Tuesday
Aug252020

Epic Games gets temporary restraining order to protect Unreal Engine, not 'Fortnite'

Epic Games

Apple initially planned to revoke Epic Games' developer accounts on Friday, August 28, but a judge granted the game developer a temporary restraining order to prevent this from happening. Apple can't restrict the use of Epic's Unreal Engine by developers on Apple platforms, too. In the same ruling, though, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers decided Apple won't need to bring Fortnite back. The tech giant banned the game after Epic added an in-app payment system that violates Apple's rules.

"The Court finds that with respect to Epic Games' motion as to its games, including Fortnite, Epic Games has not yet demonstrated irreparable harm. The current predicament appears of its own making," Rogers wrote, arguing that Epic "strategically chose to breach its agreements with Apple" and disturb the status quo.

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Monday
Aug242020

Google's rumoured Android TV dongle could launch soon

Google is rumoured to be launching a new Android TV dongle to be the Chromecast Ultra's successor. Codenamed Sabrina, it appeared at the FCC, which suggests the official launch could happen soon. The FCC filings show two new Google devices with model numbers GZRNL and G9N9N. The former is an "Interactive Media Streaming Device, while the latter is described as a "Wireless Device" on the FCC website. Based on the descriptions, GZRNL could be "Sabrina," while G9N9N could be its remote control. As expected, the filings don't share critical details about the device, except for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

The leak back in June revealed that the TV dongle will run on an Amlogic S905X2 processor, which uses four ARM Cortex-A53 cores and an ARM Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. It will supposedly support up to 4K videos, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision standards. It is also expected to support Auto Low-Latency Mode and Stadia gaming. Google is set to launch the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 on September 30. So, there's a possibility we'll see Sabrina then.

Source: Android Central

Monday
Aug242020

Apple issues apology for dispute with WordPress

Old versions of the WordPress app on iOS had Plans tab, but in-app purchases aren't available on the app

While Apple's legal battle with Epic Games rages on, it is resolving its issue with WordPress. The tech giant even issues a rare on-the-record apology to the blogging platform after it forced WordPress to monetize its free app. If WordPress offers in-app purchases, it would be giving Apple 30% of what it earns from these.

Apple's full statement reads: "We believe the issue with the WordPress app has been resolved. Since the developer removed the display of their service payment options from the app, it is now a free stand-alone app and does not have to offer in-app purchases. We have informed the developer and apologize for any confusion that we have caused."

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Monday
Aug242020

Apple iPhone 12 Pro might miss out on 120Hz screen

 Embed from Getty Images

While the smartphone industry moves to 120Hz displays for flagships, it looks like Apple might still be lagging. Industry insider Ross Young, who has a good track record with recent predictions, claims the iPhone 12 Pro won't be getting a 120Hz screen refresh rate. While the 120Hz OLED panels are ready to manufacture, Apple reportedly can't find driver ICs to drive the pixels at 120Hz. Instead of waiting, Apple will reportedly default to the 60Hz refresh rate. If this report is accurate, then this means Apple users will be missing out on the flagship feature again. 

Source: GSMArena