Friday
Aug142020

Apple reportedly plans to offer subscription bundles for its services

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Apple has numerous subscription services at this point: Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, Apple News+, iCloud, Apple Care, and an iPhone upgrade program. And now, the company is reportedly exploring bundles for these under the supposed name "Apple One, which offers multiple Apple services at a reduced monthly price. Bloomberg is confident that these packages will support Apple's Family Sharing system, too, allowing up to six people to use the same subscription.

The cheapest bundle reportedly available is Apple Music and Apple TV+ combo, followed by pricier options that add Apple Arcade, then Apple News+, and finally iCloud storage. An Apple One bundle will supposedly have a Peloton-like virtual fitness service, codenamed Seymour.

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Friday
Aug142020

'Fortnite' developer Epic Games files antitrust lawsuits against Apple, Google

The catalyst for Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple and Google started when the company released an update to 'Fortnite' offering their own payment option outside of Apple's and Google's app stores, which is against their policies.

After Apple and Google removed video game Fortnite from their respective app stores citing violations of their in-app payment guidelines, the game's developer Epic Games filed a federal antitrust lawsuit in the US against both companies. Epic Games isn't asking for money from the two tech giants. Instead, it wants injunctions to end their practices related to their app stores, notably the cut Apple and Google get from in-app purchases that reach as high as 30%.

The whole ordeal started when Epic Games pushed a server-side update for Fortnite that lets users bypass Apple's and Google's payment systems and choose Epic's option for in-app purchases. In return, players get a 20% discount for using Epic's payment option, which is against Apple's and Google's store policies. In response to that, both took out the game, and then Epic filed their lawsuit, which seems to be the company's intention right from the start.

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Thursday
Aug132020

Google Lookout app is now available in Canada

Google's app to help blind or low-vision individuals navigate the world is now available in Canada with many new features. Google Lookout draws upon the same technology used by Google Lens, allowing you to search and take action on objects around you by pointing your phone camera. 

Lookout now has two new modes: Food Label and Scan Document. Food Label helps you identify packaged food. All you have to do is point your phone's camera at the label. The app will guide you to position the product so it can identify it either through the packaging or barcode. It can be useful for putting away groceries, and you want to make sure you're handling the right products and putting them in their proper places.

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Thursday
Aug132020

Waze rolls out railroad crossing alerts

Waze is helping drivers on the road by alerting them of approaching railroad crossings. The new feature is rolling out for both Android and iOS users. A new banner will automatically appear on the app highlighting the crossing and reminding you to approach with caution.
 
International railway network operations and organizations advocated for the feature. In Canada, the supporters include CN, Operation Lifesaver Canada, and the Railway Association of Canada.