Apple 'won't make an exception' for Epic Games as legal dispute rages on

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Apple responds to Epic's latest claims in its ongoing dispute, saying it "won't make an exception" for the company because "we don't think it's right to put their business interests ahead of the guidelines that protect our customers." Epic filed a preliminary injunction against Apple, asking the courts to stop the company from taking it off its developer program. The developer says Apple has given them until August 28 to take out the rule-violating payment processing option Epic snuck into Fortnite. 

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'Earth to Ned' extraterrestrial talk show lands on Disney+ on Sept. 4

Disney+ is introducing the galaxy's first alien-hosted talk show next month, starting September 4. Earth to Ned is produced by The Jim Henson Company and Marwar Junction Productions and introduces a different take to the late-night talk show format. It stars extraterrestrial-creatures Ned and Cornelius, who, like many talk show hosts before them, are there to interview our stars. The episodes focus on themes unique to Earthlings and are fascinating subjects to Ned, including comedy, sports, social media, and fashion.

Some of the celebrity guests lined up for Earth to Ned include Rachel Bilson, Michael Ian Black, Gina Carano, RuPaul, Taye Diggs, Bindi and Robert Irwin, Gillian Jacobs, NeNe Leakes, Joel McHale, Andy Richter, Olivia Rodrigo, Eli Roth, Paul Scheer, Jenny Slate, Raven Symoné, Reggie Watts, and Billy Dee Williams, to name a few. If you're looking for something light and quirky to watch, this new show might fit the bill.

Source: Deadline

Oracle reportedly in talks to acquire TikTok's operations in Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand

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It looks like Microsoft isn't the only company looking to acquire TikTok from Chinese company ByteDance. New reports claim Oracle is holding preliminary talks with ByteDance to acquire its operations in Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The company is reportedly working with US venture capital firms General Atlantic and Sequoia Capital, which already have a stake in TikTok. TikTok is facing a ban in the US after the country's lawmakers accused it of being a threat to national security. 

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Apple renames Beats 1 to Apple Music 1, introduces two new radio stations

In line with keeping its brands aligned, Apple renames its Beats 1 radio station into Apple Music 1. At the same time, the company introduces two new radio stations: Apple Music Hits and Apple Music Country. The former play top hits and favourites from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s, while the latter highlights country music.

"For the past five years, if ever there was a meaningful moment in music culture, Beats 1 was there bringing human curation to the forefront and drawing in listeners with exclusive shows from some of the most innovative, respected, and beloved people in music," Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music, Beats, and International Content, said in a statement. "Now, Apple Music radio provides an unparalleled global platform for artists across all genres to talk about, create, and share music with their fans, and this is just the beginning. We will continue to invest in live radio and create opportunities for listeners around the world to connect with the music they love." 

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