consumers for far too long," Spotify saidin a statement. "The stakes for consumers and app developers large and small couldn`t be higher and ensuring that the iOS platform operates competitively and fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications."

Apple Inc has been on a blocking rampage for the last few weeks now. After blocking games from Facebook, Microsoft and Google, Apple Inc has now blocked the famous "Fortnite" from its App Store.

Apple Inc has been on a blocking rampage for the last few weeks now. After blocking games from Facebook, Microsoft and Google, Apple Inc has now blocked the famous "Fortnite" from its App Store. Apple Inc has claimed "Fortnite" was violating in-app purchases policy of its App Store, due to which the company had to block the game. Epic Games, game developer, has now decided to retaliate in more than one way. Epic Games has first filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc asking for no monetary compensation, but urging it to end its in-app purchases policy, and accusing it to block competition — an accusation which has been made against the tech giant earlier too. "Apple has become what it once railed against: the behemoth seeking to control markets, block competition, and stifle innovation. Apple is bigger, more powerful, more entrenched, and more pernicious than the monopolists of yesteryear," Epic said in its lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California. This was Epic's legal way of handling the block. In addition to this, Epic Games took to social media to rally an online army against this block. Fortnite made a parody of Apple's 1984 introduction video and rolled out a video in which an Apple-shaped character is seen talking about the "anniversary of of the platform unification directives." The speech is interrupted when a woman fighter hurls a unicorn-head stick at the screen. × The text at the end of the video reads, "Epic Games has defied the App Store monopoly. In retaliation, Apple is blocking Fortnite from a billion devices. Join the fight to stop 2020 from becoming 1984." which is followed by "#FreeFortnite" — a hashtag which has started trending on Twitter too. Apple, on the other hand, claims a direct payment feature rolled out on the Fortnite app earlier on Thursday as the violation. "The fact that their (Epic) business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users," Apple said in a statement. Apple believes Epic Games launched the payment feature in Fortnite with the "express intent of violating the App Store guidelines" after having had apps in the store for a decade. Spotify, the music-streaming app, was the first one to come to Epic's support. "Apple`s unfair practices have disadvantaged competitors and deprived consumers for far too long," Spotify saidin a statement. "The stakes for consumers and app developers large and small couldn`t be higher and ensuring that the iOS platform operates competitively and fairly is an urgent task with far-reaching implications."

'Fortnite' makers to sue Apple Inc as #FreeFortnite trends with remake of 1984 video

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law.

According to the South Morning China Post, the newspaper will file an interim injunction against the police raid in the newspaper’s offices.

In conversation with SMCP, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief Ryan Law said that they were seeking an injunction order after “journalistic materials were included in the documents of Apple Daily Charitable Foundation seized by police”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/jimmy-lai-tells-staff-to-fight-on-for-people-of-hong-kong-after-being-released-from-police-custody-319886" hreflang="en">Jimmy Lai tells staff to 'fight on' for 'people of Hong Kong' after being released from police custody</a>

According to Law, lawyers have already applied for sealing seized material like hard drives, which includes articles, pictures, and video footage.

Hong Kong police force undertook a nine-hour long search operation at the newspaper’s office, after which 30 boxes of documents and three hard drives were reportedly seized.

Is it legal?

Law has questioned the legality of this search operation, and claimed that he had requested the officers to hold back the operation until lawyers had arrived on the spot, but to no avail.

Over 200 officers stormed the Tseung Kwan O offices of the newspaper on Monday, and video footage showed officers rummaging through documents on the desks of journalists.

The police claims that some of the arrested were on the same floor as the editorial department, and did not intend to stir trouble for the journalists, which is why they had undertaken an “initial screening” of what qualifies as editorial materials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-released-on-bail-319811" hreflang="en">Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail</a>

According to Section 50(7) of the Police Force Ordinance, officers may enter premises to search people with warrants, but it does not grant them the power to see material of “journalistic material”. This would require authorisation from a higher court.

The Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance of Section 82 defines “journalistic materials” as any material created for the purpose of journalism.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail.&nbsp;Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong.

"Let's fight on"

"Fight on! Let's fight on," Lai said in a Facebook live broadcast.&nbsp;"We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down”, he said.

A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/how-arrest-of-hong-kongs-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-back-fired-319812" hreflang="en">How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired</a>

The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing.

His arrest came&nbsp;amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula.

The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong’s tabloid newspaper Apple Daily was recently released from bail after being put in police custody under the city’s new National Security Law. According to the South Morning China Post, the newspaper will file an interim injunction against the police raid in the newspaper’s offices. In conversation with SMCP, the newspaper’s editor-in-chief Ryan Law said that they were seeking an injunction order after “journalistic materials were included in the documents of Apple Daily Charitable Foundation seized by police”. Also read: Jimmy Lai tells staff to 'fight on' for 'people of Hong Kong' after being released from police custody According to Law, lawyers have already applied for sealing seized material like hard drives, which includes articles, pictures, and video footage. Hong Kong police force undertook a nine-hour long search operation at the newspaper’s office, after which 30 boxes of documents and three hard drives were reportedly seized. Is it legal? Law has questioned the legality of this search operation, and claimed that he had requested the officers to hold back the operation until lawyers had arrived on the spot, but to no avail. Over 200 officers stormed the Tseung Kwan O offices of the newspaper on Monday, and video footage showed officers rummaging through documents on the desks of journalists. The police claims that some of the arrested were on the same floor as the editorial department, and did not intend to stir trouble for the journalists, which is why they had undertaken an “initial screening” of what qualifies as editorial materials. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail According to Section 50(7) of the Police Force Ordinance, officers may enter premises to search people with warrants, but it does not grant them the power to see material of “journalistic material”. This would require authorisation from a higher court. The Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance of Section 82 defines “journalistic materials” as any material created for the purpose of journalism. Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told his staff at Apple Daily to “fight on” early on Wednesday, a day after he was released on bail. Lai was arrested under the new national security law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong. "Let's fight on" "Fight on! Let's fight on," Lai said in a Facebook live broadcast. "We have the support of the Hong Kong people. We can't let them down”, he said. A clampdown has gathered pace in Hong Kong since China imposed a sweeping security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified and activists arrested for social media posts. Also read: How arrest of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai back fired The moves have provoked outrage in the West and fear for millions who last year took to the streets to protest communist China's tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city. Mainland-born Lai, who was smuggled into Hong Kong on a fishing boat when he was a penniless 12-year-old, is one of the most prominent democracy activists in the city and an ardent critic of Communist Party rule in Beijing. His arrest came amid a crackdown on the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has drawn international criticism and raised fears for freedoms promised by Beijing under a "one country, two systems" formula. The sweeping security law imposed on June 30 punishes anything China considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. The city's Beijing-backed government and Chinese authorities say the law is necessary to restore order after months of at times violent anti-government protests last year, sparked by fears China was slowly eroding those freedoms.

Hong Kong's Apple Daily taking legal action against unlawful seizure of 'journalistic materials'

Texas court has ruled against Apple telling them to pay more than $500 million in damages and interest for 4G patent infringements held by intellectual property company PanOptis.

Texas court has ruled against Apple telling them to pay more than $500 million in damages and interest for 4G patent infringements held by intellectual property company PanOptis. According to the local media, Apple will appeal the decision. PanOptis dragged Apple to court after claiming it refused to pay for the use of 4G LTE technologies in its smartphones, tablets and watches. PanOptis specializes in licensing patents. "The plaintiffs have repeatedly negotiated with Apple to reach an agreement for a FRAND license to the Plaintiff's patent portfolios which Apple is infringing," the court filing read. FRAND refers to terms that are "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory" and is the IT industry standard for technology use. "The negotiations have been unsuccessful because Apple refuses to pay a FRAND royalty to the Plaintiff's license." According to the legal publication, Apple argued unsuccessfully that the patents were invalid. "Lawsuits like this by companies who accumulate patents simply to harass the industry only serve to stifle innovation and harm consumers," Apple said in a statement reported by media outlets. This the second time that the Texas court has ruled out a verdict against Apple Inc. The first time it demanded the tech giant to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to VirnetX -- another company specializing in patent litigation. On its website, PanOptis offers to manage its clients' patents, allowing them to concentrate on "innovation and new development." (Inputs from AFP)

Apple to pay over $500 million to PlanOptis, over patent violations: US court

Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store.

The list contains&nbsp;Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app.

The decision was taken by Apple as the company claims that the three tech-giants did not submit the games individually for review. Apple claimed that their company does not allow apps to feature on their store without a review, and since the companies did not submit individual games for review, Apple decided to block the games that could enable access to these non-reviewed games.

The company issued a statement explaining the reason behind the decision of blocking these games. "Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely&nbsp;launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set&nbsp;of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search.&nbsp;In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach&nbsp;all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers&nbsp;on the App Store."

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg reacted to the news by saying, “Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the stand-alone Facebook Gaming app.”

In a Twitter thread, Facebook Gaming announced the launch of&nbsp;standalone Facebook Gaming app. "But for FB game developers and players...we have some bad news. After months of submissions and repeated rejections by Apple, we’ve had to remove instant games entirely from the standalone app," Facebook Gaming tweeted.

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1/ Well, we have some good news. We’re launching the standalone Facebook Gaming app today on iOS! Download today 👉 <a href="https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA">https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA</a> 
 
We know many creators and fans have been waiting a long time for it, so thanks for sitting tight.
— Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) <a href="https://twitter.com/FacebookGaming/status/1291708615015858176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Microsoft, too, issued a statement that read, "Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. And it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."

Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store. The list contains Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app.

Igniting a 'gaming-world' war, Apple has decided to block three games of three tech-giants — Microsoft, Facebook and Google — from its App Store. The list contains Microsoft's Game Pass, Google's Stadia and Facebook's gaming app. The decision was taken by Apple as the company claims that the three tech-giants did not submit the games individually for review. Apple claimed that their company does not allow apps to feature on their store without a review, and since the companies did not submit individual games for review, Apple decided to block the games that could enable access to these non-reviewed games. The company issued a statement explaining the reason behind the decision of blocking these games. "Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search. In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers on the App Store." Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg reacted to the news by saying, “Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the stand-alone Facebook Gaming app.” In a Twitter thread, Facebook Gaming announced the launch of standalone Facebook Gaming app. "But for FB game developers and players...we have some bad news. After months of submissions and repeated rejections by Apple, we’ve had to remove instant games entirely from the standalone app," Facebook Gaming tweeted. 🍏🎮🧵 1/ Well, we have some good news. We’re launching the standalone Facebook Gaming app today on iOS! Download today 👉 https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA We know many creators and fans have been waiting a long time for it, so thanks for sitting tight. — Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) August 7, 2020 × Microsoft, too, issued a statement that read, "Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. And it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."

Apple blocks games from Microsoft, Google, and Facebook; fight gets Twitter-official

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of&nbsp;infringing on its patents, according to Reuters.

The company&nbsp;has sought 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion)in damages and demands that Apple cease "manufacturing, using, promising to sell, selling, and importing" products that infringe on the patent, it said in a social media post.

Xiao-i argued that Apple's voice-recognition technology Siri infringes on a patent that it applied for in 2004 and was granted in 2009.

The lawsuit marks the continuation of a row that has been ongoing for nearly a decade.

Shanghai Zhizhen first sued Apple for patent infringement in 2012 regarding its voice recognition technology. In July, China's Supreme People's court ruled that the patent was valid. 
&nbsp;

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of infringing on its patents, according to Reuters.

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, accusing the tech giant of infringing on its patents, according to Reuters. The company has sought 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion)in damages and demands that Apple cease "manufacturing, using, promising to sell, selling, and importing" products that infringe on the patent, it said in a social media post. Xiao-i argued that Apple's voice-recognition technology Siri infringes on a patent that it applied for in 2004 and was granted in 2009. The lawsuit marks the continuation of a row that has been ongoing for nearly a decade. Shanghai Zhizhen first sued Apple for patent infringement in 2012 regarding its voice recognition technology. In July, China's Supreme People's court ruled that the patent was valid.

Chinese artificial intelligence company files $1.4 billion lawsuit against Apple

Chinese artificial intelligence company Shanghai Zhizhen Intelligent Network Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Xiao-i, has filed a lawsuit against Apple Inc, alleging it has infringed on its patents.

Chinese AI company files $1.4 billion lawsuit against Apple

Apple Inc removed 29,800 apps from its Chinese app store on Saturday, including more than 26,000 games, according to data from research firm Qimai. The takedowns come amid a crackdown on unlicensed games by Chinese authorities.

Apple Inc removed 29,800 apps from its Chinese app store on Saturday, including more than 26,000 games, according to data from research firm Qimai. The takedowns come amid a crackdown on unlicensed games by Chinese authorities. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read: As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost Earlier this year Apple gave game publishers an end-of-June deadline to submit a government-issued licence number enabling users to make in-app purchases. China's Android app stores have long complied with those regulations. It is not clear why Apple is enforcing them strictly this year. The smartphone maker removed more than 2,500 titles from its app store over the first week of July. Games affected by the sweep included titles from Zynga and Supercell, research firm SensorTower reported at the time. The Chinese government has long sought to enforce stricter regulations on its gaming industry to remove sensitive content. Also read: Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources The approval process for games looking to enable in-app purchases is long and complicated, hurting all but the largest game developers, industry insiders say. "This affects small- and mid-sized developers' incomes the most, but due to the difficulties of acquiring a business licence, it's devastating to the whole iOS game industry in China," said Todd Kuhns, marketing manager for AppInChina, a firm that helps overseas companies distribute their apps.

Apple removes thousands of game apps from China store: Research firm

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday.

The production-linked incentive (PLI) plan offers companies cash incentives on additional sales of devices made locally over five years, with 2019-2020 as the base year. India hopes it will help turn the country into a global smartphone export hub like neighbouring China.

Apple already assembles some its smartphones, including the iPhone 11, via Foxconn and Wistron's local unit in two southern Indian states.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-invest-1-billion-in-india-sources-312563">Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources</a>

Pegatron, one of Apple's top suppliers, has yet to open a plant in India, but is in talks with various states to set up operations, according to sources.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has also applied for PLIs, technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told a news conference.

Samsung runs what it calls the world's biggest mobile phone manufacturing plant on the outskirts of the Indian capital, New Delhi. It also exports devices made at the plant.

Lava, which once also assembled some models for China's Lenovo, was among the Indian companies which had applied for the scheme, Prasad added.

India's smartphone sector is a bright spot in the South Asian nation's economy, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on local manufacturing in a bid to create jobs.

With more than 1 billion wireless subscribers and roughly 350 million users still on basic phones, India offers huge room for growth to smartphone makers.

Its labour, which is cheaper than China's, also allows companies to produce or assemble at lower costs. And companies are ramping up.

Foxconn said it plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in Tamil Nadu state where it assembles iPhones, sources told Reuters last month.

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday.

Apple Inc's Taiwan contract manufacturers Foxconn, Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have applied for India's $6.65 billion scheme to boost local smartphone manufacturing, the country's tech minister said on Saturday. The production-linked incentive (PLI) plan offers companies cash incentives on additional sales of devices made locally over five years, with 2019-2020 as the base year. India hopes it will help turn the country into a global smartphone export hub like neighbouring China. Apple already assembles some its smartphones, including the iPhone 11, via Foxconn and Wistron's local unit in two southern Indian states. Also read- Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources Pegatron, one of Apple's top suppliers, has yet to open a plant in India, but is in talks with various states to set up operations, according to sources. South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has also applied for PLIs, technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told a news conference. Samsung runs what it calls the world's biggest mobile phone manufacturing plant on the outskirts of the Indian capital, New Delhi. It also exports devices made at the plant. Lava, which once also assembled some models for China's Lenovo, was among the Indian companies which had applied for the scheme, Prasad added. India's smartphone sector is a bright spot in the South Asian nation's economy, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on local manufacturing in a bid to create jobs. With more than 1 billion wireless subscribers and roughly 350 million users still on basic phones, India offers huge room for growth to smartphone makers. Its labour, which is cheaper than China's, also allows companies to produce or assemble at lower costs. And companies are ramping up. Foxconn said it plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in Tamil Nadu state where it assembles iPhones, sources told Reuters last month.

Apple's Taiwan suppliers, Samsung apply for India's smartphone scheme

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg did not hesitate to point out that his company lags behind some competitors on various aspects during an antitrust testimony before a Congressional&nbsp;panel.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-steals-content-from-honest-businesses-sundar-pichai-questioned-316889" hreflang="en">'Google steals content from honest businesses': Sundar Pichai questioned</a>

Zuckerberg pointed out that Amazon is the fastest-growing advertising platform and Google is the biggest.&nbsp;

"In many areas, we are behind our competitors," Zuckerberg said. "The most popular messaging service in the US is iMessage. The fastest growing app is TikTok. The most popular app for video is YouTube. The fastest growing ads platform is Amazon. The largest ads platform is Google. And for every dollar spent on advertising in the US, less than ten cents is spent with us."

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Executives of these tech companies were asked to appear at once as it allows them to spread the burden.&nbsp;

Questions for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday for Google Inc and Facebook Inc were stricter than those of Apple Inc as the case of antitrust is stronger in their case than Tim Cook's company.&nbsp;

Facebook CEO was also questioned about its purchase of Instagram in 2012 and if they acquired it as it was a threat.&nbsp;

According to Zuckerberg, the deal was reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission. He went on to say that Instagram at the time was a tiny photo-sharing app rather than a social-media phenomenon.

"People didn't think of them competing with us in that space," he said.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg did not hesitate to point out that his company lags behind some competitors on various aspects during an antitrust testimony before a Congressional panel.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg did not hesitate to point out that his company lags behind some competitors on various aspects during an antitrust testimony before a Congressional panel. Also read: 'Google steals content from honest businesses': Sundar Pichai questioned Zuckerberg pointed out that Amazon is the fastest-growing advertising platform and Google is the biggest. "In many areas, we are behind our competitors," Zuckerberg said. "The most popular messaging service in the US is iMessage. The fastest growing app is TikTok. The most popular app for video is YouTube. The fastest growing ads platform is Amazon. The largest ads platform is Google. And for every dollar spent on advertising in the US, less than ten cents is spent with us." × Executives of these tech companies were asked to appear at once as it allows them to spread the burden. Questions for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday for Google Inc and Facebook Inc were stricter than those of Apple Inc as the case of antitrust is stronger in their case than Tim Cook's company. Facebook CEO was also questioned about its purchase of Instagram in 2012 and if they acquired it as it was a threat. According to Zuckerberg, the deal was reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission. He went on to say that Instagram at the time was a tiny photo-sharing app rather than a social-media phenomenon. "People didn't think of them competing with us in that space," he said.

Mark Zuckerberg suggests Google and Apple are bigger threats than Facebook

Google and Facebook took the sharpest jabs for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday in a much-anticipated congressional hearing that put four of America's most prominent tech CEOs in the hot seat. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-apple-facebook-amazon-tech-giant-ceos-testify-at-us-antitrust-hearing-316845">ALSO READ | Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing</a>

Facebook Inc's Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon.com Inc's Jeff Bezos, Google owner Alphabet Inc's Sundar Pichai and Apple Inc's Tim Cook - whose companies have a combined market value of about $5 trillion - parried a range of accusations from lawmakers that they crippled smaller rivals in the quest for market share, via a videoconference hearing. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-google-facebook-and-amazon-have-too-much-power-says-us-antitrust-panel-316826" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Facebook &amp; Amazon have too much power, says US antitrust panel</a>

Though it was Bezos' first congressional testimony, he appeared the least fazed. Cook drew fewer barbed questions than Bezos and handled them efficiently. Zuckerberg took the most damage, stumbling at times when confronted with internal emails.

Pichai, CEO of both Alphabet and Google, took the most heat from conservatives on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel and looked the worse for it, as he repeatedly told lawmakers he would be happy to look into various situations and get back to them.

Unfortunately, the Big Tech hearing was decidedly low-tech. Bezos escaped questioning for about an hour in what may have been a tech issue, and was caught on screen reaching for what appeared to be a snack.

Poor audio, flat-screen televisions switching off, and chief executives appearing together as thumbnails on a large screen frustrated viewers and led to mockery of the virtual set-up on Twitter.

Lawmakers descended into shouting at points, with a pandemic twist. One lawmaker shouted: "Put your mask on!"

Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat and chair of the antitrust subcommittee, set the tone when he began by accusing Google of theft.

"Why does Google steal content from honest businesses?" he asked.

Cicilline alleged Google stole reviews from Yelp Inc and said Google threatened to delist Yelp from search results if it objected.

Pichai responded mildly that he would want to know the specifics of the accusation. "We conduct ourselves to the highest standards," he added, disagreeing with the characterization that Google steals content to win users.

Facebook's Zuckerberg took a series of questions about the company's purchase of Instagram in 2012 and whether it was acquired because it was a threat.

Zuckerberg responded that the deal had been reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission and that Instagram at the time was a tiny photo-sharing app rather than a social-media phenomenon. "People didn't think of them competing with us in that space," he said.

In one of the more notable exchanges, Representative Pramila Jayapal pushed Zuckerberg on whether Facebook had ever copied its competitors.

"We've certainly adapted features that others have led in," he said.

"How many companies did Facebook end up copying?" she asked. "Is it less than five? Less than 50?"

"Congresswoman, I don't know," Zuckerberg said.

The hearing was the first time the four CEOs have appeared together before lawmakers.

Jayapal pressed Amazon's Bezos on whether the company used data from third-party sellers in making sales decisions. An Amazon executive previously had denied the practice under oath and was contradicted by a news report.

Bezos answered cautiously that the company had a policy against such actions. "If we found that somebody violated it, we would take action against them," he said.

On the Republican side, Representative Jim Jordan accused the companies of taking a long list of actions that he said showed they try to hamper conservatives from reaching their supporters.

"Big Tech is out to get conservatives," he said.

Jordan's allegations come after President Donald Trump, who has clashed with several of the biggest tech companies, on Wednesday threatened to take action against them with executive orders.

Jordan also pressed Pichai on whether Google would help former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, win in November.

"We support both campaigns. We approach our work in a nonpartisan fashion," Pichai responded.

Republican Representative Matt Gaetz pressed Facebook's Zuckerberg on whether content moderators disadvantaged conservative content.

Zuckerberg said they were trained to be neutral. "We aim to be a platform for all ideas," he said. "I certainly don't want our platform to be run in such a way to have a ... bias."

'STREET FIGHT'

Apple's Cook rejected the notion there is nothing to stop his company from raising the commissions it charges in the App Store.

"I disagree strongly with that," he said. "The competition for developers - they can write their apps for Android or Windows or Xbox or PlayStation. We have fierce competition at the developer side and the customer side, which is essentially so competitive I would describe it as a street fight."

A detailed report with antitrust allegations against the four tech platforms and recommendations on how to tame their market power could be released by late summer or early fall by the committee, senior committee aides said.

Google and Facebook took the sharpest jabs for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday in a much-anticipated congressional hearing that put four of America's most prominent tech CEOs in the hot seat.

Google and Facebook took the sharpest jabs for alleged abuse of their market power from Democrats and Republicans on Wednesday in a much-anticipated congressional hearing that put four of America's most prominent tech CEOs in the hot seat. ALSO READ | Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing Facebook Inc's Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon.com Inc's Jeff Bezos, Google owner Alphabet Inc's Sundar Pichai and Apple Inc's Tim Cook - whose companies have a combined market value of about $5 trillion - parried a range of accusations from lawmakers that they crippled smaller rivals in the quest for market share, via a videoconference hearing. Also read: Apple, Google, Facebook & Amazon have too much power, says US antitrust panel Though it was Bezos' first congressional testimony, he appeared the least fazed. Cook drew fewer barbed questions than Bezos and handled them efficiently. Zuckerberg took the most damage, stumbling at times when confronted with internal emails. Pichai, CEO of both Alphabet and Google, took the most heat from conservatives on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel and looked the worse for it, as he repeatedly told lawmakers he would be happy to look into various situations and get back to them. Unfortunately, the Big Tech hearing was decidedly low-tech. Bezos escaped questioning for about an hour in what may have been a tech issue, and was caught on screen reaching for what appeared to be a snack. Poor audio, flat-screen televisions switching off, and chief executives appearing together as thumbnails on a large screen frustrated viewers and led to mockery of the virtual set-up on Twitter. Lawmakers descended into shouting at points, with a pandemic twist. One lawmaker shouted: "Put your mask on!" Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat and chair of the antitrust subcommittee, set the tone when he began by accusing Google of theft. "Why does Google steal content from honest businesses?" he asked. Cicilline alleged Google stole reviews from Yelp Inc and said Google threatened to delist Yelp from search results if it objected. Pichai responded mildly that he would want to know the specifics of the accusation. "We conduct ourselves to the highest standards," he added, disagreeing with the characterization that Google steals content to win users. Facebook's Zuckerberg took a series of questions about the company's purchase of Instagram in 2012 and whether it was acquired because it was a threat. Zuckerberg responded that the deal had been reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission and that Instagram at the time was a tiny photo-sharing app rather than a social-media phenomenon. "People didn't think of them competing with us in that space," he said. In one of the more notable exchanges, Representative Pramila Jayapal pushed Zuckerberg on whether Facebook had ever copied its competitors. "We've certainly adapted features that others have led in," he said. "How many companies did Facebook end up copying?" she asked. "Is it less than five? Less than 50?" "Congresswoman, I don't know," Zuckerberg said. The hearing was the first time the four CEOs have appeared together before lawmakers. Jayapal pressed Amazon's Bezos on whether the company used data from third-party sellers in making sales decisions. An Amazon executive previously had denied the practice under oath and was contradicted by a news report. Bezos answered cautiously that the company had a policy against such actions. "If we found that somebody violated it, we would take action against them," he said. On the Republican side, Representative Jim Jordan accused the companies of taking a long list of actions that he said showed they try to hamper conservatives from reaching their supporters. "Big Tech is out to get conservatives," he said. Jordan's allegations come after President Donald Trump, who has clashed with several of the biggest tech companies, on Wednesday threatened to take action against them with executive orders. Jordan also pressed Pichai on whether Google would help former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, win in November. "We support both campaigns. We approach our work in a nonpartisan fashion," Pichai responded. Republican Representative Matt Gaetz pressed Facebook's Zuckerberg on whether content moderators disadvantaged conservative content. Zuckerberg said they were trained to be neutral. "We aim to be a platform for all ideas," he said. "I certainly don't want our platform to be run in such a way to have a ... bias." 'STREET FIGHT' Apple's Cook rejected the notion there is nothing to stop his company from raising the commissions it charges in the App Store. "I disagree strongly with that," he said. "The competition for developers - they can write their apps for Android or Windows or Xbox or PlayStation. We have fierce competition at the developer side and the customer side, which is essentially so competitive I would describe it as a street fight." A detailed report with antitrust allegations against the four tech platforms and recommendations on how to tame their market power could be released by late summer or early fall by the committee, senior committee aides said.

'Google steals content from honest businesses': Sundar Pichai questioned

Big Tech executives faced an onslaught of criticism from US lawmakers Wednesday at a high-stakes antitrust hearing which could lay the groundwork for tougher regulation and legal actions against the major internet platforms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-google-facebook-and-amazon-have-too-much-power-says-us-antitrust-panel-316826" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Facebook &amp; Amazon have too much power, says US antitrust panel</a>

CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Sundar Pichai of Google were grilled for more than five hours in the unprecedented joint appearance -- by video -- before a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance.

While the hearing was called to focus on whether the companies have abused their dominant positions in the market, it veered quickly into other topics including political bias, privacy, dealings with China and how platforms deal with misinformation.

"Simply put, they have too much power," said Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the panel conducting a year-long investigation into the business practices of the four companies.

Cicilline said the hearing made clear that the firms "have monopoly power -- some need to be broken up, all need to be properly regulated and held accountable."

Congress has no formal role in antitrust enforcement, but several lawmakers appeared intent on revising US laws to deal with the extraordinary market power and dominance of large technology firms.

<h2>Pandemic strength&nbsp;</h2>

Cicilline said the coronavirus outbreak has strengthened the economic clout of the four, saying:&nbsp;"They are likely to emerge (from the pandemic) stronger and more powerful than ever before."

A few comments from lawmakers sought to play down the competitive harms of the companies, which have also won praise for innovating and introducing new technologies and offering lifelines during the virus lockdowns.

"Being big is not inherently bad," said Jim&nbsp;Sensenbrenner, a Republican from Wisconsin. "Quite the opposite, in America you should be rewarded for success.

<h2>Abusing platforms?&nbsp;</h2>

Some lawmakers sought to highlight problems with tech companies operating platforms while competing with rivals on those systems.

Democrat Pramila Jayapal of Washington state question Pichai on how Google operates its ad platform, claiming that this hurts other online services such as news outlets.

Google "is running the marketplace it's acting on the buy side and it's acting on the sell side, which is a major conflict of interest," Jayapal said.

Apple's Cook faced tough questioning over the market power of the company's App Store and its treatment of developers.

"We treat all app developers the same," Cook said. "We do not retaliate or bully people."

Bezos, in his first appearance before a congressional committee, defended&nbsp;Amazon's dealings with third-party sellers after a blistering attack from Cicilline.

"Isn't it true that small businesses have no real option but rely on Amazon to connect with customers to make online sales?" the committee chair asked.

"We've heard from third party sellers again and again during the course of our investigation that Amazon is the only game in town."

Bezos disputed the characterization while adding, "There are a lot of options for small firms..&nbsp; I think we are the best one."

<h2>Playing politics&nbsp;</h2>

President Donald Trump, who has accused Facebook and Twitter of censoring his remarks and being biased against conservatives, weighed in with a tweet shortly before the hearing began, and some Republican lawmakers echoed those remarks.

"If Congress doesn't bring fairness to Big Tech, which they should have done years ago, I will do it myself with Executive Orders," Trump said.&nbsp;

Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, said during the hearing: "I'll just cut to the chase -- Big Tech is out to get conservatives. That's not a suspicion. That's not a hunch. That's a fact."

Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland rejected the argument, saying Facebook and other platforms have failed to contain misinformation from Trump and his supporters, including unverified COVID-19 claims.

"If Facebook is out there trying to repress conservative speech they're doing a terrible job," Raskin said. "I don't understand this endless whining" from Republicans.

<h2>Moving forward&nbsp;</h2>

Some analysts said the hearing could set the stage for revising US antitrust laws, which at present make it difficult for enforcers to target companies simply for being large or dominant without also showing harm to consumers or abuse of market power.

"There was considerable skepticism toward the tech sector as legislators worry about unfair competition and unfair practices," said Darrell West, director of the center for technology innovation at the Brookings Institution.

"If Democrats gain control in the (November elections), this hearing will serve as a blueprint for enhanced regulatory oversight," West said.

Michael Carrier, a Rutgers University professor of antitrust law, said that "the hearing showed that&nbsp;the representatives did their homework" and showed documents hinting at anticompetitive actions.

"I don't think any immediate changes will result from the hearing, but it will provide support for the continuing momentum to challenge these companies," he said.

Avery Gardiner, a former government antitrust lawyer who follows competition for the Center for Democracy &amp; Technology, said the hearing was "an opportunity squandered" which failed to demonstrate specific anticompetitive actions, leaving the matter now to regulatory agencies.

"Congressional hearings, which by their nature are broad-ranging, do not lend themselves well to thoughtful analysis about what Big Tech does that could affect competition," she said.

Big Tech executives faced an onslaught of criticism from US lawmakers Wednesday at a high-stakes antitrust hearing which could lay the groundwork for tougher regulation and legal actions against the major internet platforms.

Big Tech executives faced an onslaught of criticism from US lawmakers Wednesday at a high-stakes antitrust hearing which could lay the groundwork for tougher regulation and legal actions against the major internet platforms. Also read: Apple, Google, Facebook & Amazon have too much power, says US antitrust panel CEOs Tim Cook of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Sundar Pichai of Google were grilled for more than five hours in the unprecedented joint appearance -- by video -- before a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance. While the hearing was called to focus on whether the companies have abused their dominant positions in the market, it veered quickly into other topics including political bias, privacy, dealings with China and how platforms deal with misinformation. "Simply put, they have too much power," said Representative David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island who chairs the panel conducting a year-long investigation into the business practices of the four companies. Cicilline said the hearing made clear that the firms "have monopoly power -- some need to be broken up, all need to be properly regulated and held accountable." Congress has no formal role in antitrust enforcement, but several lawmakers appeared intent on revising US laws to deal with the extraordinary market power and dominance of large technology firms. Pandemic strength Cicilline said the coronavirus outbreak has strengthened the economic clout of the four, saying: "They are likely to emerge (from the pandemic) stronger and more powerful than ever before." A few comments from lawmakers sought to play down the competitive harms of the companies, which have also won praise for innovating and introducing new technologies and offering lifelines during the virus lockdowns. "Being big is not inherently bad," said Jim Sensenbrenner, a Republican from Wisconsin. "Quite the opposite, in America you should be rewarded for success. Abusing platforms? Some lawmakers sought to highlight problems with tech companies operating platforms while competing with rivals on those systems. Democrat Pramila Jayapal of Washington state question Pichai on how Google operates its ad platform, claiming that this hurts other online services such as news outlets. Google "is running the marketplace it's acting on the buy side and it's acting on the sell side, which is a major conflict of interest," Jayapal said. Apple's Cook faced tough questioning over the market power of the company's App Store and its treatment of developers. "We treat all app developers the same," Cook said. "We do not retaliate or bully people." Bezos, in his first appearance before a congressional committee, defended Amazon's dealings with third-party sellers after a blistering attack from Cicilline. "Isn't it true that small businesses have no real option but rely on Amazon to connect with customers to make online sales?" the committee chair asked. "We've heard from third party sellers again and again during the course of our investigation that Amazon is the only game in town." Bezos disputed the characterization while adding, "There are a lot of options for small firms.. I think we are the best one." Playing politics President Donald Trump, who has accused Facebook and Twitter of censoring his remarks and being biased against conservatives, weighed in with a tweet shortly before the hearing began, and some Republican lawmakers echoed those remarks. "If Congress doesn't bring fairness to Big Tech, which they should have done years ago, I will do it myself with Executive Orders," Trump said. Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, said during the hearing: "I'll just cut to the chase -- Big Tech is out to get conservatives. That's not a suspicion. That's not a hunch. That's a fact." Democrat Jamie Raskin of Maryland rejected the argument, saying Facebook and other platforms have failed to contain misinformation from Trump and his supporters, including unverified COVID-19 claims. "If Facebook is out there trying to repress conservative speech they're doing a terrible job," Raskin said. "I don't understand this endless whining" from Republicans. Moving forward Some analysts said the hearing could set the stage for revising US antitrust laws, which at present make it difficult for enforcers to target companies simply for being large or dominant without also showing harm to consumers or abuse of market power. "There was considerable skepticism toward the tech sector as legislators worry about unfair competition and unfair practices," said Darrell West, director of the center for technology innovation at the Brookings Institution. "If Democrats gain control in the (November elections), this hearing will serve as a blueprint for enhanced regulatory oversight," West said. Michael Carrier, a Rutgers University professor of antitrust law, said that "the hearing showed that the representatives did their homework" and showed documents hinting at anticompetitive actions. "I don't think any immediate changes will result from the hearing, but it will provide support for the continuing momentum to challenge these companies," he said. Avery Gardiner, a former government antitrust lawyer who follows competition for the Center for Democracy & Technology, said the hearing was "an opportunity squandered" which failed to demonstrate specific anticompetitive actions, leaving the matter now to regulatory agencies. "Congressional hearings, which by their nature are broad-ranging, do not lend themselves well to thoughtful analysis about what Big Tech does that could affect competition," she said.

Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon: Tech Giant CEOs testify at US antitrust hearing

Apple has started manufacturing of one of its flagship devices, the iPhone 11, at Chennai’s Foxconn plant. This is the first time Apple has taken to manufacture a top-of-the-line model in India.

Apple also has plans to build the iPhone SE 2020 in India at&nbsp;its Wistron plant near Bangalore.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Twitter on Friday: “Significant boost to Make in India! Apple has started manufacturing iPhone 11 in India, bringing a top-of-the-line model for the first time in the country."

The tech giant had, in 2019, started assembling the iPhone XR in India. In 2017, Apple started the domestic manufacturing of the Apple iPhone SE 2016 at the Bangalore plant.

Foxconn is a leading supplier for Apple, and is planning to invest up to $1 billion to expand its India factory.

Apple has started manufacturing of one of its flagship devices, the iPhone 11, at Chennai’s Foxconn plant. This is the first time Apple has taken to manufacture a top-of-the-line model in India.

Apple has started manufacturing of one of its flagship devices, the iPhone 11, at Chennai’s Foxconn plant. This is the first time Apple has taken to manufacture a top-of-the-line model in India. Apple also has plans to build the iPhone SE 2020 in India at its Wistron plant near Bangalore. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Twitter on Friday: “Significant boost to Make in India! Apple has started manufacturing iPhone 11 in India, bringing a top-of-the-line model for the first time in the country." The tech giant had, in 2019, started assembling the iPhone XR in India. In 2017, Apple started the domestic manufacturing of the Apple iPhone SE 2016 at the Bangalore plant. Foxconn is a leading supplier for Apple, and is planning to invest up to $1 billion to expand its India factory.

Apple starts manufacturing of iPhone 11 in India

US attorney general William Barr has blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing.

Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China.

The companies and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. Apple declined to comment.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mulls-travel-ban-on-92-million-members-of-communist-party-of-china-report-313607">US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report</a>

"Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Apple have shown themselves all too willing to collaborate with the (Chinese Communist party)," Barr said.

He added that Hollywood has routinely caved into pressure and censored their films "to appease the Chinese Communist Party."

"I suspect Walt Disney would be disheartened to see how the company he founded deals with the foreign dictatorships of our day," Barr said in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-action-on-risks-posed-by-tiktok-likely-in-weeks-white-house-313604">Trump administration action on risks posed by TikTok likely 'in weeks': White House</a>

Barr chided US companies for being too willing to take steps to ensure access to the large Chinese market.

"The Chinese Communist Party thinks in terms of decades and centuries, while we tend to focus on the next quarterly earnings report," Barr said. "America’s big tech companies have also allowed themselves to become pawns of Chinese influence."

Barr’s was the latest attack on China from President Donald Trump’s administration before his November re-election bid.

In recent months, US-China ties have dipped to their lowest ebb in decades, strained over issues ranging from the global coronavirus pandemic and China's massive trade surpluses, to Beijing’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its military buildup in the South China Sea and treatment of minority Muslims.

Barr suggested that Apple iPhones "wouldn't be sold (in China) if they were impervious to penetration by Chinese authorities." He suggested American tech companies were imposing a "double standard."

"If they stand together, they will provide a worthy example for other American companies in resisting the Chinese Communist Party’s corrupt and dictatorial rule."

Barr noted after China imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong, Facebook, Google, Twitter In and LinkedIn, announced that they would temporarily suspend compliance with governmental requests for user data.

US attorney general William Barr has blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing. Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China.

US attorney general William Barr has blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing. Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China. The companies and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. Apple declined to comment. Also read| US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report "Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Apple have shown themselves all too willing to collaborate with the (Chinese Communist party)," Barr said. He added that Hollywood has routinely caved into pressure and censored their films "to appease the Chinese Communist Party." "I suspect Walt Disney would be disheartened to see how the company he founded deals with the foreign dictatorships of our day," Barr said in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan. Also read| Trump administration action on risks posed by TikTok likely 'in weeks': White House Barr chided US companies for being too willing to take steps to ensure access to the large Chinese market. "The Chinese Communist Party thinks in terms of decades and centuries, while we tend to focus on the next quarterly earnings report," Barr said. "America’s big tech companies have also allowed themselves to become pawns of Chinese influence." Barr’s was the latest attack on China from President Donald Trump’s administration before his November re-election bid. In recent months, US-China ties have dipped to their lowest ebb in decades, strained over issues ranging from the global coronavirus pandemic and China's massive trade surpluses, to Beijing’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its military buildup in the South China Sea and treatment of minority Muslims. Barr suggested that Apple iPhones "wouldn't be sold (in China) if they were impervious to penetration by Chinese authorities." He suggested American tech companies were imposing a "double standard." "If they stand together, they will provide a worthy example for other American companies in resisting the Chinese Communist Party’s corrupt and dictatorial rule." Barr noted after China imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong, Facebook, Google, Twitter In and LinkedIn, announced that they would temporarily suspend compliance with governmental requests for user data.

US attorney general blasts American firms for 'kowtowing' to Beijing

Apple Inc said on Thursday it was working with 10 additional historically Black universities and colleges to become "hubs" that will teach computer programming and app design skills in their regions.

Apple started a community education initiative last year to provide iPads, Mac computers, teaching curricula and access to its staff and engineers for schools that serve under-represented minority students. The company said Thursday that the program now includes 24 locations, half of which are historically Black schools, with plans to add 10 more historically Black schools this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-accounts-of-jeff-bezos-elon-musk-bill-gates-and-others-hit-in-major-hack-313558">Also read:&nbsp;Twitter accounts of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bill Gates and others hit in major hack</a>

Apple has worked with Tennessee State University, which has become a national hub for training teachers from other historically Black colleges and universities to start offering courses in their own schools as well as secondary and elementary schools in their surrounding communities.

The 10 schools Apple said will become new hubs are Arkansas Baptist College, Central State University in Ohio, Claflin University in South Carolina, Dillard University in Louisiana, Fisk University in Tennessee, Lawson State Community College in Alabama, Morehouse College in Georgia, Prairie View A&amp;M University in Texas, Tougaloo College in Mississippi and Southern University at Shreveport, Louisiana.

The expansion in Apple`s schools program follows its creation last month of a $100 million racial justice initiative after the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.

Apple Inc said on Thursday it was working with 10 additional historically Black universities and colleges to become "hubs" that will teach computer programming and app design skills in their regions.

Apple Inc said on Thursday it was working with 10 additional historically Black universities and colleges to become "hubs" that will teach computer programming and app design skills in their regions. Apple started a community education initiative last year to provide iPads, Mac computers, teaching curricula and access to its staff and engineers for schools that serve under-represented minority students. The company said Thursday that the program now includes 24 locations, half of which are historically Black schools, with plans to add 10 more historically Black schools this year. Also read: Twitter accounts of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bill Gates and others hit in major hack Apple has worked with Tennessee State University, which has become a national hub for training teachers from other historically Black colleges and universities to start offering courses in their own schools as well as secondary and elementary schools in their surrounding communities. The 10 schools Apple said will become new hubs are Arkansas Baptist College, Central State University in Ohio, Claflin University in South Carolina, Dillard University in Louisiana, Fisk University in Tennessee, Lawson State Community College in Alabama, Morehouse College in Georgia, Prairie View A&M University in Texas, Tougaloo College in Mississippi and Southern University at Shreveport, Louisiana. The expansion in Apple`s schools program follows its creation last month of a $100 million racial justice initiative after the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.

Apple expands coding education programs to more historically Black schools

The official Twitter accounts of Apple, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and others were hijacked on Wednesday by scammers in a massive hack -- who according to cyber police were trying to dupe people into sending cryptocurrency bitcoin.

The list of accounts&nbsp;includes Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Uber, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, bitcoin specialty firms and many others.

"We are aware of a security incident impacting accounts on Twitter," the messaging service said in a tweet. "We are investigating and taking steps to fix it. We will update everyone shortly."

In response,&nbsp;Twitter locked down Biden campaign's hacked account quickly and removed the bogus tweet. The social media platform had disabled the ability to tweet from validated accounts, those with the official blue checkmarks.

The company silenced a few others&nbsp;of&nbsp;its highest-profile users too in response to the&nbsp;hours-long security incident.&nbsp;These Twitter users started to be able to send tweets again at around 8:30 pm EDT. A few of them will gradually gain access to posting tweets.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We have locked accounts that were compromised and will restore access to the original account owner only when we are certain we can do so securely.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterSupport/status/1283591852982231040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-twitter-says-olympics-ioc-accounts-hacked-280911">Also read |&nbsp;Twitter says Olympics, IOC accounts hacked</a>

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said the management feels terrible such a mishap happened.

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Tough day for us at Twitter. We all feel terrible this happened. 
 
We’re diagnosing and will share everything we can when we have a more complete understanding of exactly what happened. 
 
💙 to our teammates working hard to make this right.
— jack (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/1283571658339397632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The site Blockchain.com, which monitors transactions made in cryptocurrencies, said a total of 12.58 bitcoins, worth almost $116,000, had been sent to the email addresses mentioned in the fraudulent tweets.

The posts, which were largely deleted, were fired off from the array of high-profile accounts telling people they had 30 minutes to send $1,000 in bitcoin in order to be sent back twice as much.&nbsp;

The tweet that appeared on Musk's Twitter feed said, "Happy Wednesday! I am giving back Bitcoin to all of my followers. I am doubling all payments sent to the Bitcoin address below. You send 0.1 BTC, I send 0.2 BTC back!"

It added that the offer was "only going on for 30 minutes."

The fake messages that appeared on the accounts of other famous personalities made similar promises of instant riches.&nbsp;

The scammers also hacked accounts belonging to rideshare heavyweight Uber, as well as those belonging to bitcoin trading companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-a-man-hacked-google-maps-to-show-virtual-traffic-jams-with-99-mobile-phones-and-a-red-cart-278498">Also read |&nbsp;How a man 'hacked' Google maps to show 'virtual traffic jams' with 99 mobile phones and a red cart</a>

The account of US President Donald Trump, which has more than 83 million followers, was not hacked.

A version of the scam invited people to click on a link at which they would be exploited.

Twitter has been target by hackers in the past as well.&nbsp;In March 2017, the accounts of Amnesty International, the French economics ministry and the BBC's North America service were broken into by hackers believed to have been loyal to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. &nbsp;

Last August, a series of insulting or racist messages were posted on the personal account of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey without his knowledge.

(with inputs from agencies)

The official Twitter accounts of Apple, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and others were hijacked on Wednesday by scammers in a massive hack -- who according to cyber police were trying to dupe people into sending cryptocurrency bitcoin.

The official Twitter accounts of Apple, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and others were hijacked on Wednesday by scammers in a massive hack -- who according to cyber police were trying to dupe people into sending cryptocurrency bitcoin. The list of accounts includes Joe Biden, Barack Obama, Uber, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, bitcoin specialty firms and many others. "We are aware of a security incident impacting accounts on Twitter," the messaging service said in a tweet. "We are investigating and taking steps to fix it. We will update everyone shortly." In response, Twitter locked down Biden campaign's hacked account quickly and removed the bogus tweet. The social media platform had disabled the ability to tweet from validated accounts, those with the official blue checkmarks. The company silenced a few others of its highest-profile users too in response to the hours-long security incident. These Twitter users started to be able to send tweets again at around 8:30 pm EDT. A few of them will gradually gain access to posting tweets. We have locked accounts that were compromised and will restore access to the original account owner only when we are certain we can do so securely. — Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) July 16, 2020 × Also read | Twitter says Olympics, IOC accounts hacked Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said the management feels terrible such a mishap happened. Tough day for us at Twitter. We all feel terrible this happened. We’re diagnosing and will share everything we can when we have a more complete understanding of exactly what happened. 💙 to our teammates working hard to make this right. — jack (@jack) July 16, 2020 × The site Blockchain.com, which monitors transactions made in cryptocurrencies, said a total of 12.58 bitcoins, worth almost $116,000, had been sent to the email addresses mentioned in the fraudulent tweets. The posts, which were largely deleted, were fired off from the array of high-profile accounts telling people they had 30 minutes to send $1,000 in bitcoin in order to be sent back twice as much. The tweet that appeared on Musk's Twitter feed said, "Happy Wednesday! I am giving back Bitcoin to all of my followers. I am doubling all payments sent to the Bitcoin address below. You send 0.1 BTC, I send 0.2 BTC back!" It added that the offer was "only going on for 30 minutes." The fake messages that appeared on the accounts of other famous personalities made similar promises of instant riches. The scammers also hacked accounts belonging to rideshare heavyweight Uber, as well as those belonging to bitcoin trading companies. Also read | How a man 'hacked' Google maps to show 'virtual traffic jams' with 99 mobile phones and a red cart The account of US President Donald Trump, which has more than 83 million followers, was not hacked. A version of the scam invited people to click on a link at which they would be exploited. Twitter has been target by hackers in the past as well. In March 2017, the accounts of Amnesty International, the French economics ministry and the BBC's North America service were broken into by hackers believed to have been loyal to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Last August, a series of insulting or racist messages were posted on the personal account of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey without his knowledge. (with inputs from agencies)

Twitter accounts of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bill Gates and others hit in major hack

Several high-profile Twitter accounts were simultaneously hacked on July 15 by attackers who used the accounts with millions of followers to spread a cryptocurrency scam. watch report.

Bitcoin scammers hack Twitter | Prominent US personalities hacked

Apple has announced a compensation of $25 to eligible users for deliberately slowing down iPhones.

The company's reputation was tainted by the 2017 Batterygate saga in which iPhone users accused the company of slowing down their phones on purpose so that they will buy the latest version.

Apple had acknowledged the allegation saying that the company took the step to prevent unexpected shutdowns and apps from crashing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/over-2500-games-removed-from-apples-china-app-store-after-loophole-shuts-313379" hreflang="en">Over 2,500 games removed from Apple's China App Store after loophole shuts</a>

Apple users who own any version of iPhone 6 or later versions before December 21, 2017, can submit claims for "diminished performance" by their phones.&nbsp;

The settlement will be approved by a judge only when the user agrees that no further appeals will be filed.

The company, however, has insisted that it compensate a total sum of $500 million dollars only due to which some users can get a compensation which is less than $25.

The window for filing claim has been extended till October 6, 2020.

The payments will be processed after December 4.

Apple has announced a compensation of $25 to eligible users for deliberately slowing down iPhones. The company's reputation was tainted by the 2017 Batterygate saga in which iPhone users accused the company of slowing down their phones on purpose so that they will buy the latest version.

Apple has announced a compensation of $25 to eligible users for deliberately slowing down iPhones. The company's reputation was tainted by the 2017 Batterygate saga in which iPhone users accused the company of slowing down their phones on purpose so that they will buy the latest version. Apple had acknowledged the allegation saying that the company took the step to prevent unexpected shutdowns and apps from crashing. Also read: Over 2,500 games removed from Apple's China App Store after loophole shuts Apple users who own any version of iPhone 6 or later versions before December 21, 2017, can submit claims for "diminished performance" by their phones. The settlement will be approved by a judge only when the user agrees that no further appeals will be filed. The company, however, has insisted that it compensate a total sum of $500 million dollars only due to which some users can get a compensation which is less than $25. The window for filing claim has been extended till October 6, 2020. The payments will be processed after December 4.

Apple to give $25 compensation to eligible users for deliberately slowing down older iPhones

Apple's clash with EU competition regulators comes to a head on Wednesday as Europe's second-highest court rules on whether it has to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, a key part of the EU's crackdown against sweetheart tax deals.

In its order four years ago, the European Commission said Apple benefited from illegal state aid via two Irish tax rulings that artificially reduced its tax burden for over two decades - to as low as 0.005% in 2014.

Defeat for European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager could weaken or delay pending cases against Ikea's and Nike's deals with the Netherlands, as well as Huhtamaki's agreement with Luxembourg.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apple-reportedly-paid-almost-1-billion-to-samsung-for-faltering-on-order-for-screens-313197" hreflang="en">Apple reportedly paid almost $1 billion to Samsung for faltering on order for screens</a>

Vestager, who has made the tax crackdown a centrepiece of her time in office, saw the same court last year overturn her demand for Starbucks to pay up to 30 million euros in Dutch back taxes. In another case, the court also threw out her ruling against a Belgian tax scheme for 39 multinationals.&nbsp;

The Apple dispute is seen by some analysts as a lose-lose situation for Ireland, which has appealed against the Commission's order alongside the iPhone maker.&nbsp;

While 14 billion euros - including interest - would go a long way to plugging the coronavirus-shaped hole in the state's finances, Dublin is seeking to protect a low tax regime that has attracted 250,000 multinational employers.

If Ireland's appeal succeeds, the government will be ridiculed by opposition parties for not taking the cash, which could cover at least half of a budget deficit forecast to balloon to as much as 10% of GDP this year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-invest-1-billion-in-india-sources-312563" hreflang="en">Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources</a>

Should Ireland lose, the government will be castigated by the same politicians for launching the appeal. A ruling in favour of the Commission could also raise questions about the application of Ireland's tax code at a sensitive time, when new global rules for taxing digital giants are being debated.

Defeat could also hurt Ireland's ability to attract investment, although the promotional blitz undertaken after the Commission's 2016 decision appears to have worked. The numbers employed by multinationals like Apple, Facebook and Google have grown by 25%, accounting for one in ten Irish workers.

For Apple, defeat would be a blow, but manageable given its cash holdings topped $190 billion at the end of its fiscal second quarter.&nbsp;

The cases are T-778/16 Ireland v Commission and T-892/16 Apple Sales International and Apple Operations Europe v Commission. The defeated side can appeal on points of law to the EU Court of Justice, Europe's highest court.

Apple's clash with EU competition regulators comes to a head on Wednesday as Europe's second-highest court rules on whether it has to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, a key part of the EU's crackdown against sweetheart tax deals.

Apple's clash with EU competition regulators comes to a head on Wednesday as Europe's second-highest court rules on whether it has to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, a key part of the EU's crackdown against sweetheart tax deals. In its order four years ago, the European Commission said Apple benefited from illegal state aid via two Irish tax rulings that artificially reduced its tax burden for over two decades - to as low as 0.005% in 2014. Defeat for European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager could weaken or delay pending cases against Ikea's and Nike's deals with the Netherlands, as well as Huhtamaki's agreement with Luxembourg. Also read: Apple reportedly paid almost $1 billion to Samsung for faltering on order for screens Vestager, who has made the tax crackdown a centrepiece of her time in office, saw the same court last year overturn her demand for Starbucks to pay up to 30 million euros in Dutch back taxes. In another case, the court also threw out her ruling against a Belgian tax scheme for 39 multinationals. The Apple dispute is seen by some analysts as a lose-lose situation for Ireland, which has appealed against the Commission's order alongside the iPhone maker. While 14 billion euros - including interest - would go a long way to plugging the coronavirus-shaped hole in the state's finances, Dublin is seeking to protect a low tax regime that has attracted 250,000 multinational employers. If Ireland's appeal succeeds, the government will be ridiculed by opposition parties for not taking the cash, which could cover at least half of a budget deficit forecast to balloon to as much as 10% of GDP this year. Also read: Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources Should Ireland lose, the government will be castigated by the same politicians for launching the appeal. A ruling in favour of the Commission could also raise questions about the application of Ireland's tax code at a sensitive time, when new global rules for taxing digital giants are being debated. Defeat could also hurt Ireland's ability to attract investment, although the promotional blitz undertaken after the Commission's 2016 decision appears to have worked. The numbers employed by multinationals like Apple, Facebook and Google have grown by 25%, accounting for one in ten Irish workers. For Apple, defeat would be a blow, but manageable given its cash holdings topped $190 billion at the end of its fiscal second quarter. The cases are T-778/16 Ireland v Commission and T-892/16 Apple Sales International and Apple Operations Europe v Commission. The defeated side can appeal on points of law to the EU Court of Justice, Europe's highest court.

Crunch time for Apple in fight against $15 billion EU tax order

Apple won a court case Wednesday against the European Commission over a dispute concerning 13 billion euros

Apple wins major tax battle against European Union

Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday rejected an EU order for&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, dealing a blow to the bloc's attempts to crack down on sweetheart tax deals.

In its order four years ago, the European Commission said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;benefited from illegal state aid via two Irish tax rulings that artificially reduced its tax burden for over two decades - to as low as 0.005% in 2014.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apple-to-give-25-compensation-to-eligible-users-for-deliberately-slowing-down-older-iphones-313401" hreflang="en">Apple to give $25 compensation to eligible users for deliberately slowing down older iPhones</a>

"The General Court annuls the contested decision because the Commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage for the purposes of Article 107(1) TFEU1," judges said, referring to EU competition rules.&nbsp;

The defeat for European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager could weaken or delay pending cases against Ikea's and Nike's deals with the Netherlands, as well as Huhtamaki's agreement with Luxembourg.

Vestager, who has made the tax crackdown a centrepiece of her time in office, saw the same court last year overturn her demand for Starbucks to pay up to 30 million euros in Dutch back taxes. In another case, the court also threw out her ruling against a Belgian tax scheme for 39 multinationals.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/over-2500-games-removed-from-apples-china-app-store-after-loophole-shuts-313379" hreflang="en">Over 2,500 games removed from Apple's China App Store after loophole shuts</a>

While 14 billion euros - including interest - would have gone a long way to plugging the coronavirus-shaped hole in Ireland's finances, Dublin appealed against the Commission's order alongside&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;because it wanted to protect a low tax regime that has attracted 250,000 multinational employers.

However, the government is likely to face strong criticism from opposition parties for not taking the cash, which could cover at least half of a budget deficit forecast to balloon to as much as 10% of GDP this year.

&nbsp;The defeated side can appeal on points of law to the EU Court of Justice, Europe's highest court.

Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday rejected an EU order for Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, dealing a blow to the bloc's attempts to crack down on sweetheart tax deals.

Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday rejected an EU order for Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, dealing a blow to the bloc's attempts to crack down on sweetheart tax deals. In its order four years ago, the European Commission said Apple benefited from illegal state aid via two Irish tax rulings that artificially reduced its tax burden for over two decades - to as low as 0.005% in 2014. Also read: Apple to give $25 compensation to eligible users for deliberately slowing down older iPhones "The General Court annuls the contested decision because the Commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage for the purposes of Article 107(1) TFEU1," judges said, referring to EU competition rules. The defeat for European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager could weaken or delay pending cases against Ikea's and Nike's deals with the Netherlands, as well as Huhtamaki's agreement with Luxembourg. Vestager, who has made the tax crackdown a centrepiece of her time in office, saw the same court last year overturn her demand for Starbucks to pay up to 30 million euros in Dutch back taxes. In another case, the court also threw out her ruling against a Belgian tax scheme for 39 multinationals. Also read: Over 2,500 games removed from Apple's China App Store after loophole shuts While 14 billion euros - including interest - would have gone a long way to plugging the coronavirus-shaped hole in Ireland's finances, Dublin appealed against the Commission's order alongside Apple because it wanted to protect a low tax regime that has attracted 250,000 multinational employers. However, the government is likely to face strong criticism from opposition parties for not taking the cash, which could cover at least half of a budget deficit forecast to balloon to as much as 10% of GDP this year. The defeated side can appeal on points of law to the EU Court of Justice, Europe's highest court.

Apple, Ireland win fight against $15 billion EU tax order

Apple may have paid $950 million to Samsung for not meeting its goals in terms of the number of OLED screen it had ordered.

The iPhone maker depends on Samsung to procure Organic Light Emitting Diodes screens. Samsung makes over 40 per cent of all OLED screens in the world. With its AMOLED displays, it has a 98 per cent share of screens in the market. Out of the $400 million yearly revenue from screens over $100 million is generated by Samsung alone.

The report, which was published by Display Supply Chain Consultants suggests a one-time payment for falling short in terms of product acquirement.

"One-time gain"

During its Q2 2020 release, Samsung made a reference to a “one-time gain” coming from its screen display enterprise. However, no clear indication of Apple’s involvement or amount was mentioned in this report.

Last month, reports of Samsung receiving over $700 million circulated on social media. But this new revelation pins the approximate amount at $950 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apple-supplier-foxconn-to-invest-1-billion-in-india-sources-312563" hreflang="en">Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources</a>

The report also mentioned how this affects the profit for Samsung. “The Apple payment likely turned what otherwise would have been an operating loss for display devices into an operating profit,” it said.

The revenue incurred from screens was down by 7 per cent for Samsung, while its operation profit was up by 23 per cent, much higher than expected.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/samsung-smartphone-receive-mysterious-1-notification-company-says-it-was-mistake-281871" hreflang="en">Samsung smartphone receive mysterious '1' notification; company says it was mistake</a>

Not the first time

This is not the first time Apple has paid a hefty amount to Samsung. In 2019, a similar penalty was enforced by Samsung for not buying enough OLED screens. For perspective - let’s say Apple placed an order for 20 million screens, but due to market fluctuations and demands, was only able to accommodate 15 million screens. The value of the 5 million screens would then have to be paid to Samsung, or made up by procuring even more screens from the company, which is exactly what happened last year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/ceos-of-apple-amazon-facebook-and-google-to-testify-in-congress-over-antitrust-issues-310090" hreflang="en">CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues</a>

Most big companies make deals with screen makers with a guaranteed purchase of a minimum number of screens, which lowers the total cost of buying them. As part of the contract, inability to fulfil this imposes fine on the buyer.

It is likely that this year’s disruption will be attributed to COVID-19, which has caused a global slowdown of selling and buying power. Factories have also remained shut in the face of growing concerns about social distancing to conquer the virus.

Apple may have paid $950 million to Samsung for not meeting its goals in terms of the number of OLED screen it had ordered. The iPhone maker depends on Samsung to procure Organic Light Emitting Diodes screens.

Apple may have paid $950 million to Samsung for not meeting its goals in terms of the number of OLED screen it had ordered. The iPhone maker depends on Samsung to procure Organic Light Emitting Diodes screens. Samsung makes over 40 per cent of all OLED screens in the world. With its AMOLED displays, it has a 98 per cent share of screens in the market. Out of the $400 million yearly revenue from screens over $100 million is generated by Samsung alone. The report, which was published by Display Supply Chain Consultants suggests a one-time payment for falling short in terms of product acquirement. "One-time gain" During its Q2 2020 release, Samsung made a reference to a “one-time gain” coming from its screen display enterprise. However, no clear indication of Apple’s involvement or amount was mentioned in this report. Last month, reports of Samsung receiving over $700 million circulated on social media. But this new revelation pins the approximate amount at $950 million. Also read: Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources The report also mentioned how this affects the profit for Samsung. “The Apple payment likely turned what otherwise would have been an operating loss for display devices into an operating profit,” it said. The revenue incurred from screens was down by 7 per cent for Samsung, while its operation profit was up by 23 per cent, much higher than expected. Also read: Samsung smartphone receive mysterious '1' notification; company says it was mistake Not the first time This is not the first time Apple has paid a hefty amount to Samsung. In 2019, a similar penalty was enforced by Samsung for not buying enough OLED screens. For perspective - let’s say Apple placed an order for 20 million screens, but due to market fluctuations and demands, was only able to accommodate 15 million screens. The value of the 5 million screens would then have to be paid to Samsung, or made up by procuring even more screens from the company, which is exactly what happened last year. Also read: CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues Most big companies make deals with screen makers with a guaranteed purchase of a minimum number of screens, which lowers the total cost of buying them. As part of the contract, inability to fulfil this imposes fine on the buyer. It is likely that this year’s disruption will be attributed to COVID-19, which has caused a global slowdown of selling and buying power. Factories have also remained shut in the face of growing concerns about social distancing to conquer the virus.

Apple reportedly paid almost $1 billion to Samsung for faltering on order for screens

Microsoft Corp`s LinkedIn was sued by a New York-based iPhone user on Friday for allegedly reading and diverting users` sensitive content from Apple Inc`s Universal Clipboard application.

According to Apple`s website, Universal Clipboard allows users to copy text, images, photos, and videos on one Apple device and then paste the content onto another Apple device.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/can-nokias-new-ceo-pekka-lundmark-beat-huawei-ericsson-in-5g-race-312373">Also read:&nbsp;Can Nokia's new CEO Pekka Lundmark beat Huawei, Ericsson in 5G race?</a>

According to the lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court by Adam Bauer, LinkedIn reads the Clipboard information without notifying the user.

LinkedIn did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.

According to media reports from last week, 53 apps including TikTok and LinkedIn were reported to be reading users` Universal Clipboard content, after Apple`s latest privacy feature started alerting users whenever the clipboard was accessed with a banner saying "pasted from Messages."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-expands-independent-repair-shop-programme-to-europe-canada-311718">Also read:&nbsp;Apple expands independent repair shop programme to Europe, Canada</a>

"These "reads" are interpreted by Apple`s Universal Clipboard as a "paste" command," Bauer`s lawsuit alleged.

A LinkedIn executive had said on Twitter last week that the company released a new version of its app to end this practice.

Developers and testers of Apple`s operating system iOS 14 found that LinkedIn`s application on iPhones and iPads "secretly" read users` clipboard "a lot," according to the complaint.

The lawsuit seeks to certify the complaint as class action based on alleged violation of the law or social norms, under California laws.

According to the complaint, LinkedIn has not only been spying on its users, it has been spying on their nearby computers and other devices, and it has been circumventing Apple`s Universal Clipboard timeout.

Microsoft Corp`s LinkedIn was sued by a New York-based iPhone user on Friday for allegedly reading and diverting users` sensitive content from Apple Inc`s Universal Clipboard application.

Microsoft Corp`s LinkedIn was sued by a New York-based iPhone user on Friday for allegedly reading and diverting users` sensitive content from Apple Inc`s Universal Clipboard application. According to Apple`s website, Universal Clipboard allows users to copy text, images, photos, and videos on one Apple device and then paste the content onto another Apple device. Also read: Can Nokia's new CEO Pekka Lundmark beat Huawei, Ericsson in 5G race? According to the lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court by Adam Bauer, LinkedIn reads the Clipboard information without notifying the user. LinkedIn did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. According to media reports from last week, 53 apps including TikTok and LinkedIn were reported to be reading users` Universal Clipboard content, after Apple`s latest privacy feature started alerting users whenever the clipboard was accessed with a banner saying "pasted from Messages." Also read: Apple expands independent repair shop programme to Europe, Canada "These "reads" are interpreted by Apple`s Universal Clipboard as a "paste" command," Bauer`s lawsuit alleged. A LinkedIn executive had said on Twitter last week that the company released a new version of its app to end this practice. Developers and testers of Apple`s operating system iOS 14 found that LinkedIn`s application on iPhones and iPads "secretly" read users` clipboard "a lot," according to the complaint. The lawsuit seeks to certify the complaint as class action based on alleged violation of the law or social norms, under California laws. According to the complaint, LinkedIn has not only been spying on its users, it has been spying on their nearby computers and other devices, and it has been circumventing Apple`s Universal Clipboard timeout.

LinkedIn sued over allegation it secretly reads Apple users' clipboard content

Foxconn&nbsp;plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said.

The move, the scale of which has not previously been reported, is part of a quiet and gradual production shift by Apple away from China as it navigates disruptions from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis.

"There's a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China," one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-apple-eyes-shift-to-india-from-china-smartphone-manufacturing-to-get-major-boost-298304">As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost</a>

Foxconn&nbsp;said it does not comment on matters related to customers, while Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

Foxconn's planned investment in the Sriperumbur plant, where Apple's iPhone XR is made some 50 km west of Chennai, will take place over the course of three years, the second source said.

Some of Apple's other iPhones models, made by&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;in China, will be made at the plant, said both sources, who declined to be identified as the talks are private and details have yet to be finalised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-growing-tensions-with-china-taiwans-foxconn-eyes-investment-in-india-308087">Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India</a>

Taipei-headquartered&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;will add some 6,000 jobs at the Sriperumbur plant in Tamil Nadu state under the plan, one of the sources said. It also operates a separate plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where it makes smartphones for China's Xiaomi Corp, among others.

Foxconn&nbsp;Chairman Liu Young-way last month said it would ramp up its investment in India, without giving details.

STATUS SYMBOL

Apple accounts for about 1% of smartphone sales in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, where its pricey iPhones are often seen as a status symbol.

Building more phones in India will also help Apple save on import taxes that further push up its prices.

Apple assembles a few models through Taiwan's Wistron Corp in the southern tech hub of Bengaluru. Wistron is also set to open a new plant, where it plans to make more Apple devices, Reuters previously reported.

"With India's labour cheaper compared with China, and the gradual expansion of its supplier base here, Apple will be able to use the country as an export hub," Neil Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said.

India is also working to boost electronics manufacturing by firms such as&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;and last month launched a $6.65 billion plan, offering five global smartphone makers incentives to establish or expand domestic production.

Having Apple widen its local presence is likely to be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Make In India" drive, aimed at creating new jobs.

South Korea's Samsung has already said it will make smartphones for export from its plant outside New Delhi.

Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said.

Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said. The move, the scale of which has not previously been reported, is part of a quiet and gradual production shift by Apple away from China as it navigates disruptions from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis. "There's a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China," one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Also read: As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost Foxconn said it does not comment on matters related to customers, while Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Foxconn's planned investment in the Sriperumbur plant, where Apple's iPhone XR is made some 50 km west of Chennai, will take place over the course of three years, the second source said. Some of Apple's other iPhones models, made by Foxconn in China, will be made at the plant, said both sources, who declined to be identified as the talks are private and details have yet to be finalised. Also read: Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India Taipei-headquartered Foxconn will add some 6,000 jobs at the Sriperumbur plant in Tamil Nadu state under the plan, one of the sources said. It also operates a separate plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where it makes smartphones for China's Xiaomi Corp, among others. Foxconn Chairman Liu Young-way last month said it would ramp up its investment in India, without giving details. STATUS SYMBOL Apple accounts for about 1% of smartphone sales in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, where its pricey iPhones are often seen as a status symbol. Building more phones in India will also help Apple save on import taxes that further push up its prices. Apple assembles a few models through Taiwan's Wistron Corp in the southern tech hub of Bengaluru. Wistron is also set to open a new plant, where it plans to make more Apple devices, Reuters previously reported. "With India's labour cheaper compared with China, and the gradual expansion of its supplier base here, Apple will be able to use the country as an export hub," Neil Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said. India is also working to boost electronics manufacturing by firms such as Foxconn and last month launched a $6.65 billion plan, offering five global smartphone makers incentives to establish or expand domestic production. Having Apple widen its local presence is likely to be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Make In India" drive, aimed at creating new jobs. South Korea's Samsung has already said it will make smartphones for export from its plant outside New Delhi.

Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources

Apple Inc said on Wednesday it is expanding a program to supply repair parts, tools and manuals for iPhones to independent repair shops in 32 countries in Europe as well as Canada.

Apple began the program last year in the United States after years of lobbying against state-level "right to repair" bills that would have compelled it to provide parts to independent shops.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/ceos-of-apple-amazon-facebook-and-google-to-testify-in-congress-over-antitrust-issues-310090" hreflang="en">CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues</a>

Apple has long maintained a network of authorized service providers such as Best Buy Co Inc to perform warranty work, but smaller shops had complained that the program was too costly to join because of high volume commitments, leaving them without access to genuine Apple parts or the software tools needed to perform some repairs.

Apple launched its program for those independent shops last August, making it free to join if technicians complete a training program. Apple said Wednesday that 140 businesses with 700 locations have signed up for the program in the United States. Some of the independent shops, such as uBreakiFix, have multiple locations, while some are sole proprietorships.

"When a customer needs a repair, we want them to have a range of options that not only suits their needs but also guarantees safety and quality so their iPhone can be used for as long as possible," Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/apple-other-us-goods-from-china-held-up-at-indian-ports-308321" hreflang="en">Apple, other US goods from China held up at Indian ports</a>

Under the program, independent shops get access to Apple parts and tools to perform out-of-warranty repairs. They also get Apple parts at the same prices as authorized service centers and can still also use third-party after-market parts and set their own prices. The program only covers iPhones.&nbsp;

Independent shops must inform customers whether they are using genuine Apple parts and send any salvaged Apple parts back to the company, where they are either refurbished or recycled. Apple said it is also creating an online tool to verify whether an independent shop participates in its program.

Apple Inc said on Wednesday it is expanding a program to supply repair parts, tools and manuals for iPhones to independent repair shops in 32 countries in Europe as well as Canada.

Apple Inc said on Wednesday it is expanding a program to supply repair parts, tools and manuals for iPhones to independent repair shops in 32 countries in Europe as well as Canada. Apple began the program last year in the United States after years of lobbying against state-level "right to repair" bills that would have compelled it to provide parts to independent shops. Also read: CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues Apple has long maintained a network of authorized service providers such as Best Buy Co Inc to perform warranty work, but smaller shops had complained that the program was too costly to join because of high volume commitments, leaving them without access to genuine Apple parts or the software tools needed to perform some repairs. Apple launched its program for those independent shops last August, making it free to join if technicians complete a training program. Apple said Wednesday that 140 businesses with 700 locations have signed up for the program in the United States. Some of the independent shops, such as uBreakiFix, have multiple locations, while some are sole proprietorships. "When a customer needs a repair, we want them to have a range of options that not only suits their needs but also guarantees safety and quality so their iPhone can be used for as long as possible," Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, said in a statement. Also read: Apple, other US goods from China held up at Indian ports Under the program, independent shops get access to Apple parts and tools to perform out-of-warranty repairs. They also get Apple parts at the same prices as authorized service centers and can still also use third-party after-market parts and set their own prices. The program only covers iPhones. Independent shops must inform customers whether they are using genuine Apple parts and send any salvaged Apple parts back to the company, where they are either refurbished or recycled. Apple said it is also creating an online tool to verify whether an independent shop participates in its program.

Apple expands independent repair shop programme to Europe, Canada

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July.

The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies&nbsp;will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to&nbsp;Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-anti-trust-regulators-fine-apple-123-billion-286882">French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion</a>

It has not yet been decide whether the executives will appear in person or virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although most of them have already appeared before the Congress, but this is the first time that the CEOs will do so regarding antitrust concerns. The hearing will be the first time Jeff Bezos will apear before the Congress.

The questions about other issues the executives are also likely to face include&nbsp;Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers or the spread of hate speech on Facebook and YouTube.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/growing-tide-of-coronavirus-cases-hit-amazon-warehouses-288731">Growing tide of coronavirus cases hit Amazon warehouses</a>

All four companies are being investigated by state or federal departments over an array of issues. While, the Justice Department Prosecutors are preparing a possible antitrust case against Google this year, after an inquiry homed in on its control of advertising technology and the search engine market.

Meanwhile, Amazon's business and Facebook's acquisition of smaller companies are being&nbsp;investigated&nbsp;by the Federal Trade Commission.

Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Microsoft are the five biggest technology&nbsp;companies according to&nbsp;market value.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July. The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee.

Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai will testify before the House committee in Congress over anti-trust issues in July. The CEOs of the four biggest technological companies will be questioned regarding their increasing market power, revenue and prominence amid escalating scrutiny from lawmakers according to Shadawn Reddick-Smith, a spokesman for the House Judiciary Committee. Also read: French anti-trust regulators fine Apple $1.23 billion It has not yet been decide whether the executives will appear in person or virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although most of them have already appeared before the Congress, but this is the first time that the CEOs will do so regarding antitrust concerns. The hearing will be the first time Jeff Bezos will apear before the Congress. The questions about other issues the executives are also likely to face include Amazon's treatment of its warehouse workers or the spread of hate speech on Facebook and YouTube. Also read: Growing tide of coronavirus cases hit Amazon warehouses All four companies are being investigated by state or federal departments over an array of issues. While, the Justice Department Prosecutors are preparing a possible antitrust case against Google this year, after an inquiry homed in on its control of advertising technology and the search engine market. Meanwhile, Amazon's business and Facebook's acquisition of smaller companies are being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission. Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook and Microsoft are the five biggest technology companies according to market value.

CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues

There are some words that might be switching on your AI systems that you might not be aware of. A group of researchers&nbsp;have compiled a list of nearly 1,000 words that can "accidentally" activate Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri.

The researchers are from&nbsp;Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the Max Planck Institute for Cyber Security and Privacy in Germany.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ceos-of-apple-amazon-facebook-and-google-to-testify-in-congress-over-antitrust-issues-310090">Also read|&nbsp;CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues</a>

The study was conducted on&nbsp;Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, as well as three virtual assistants exclusive to the Chinese market, from Xiaomi, Baidu, and Tencent, according to a report from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum news blog.

The researchers conducted the study by switching on the virtual assistants and leaving them alone in a room with a television playing episodes from several series and sitcoms such as&nbsp;Game of Thrones, Modern Family, and House of Cards, with English, German, and Chinese audio tracks for each.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tik-tok-removed-from-apples-app-store-and-google-play-after-govts-ban-309558">Also read|&nbsp;Tik Tok removed from Apple's App store and Google Play after govt's ban</a>

On playing these episodes, some words activated the system, which the researchers observed by the&nbsp;switching on of&nbsp;an LED light display. The team cross referenced the dialogue being spoken every time they observed the LED display turning on.

Once the assistants get&nbsp;activated by these words, the devices&nbsp;use local speech analysis software to determine if the sound was used with the purpose of activation or not. If the device concludes that the sound was a trigger, it sends&nbsp;an audio recording of several seconds to cloud servers for additional analysis.

Privacy concerns

While the researchers said that the developers might have used an array of words for activation to make things easier for the users, it does raise serious privacy concerns about this.

"The devices are intentionally programmed in a somewhat forgiving manner, because they are supposed to be able to understand their humans. Therefore, they are more likely to start up once too often rather than not at all," researcher Dorothea Kolossa said.

"From a privacy point of view, this is of course alarming, because sometimes very private conversations can end up with strangers.&nbsp;From an engineering point of view, however, this approach is quite understandable, because the systems can only be improved using such data. The manufacturers have to strike a balance between data protection and technical optimization," said&nbsp;Thorsten Holz, Professor at&nbsp;Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

There are some words that might be switching on your AI systems that you might not be aware of. A group of researchers have compiled a list of nearly 1,000 words that can "accidentally" activate Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri.

There are some words that might be switching on your AI systems that you might not be aware of. A group of researchers have compiled a list of nearly 1,000 words that can "accidentally" activate Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri. The researchers are from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the Max Planck Institute for Cyber Security and Privacy in Germany. Also read| CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues The study was conducted on Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, as well as three virtual assistants exclusive to the Chinese market, from Xiaomi, Baidu, and Tencent, according to a report from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum news blog. The researchers conducted the study by switching on the virtual assistants and leaving them alone in a room with a television playing episodes from several series and sitcoms such as Game of Thrones, Modern Family, and House of Cards, with English, German, and Chinese audio tracks for each. Also read| Tik Tok removed from Apple's App store and Google Play after govt's ban On playing these episodes, some words activated the system, which the researchers observed by the switching on of an LED light display. The team cross referenced the dialogue being spoken every time they observed the LED display turning on. Once the assistants get activated by these words, the devices use local speech analysis software to determine if the sound was used with the purpose of activation or not. If the device concludes that the sound was a trigger, it sends an audio recording of several seconds to cloud servers for additional analysis. Privacy concerns While the researchers said that the developers might have used an array of words for activation to make things easier for the users, it does raise serious privacy concerns about this. "The devices are intentionally programmed in a somewhat forgiving manner, because they are supposed to be able to understand their humans. Therefore, they are more likely to start up once too often rather than not at all," researcher Dorothea Kolossa said. "From a privacy point of view, this is of course alarming, because sometimes very private conversations can end up with strangers. From an engineering point of view, however, this approach is quite understandable, because the systems can only be improved using such data. The manufacturers have to strike a balance between data protection and technical optimization," said Thorsten Holz, Professor at Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Researchers find 1,000 words that 'accidentally' activate Alexa, Siri and Google

In major news from Google, the company announced on Wednesday that it will no longer save the complete record of searches made by new users.

For a long time, the company has been criticised for being hooded in terms of sharing what it does with user data. On the other hand, its rival Apple has managed a better and more privacy-oriented record on this front.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/apple-google-amazon-take-aim-at-trump-visa-ban-308029" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban</a>

As per Chief Executive Sundar Pichai, all saved data of new users will be deleted 18 months after they join. Earlier, the information was stored on its servers forever, which the company claimed was done to improve user experience and to offer personalisation.

All information of people, even the ones who had opted to storing all of their history will now no longer be lodged into Google’s system forever, but instead will deleted after 18 months by default.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/google-extends-fact-checking-to-image-search-307990" hreflang="en">Google extends fact-checking to image search</a>

“As we design our products, we focus on three important principles: keeping your information safe, treating it responsibly, and putting you in control”, Pichai said.&nbsp;However, this auto-deletion system will not apply to Gmail and Google Photos, which are designed to store personal content.

Introduced as an option last year, the feature allows users to continue using its “smart” services, without the need to store the record of their web activity. However, people who already have a Google account, exactly 1.5 billion of them, need to manually turn enable the feature.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/google-launches-experimental-app-keen-resembling-pinterest-307128" hreflang="en">Google launches experimental app 'Keen' resembling Pinterest</a>

Google already has, and is expected to roll out emails reminding users to complete a “privacy check-up”, which in essence is a confirmation from the company on whether users would like their data to be stored.

Google’s rival, Apple Inc follows a model which relies very little on private data. In its most recent OS release, Apple announced another useful feature with minimal dependence on user data, which will translate for users fully offline.&nbsp;Google’s new feature runs differently, for it will allow the company to gather data, but not indefinitely.

In major news from Google, the company announced on Wednesday that it will no longer save the complete record of searches made by new users. For a long time, the company has been criticised for being hooded in terms of sharing what it does with user data.

In major news from Google, the company announced on Wednesday that it will no longer save the complete record of searches made by new users. For a long time, the company has been criticised for being hooded in terms of sharing what it does with user data. On the other hand, its rival Apple has managed a better and more privacy-oriented record on this front. Also read: Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban As per Chief Executive Sundar Pichai, all saved data of new users will be deleted 18 months after they join. Earlier, the information was stored on its servers forever, which the company claimed was done to improve user experience and to offer personalisation. All information of people, even the ones who had opted to storing all of their history will now no longer be lodged into Google’s system forever, but instead will deleted after 18 months by default. Also read: Google extends fact-checking to image search “As we design our products, we focus on three important principles: keeping your information safe, treating it responsibly, and putting you in control”, Pichai said. However, this auto-deletion system will not apply to Gmail and Google Photos, which are designed to store personal content. Introduced as an option last year, the feature allows users to continue using its “smart” services, without the need to store the record of their web activity. However, people who already have a Google account, exactly 1.5 billion of them, need to manually turn enable the feature. Also read: Google launches experimental app 'Keen' resembling Pinterest Google already has, and is expected to roll out emails reminding users to complete a “privacy check-up”, which in essence is a confirmation from the company on whether users would like their data to be stored. Google’s rival, Apple Inc follows a model which relies very little on private data. In its most recent OS release, Apple announced another useful feature with minimal dependence on user data, which will translate for users fully offline. Google’s new feature runs differently, for it will allow the company to gather data, but not indefinitely.

Google will no longer store user data 'indefinitely', will auto-delete after 18 months

Apple on Monday previewed iOS 14 and host of other features at its first ever digital WWDC. According to Apple, iOS 14 will be available for everyone this fall with a public beta for users in July.

Apple on Monday previewed iOS 14 and host of other features at its first ever digital WWDC. According to Apple, iOS 14 will be available for everyone this fall with a public beta for users in July. The new iOS will work on the iPhone 6S and up just like iOS 13. iOS 14 whivh, Apple claimed, the biggest update ever to Home Screen pages with redesigned widgets and the App Library, The new widgets present timely information at a glance and can be pinned in different sizes on any Home Screen page. Users can also create a Smart Stack of widgets, which uses on-device intelligence to surface the right widget based on time, location, and activity, according to Apple website. Home Screen pages can display widgets that are customized for work, travel, sports, entertainment, and other areas of interest. The App Library at the end of the Home Screen pages will automatically organize all of a user’s apps into one simple, easy-to-navigate view, and intelligently surfaces apps that may be helpful in the moment, the website added. Users can also choose how many Home Screen pages to display and easily hide pages for quick access to the App Library. “iOS 14 transforms the most iconic elements of the iPhone experience, starting with the biggest update we’ve ever made to the Home Screen,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “With beautifully redesigned widgets on the Home Screen, the App Library that automatically organizes all of your apps, and App Clips that are fast and easy to discover, iPhone becomes even more powerful and easier to use.” Apple has also introduced new privacy features for more transparency and control in iOS 14.

Apple unveils iOS 14 with redesigned home screen and host of features

US President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of some foreign workers in a bid to boost domestic hiring, sparking opposition from corporate America and tech sector executives including Google's Sundar Pichai and Tesla's Elon Musk.

The visa suspension, effective June 24, will last until the end of the year and is expected to open up 525,000 jobs for US&nbsp;workers.

Alphabet Inc's Google:

Pichai, Alphabet's chief executive officer, said in a tweet, "Immigration has contributed immensely to America's economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Disappointed by today's proclamation - we'll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all."(https://bit.ly/2BAu95G) 
Susan Wojcicki, the chief of Alphabet's YouTube, tweeted: "Immigration is central to America's story, and it's central to my own family's story. My family escaped danger and found a new home in America ... at Youtube, we join Google in standing with immigrants and working to expand opportunity for all."

Google had 2,678 H1B visa approvals in 2019, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Amazon.com Inc

"Amazon opposes the Administration's short-sighted decision to pause high-skill visa programs. Welcoming the best &amp; the brightest global talent is critical to America's economic recovery. We will continue to support these programs &amp; efforts to protect the rights of immigrants," the company said. 
The company had the most number of H1B visa approvals at 3,026 in 2019.

Apple Inc

"Like Apple, this nation of immigrants has always found strength in our diversity, and hope in the enduring promise of the American Dream. There is no new prosperity without both. Deeply disappointed by this proclamation," Chief Executive Tim Cook said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Apple had 1,136 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Box Inc

"This is unbelievably bad policy on every level. It will only mean more jobs move outside the US, and in no way makes America better or more competitive," CEO Aaron Levie tweeted.&nbsp;

Box had 21 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Facebook Inc

"President Trump's latest proclamation uses the COVID-19 pandemic as justification for limiting immigration. In reality, the move to keep highly-skilled talent out of the US will make our country's recovery even more difficult. America is a nation of immigrants and our economy and country benefit when we encourage talented people from around the world to live, work, and contribute here. That's more true now than ever," the company said.

Facebook had 1,518 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Microsoft Corp

"Now is not the time to cut our nation off from the world's talent or create uncertainty and anxiety. Immigrants play a vital role at our company and support our country's critical infrastructure. They are contributing to this country at a time when we need them most," president Brad Smith tweeted.

Microsoft had 1,701 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

PayPal Holdings Inc

"Creating new restrictions for immigrants who seek to work in the U.S. is disappointing — and will slow our progress as a nation," CEO Dan Schulman said on LinkedIn.&nbsp;

Paypal had 271 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Salesforce.Com Inc

"As we plan for recovery from the COVID-19 crisis let's focus on common sense &amp; fair immigration policies. H-1B workers should be treated with respect &amp; dignity. They generate real innovation &amp; growth . . . benefiting us all and fueling our economy. We embrace all our Ohana," CEO Marc Benioff said in a tweet.

Salesforce had 267 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Tesla Inc

"Very much disagree with this action. In my experience, these skillsets are net job creators. Visa reform makes sense, but this is too broad," Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

Tesla had 324 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Twitter Inc

"This proclamation undermines America's greatest economic asset: its diversity. People from all over the world come here to join our labor force, pay taxes, and contribute to our global competitiveness on the world stage," the company said.

Twitter had 117 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

US President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of some foreign workers in a bid to boost domestic hiring, sparking opposition from corporate America and tech sector executives including Google's Sundar Pichai and Tesla's Elon Musk.

US President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of some foreign workers in a bid to boost domestic hiring, sparking opposition from corporate America and tech sector executives including Google's Sundar Pichai and Tesla's Elon Musk. The visa suspension, effective June 24, will last until the end of the year and is expected to open up 525,000 jobs for US workers. Alphabet Inc's Google: Pichai, Alphabet's chief executive officer, said in a tweet, "Immigration has contributed immensely to America's economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Disappointed by today's proclamation - we'll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all."(https://bit.ly/2BAu95G) Susan Wojcicki, the chief of Alphabet's YouTube, tweeted: "Immigration is central to America's story, and it's central to my own family's story. My family escaped danger and found a new home in America ... at Youtube, we join Google in standing with immigrants and working to expand opportunity for all." Google had 2,678 H1B visa approvals in 2019, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Amazon.com Inc "Amazon opposes the Administration's short-sighted decision to pause high-skill visa programs. Welcoming the best & the brightest global talent is critical to America's economic recovery. We will continue to support these programs & efforts to protect the rights of immigrants," the company said. The company had the most number of H1B visa approvals at 3,026 in 2019. Apple Inc "Like Apple, this nation of immigrants has always found strength in our diversity, and hope in the enduring promise of the American Dream. There is no new prosperity without both. Deeply disappointed by this proclamation," Chief Executive Tim Cook said in a tweet. Apple had 1,136 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Box Inc "This is unbelievably bad policy on every level. It will only mean more jobs move outside the US, and in no way makes America better or more competitive," CEO Aaron Levie tweeted. Box had 21 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Facebook Inc "President Trump's latest proclamation uses the COVID-19 pandemic as justification for limiting immigration. In reality, the move to keep highly-skilled talent out of the US will make our country's recovery even more difficult. America is a nation of immigrants and our economy and country benefit when we encourage talented people from around the world to live, work, and contribute here. That's more true now than ever," the company said. Facebook had 1,518 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Microsoft Corp "Now is not the time to cut our nation off from the world's talent or create uncertainty and anxiety. Immigrants play a vital role at our company and support our country's critical infrastructure. They are contributing to this country at a time when we need them most," president Brad Smith tweeted. Microsoft had 1,701 H1B visa approvals in 2019. PayPal Holdings Inc "Creating new restrictions for immigrants who seek to work in the U.S. is disappointing — and will slow our progress as a nation," CEO Dan Schulman said on LinkedIn. Paypal had 271 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Salesforce.Com Inc "As we plan for recovery from the COVID-19 crisis let's focus on common sense & fair immigration policies. H-1B workers should be treated with respect & dignity. They generate real innovation & growth . . . benefiting us all and fueling our economy. We embrace all our Ohana," CEO Marc Benioff said in a tweet. Salesforce had 267 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Tesla Inc "Very much disagree with this action. In my experience, these skillsets are net job creators. Visa reform makes sense, but this is too broad," Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted. Tesla had 324 H1B visa approvals in 2019. Twitter Inc "This proclamation undermines America's greatest economic asset: its diversity. People from all over the world come here to join our labor force, pay taxes, and contribute to our global competitiveness on the world stage," the company said. Twitter had 117 H1B visa approvals in 2019.

Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban

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