In our previous article, we talked about how much Google will suffer if their deal with Apple breaks up due to the lawsuit. However, recent analysis and statements released by officials have told us that Apple will also suffer a great loss if this Billion dollar deal with Google breaks up.
Toni Sacconaghi, an analyst for Bernstein said that “there is a risk if you play it out, that there actually could be a greater financial loss to Apple than there is for Google”
Analsyts have predicted that Apple’s revenue could decrease more 20% if the lawsuit against Google manages to break its important deal.
The lawsuits describe this deal as code red in terms of laws. They also said that Google has used illegal ways of boosting its traffic from Apple products that lead to enormous profit.
What will Apple lose?
It is quite clear that not only Google but Apple will also suffer an economic loss from this lawsuit. It is estimated that Google’s payment to Apple is nearly $8 billion to $12 billion per year. If this deal breaks up, this money won’t be paid to Apple. These earnings make up 20% of Apple’s net income. It’s quite a havoc in between both of these companies.
What is Google saying in its defense?
Google didn’t provide a logical argument in its defense. Google’s senior VP, Kent Walker said that it is easy to change the browser settings in Apple’s devices if the user wants to and all of these agreements are no different than the agreements which previous company used when distributing their software”.
Apple investors have also been asked questions regarding their iPhone 12’s sales all over the world due to pandemic situations. If something happens to this deal, both company’s economy will be at risk.
No one can say how this lawsuit will proceed. We can’t also say, how much danger Google and Apple are in right now. But it is safe to say that the Department of Justice is taking action against all the illegal things and agreements done by big tech companies. We have to wait for a long 16 month time period for the final verdict.
Conclusion:
All these big firms are playing with their customers for their own benefits and earnings. They have gradually locked us into an ecosphere of business from, which we can’t come out that easily.
In 2017, the chief executives of Google and Apple, Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook were captured having dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant. This created chaos among the Tech world as two leading Tech lords were seen sipping red wine together. During those times, both of the companies were in the middle of tense negotiations to renew one of the most profitable deals in the history of the business world. This deal was worth billions of dollars which were invested by both parties.
Why is this deal in danger?
Last Tuesday, the department of justice of the U.S filed lawsuits against Google. This is said to be the USA’s biggest antitrust cases from the previous two decades. The prosecutors say that the company has used illegal tactics to minimize the competition in web searches through all these years.
Hence the partnership between Google and Apple is in hot water. Apple and Google are referred to as two buddies even though the chief executive of Apple has said that internet advertising which is the bread and butter of Google engages in “surveillance” of consumers. However Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, once promised “thermonuclear war” on his Silicon Valley neighbor when he learned that Google was working on a rival to the iPhone.
Both of these companies have the same parent company, Alphabet inc. The parent company usually deals in such a way that will provide benefit to both, Apple and Google. According to the Justice Department, nearly half of Google’s traffic comes from the products of Apple. However, if this deal breaks, Google will suffer a major loss in its revenue.
A former executive of Google called this situation terrifying for the company as losing Apple’s traffic will give a direct hit to Google. This breakup will also affect Apple as the company will lose its easy money deal but certainly, it will be worse for Google. This deal is not limited to few products but it extends to all the searches done on Apple’s devices.
Conclusion:
We are waiting for these cases to be progressed so we can see whether this deal will break or both of these partners will come to another agreement for mutual benefits.
The iPhone 12 release was on October 23, so the phone is now available and you’re able to buy it straight from Apple as well as a range of dealers. Nonetheless, you won’t be capable of pre-order the iPhone 12 mini until the 6th of November, which will be out on November 13.
The iPhone 12 is a more costly phone than last year’s iPhone 11, with an addition of $100 / £100 to the price; it does, though, bring some new features in the form of an OLED display, a faintly advanced camera, a better design, fast 5G, and MagSafe connectivity.
Here are 5 cool features of iPhone 12 which you won’t find in Android:
1) Fastest 5G:
It’s the first 5G iPhone. That’s right, super speeds here we come as we move in a new era of speed to enjoy things super-fast. Whether that’s transferring files in seconds rather than minutes, watching movies, or playing games, 5G is intended for people who want things faster than everyone else, which let’s face it, is everybody. 5G is still really fast when everything gets congested.
2) Ceramic screen:
Apple has altered the project this year, and that means the new iPhone is stronger than ever. It’s four times stronger in fact. That’s somewhat down to a new material Apple used called Ceramic Shield. If we’re getting practical, it’s not even glass, but nano-ceramic quartzes that are see-through. The end outcome is a phone that is super defensive before you even put a case on.
3) MagSafe charging:
Do you still plug your phone in? How old-fashioned. With the new iPhone 12 and the new MagSafe charging, attachment charging becomes quicker and stress-free. All you have to do is snap the wireless charger onto the back of the phone (it uses magnets) and you’re already charging.
MagSafe charges at the double speed of typical wireless charging plugs, and better still because it locks into place, you won’t pick up your mobile realizing it didn’t charge.
4) Fast processor:
The iPhone 12 comes with Apple’s fastest processor to date, the A14 Bionic. Not only will it help you load apps and games faster than ever before, but also handle all the new shooting abilities of the new iPhone 12. Using the new processor allows Apple to have an enhanced understanding of the pictures you are taking which means improved photos for you.
5) Dolby Vision:
If you’re a promising Hollywood director, the iPhone 12 is the first device on the earth that proposes the capability to film and edit Dolby Vision HDR tape. Video can be shot in up to 60 frames-per-second – securely more than the 24fps most chartbusters are shot at – and modified within the Photos app or iMovie.
Dolby Vision rating is processed live and continued during editing thanks to the grunt of the A14 Bionic. Apple’s professional-grade editing software Final Cut will be updated to back up Dolby Vision HDR soon and you can already replay your newest movie with an Apple TV too.
Apple announced on 25 July that it would acquire the majority of Intel’s smartphone business in a US$1 billion deal that will see Apple net 2200 employees a well as intellectual property, equipment and leases for producing 5G modems.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including works council and other relevant consultations in certain jurisdictions.
Combining the acquired patents for current and future wireless technology with Apple’s existing portfolio, the company said it will hold over 17,000 wireless technology patents, ranging from protocols for cellular standards to modem architecture and modem operation.
Intel will retain the ability to develop modems for non-smartphone applications, such as PCs, internet-of-things devices and autonomous vehicles, Apple said in a press release.
Bob Swan, Intel’s CEO, said the company “really only had one customer” – i.e. Apple – for modems anyway and that it’s happy to let said customer buy the business. This deal seems unlikely to bear fruit overnight; a plan to get an Apple-built modem into one product by 2021 is considered aggressive. Looking ahead, analyst Ben Bajarin says to watch for Apple to buy a baseband radio company next.
“This agreement enables us to focus on developing technology for the 5G network while retaining critical intellectual property and modem technology that our team has created,” Swan said in a statement
“We have long respected Apple and we’re confident they provide the right environment for this talented team and these important assets moving forward,” he added. “We’re looking forward to putting our full effort into 5G where it most closely aligns with the needs of our global customer base, including network operators, telecommunications equipment manufacturers and cloud service providers.”
“We’ve worked with Intel for many years and know this team shares Apple’s passion for designing technologies that deliver the world’s best experiences for our users,” Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, said.
“Apple is excited to have so many excellent engineers join our growing cellular technologies group, and know they’ll thrive in Apple’s creative and dynamic environment,” he concluded. “They, together with our significant acquisition of innovative IP, will help expedite our development on future products and allow Apple to further differentiate moving forward.”
The winners of Apple’s annual design awards were announced on 3 June, recognising nine iOS developers for “outstanding artistry, technical achievement, user interface and application design”, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference which ran from 3 to 7 June in San Jose, California.
Apple said that the developers – who hail from companies both large and small, all over the globe – were recognised “for outstanding artistry, technical achievement, user interface and application design”. Past winners include iTranslate Converse, Procreate, Complete Anatomy, Florence, and Alto’s Odyssey.
The winning apps represent a wide range of categories spanning photo editing, drawing, medical imaging, sports and games. According to Apple, they all offer a “unique approach to user interface design, sound design, graphics, controls or gameplay and take advantage of breakthrough Apple technologies such as haptics, Metal or Core ML”.
“iOS developers keep raising the bar. This year, we are especially proud to see so many apps and games putting health, fitness, creativity and exciting gameplay at the centre of their app experience,” Ron Okamoto, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, said in a statement. “We congratulate all the Apple Design Award winners on their incredible creativity and ingenuity.”
These are all nine apps that won at the awards (and their descriptions from the Apple website):
Ordia – Loju LTD (England)
“Ordia is a one-finger action platformer that blends simple gameplay and rich visuals with a clever concept. As a new life-form exploring its primordial world, you’ll slingshot yourself through a burbling alien landscape. Playing couldn’t be simpler: Drag to aim, leap from dot to dot, avoid hairy-looking obstacles, and try to keep up as the game gets trickier over its dozens of levels.”
Flow by Moleskine – Moleskine Srl (Italy)
“Flow is a practical and artful note-taking app worthy of the Moleskine name, coupling powerful functionality and elegant design. It’s packed with helpful touches: a hidable interface to help you stay focused on the task at hand, colors for every last pen (everything from Corellian Gray to Electric Pink), and more paper options than a big-city print shop. If you’re serious about your scribbles, Flow is a notable choice.”
The Gardens Between – The Voxel Agents (Australia)
“The Gardens Between is a stirring example of how games can be powered by heart. Yes, it’s a surreal puzzler in which you control the passage of time instead of characters. But it’s also the story of two best friends and how their relationship is changed over the years. The beautifully crafted graphics alone make the game worth playing, but it’s the sweet narrative that truly hits home.”
Asphalt 9: Legends – Gameloft (France)
“Asphalt 9: Legends is no stranger to acclaim. For more than a decade, the Asphalt series has offered console-grade arcade racing with all the trimmings: incredible graphics, blazing speed, exceptional production value, and gameplay that pushes the boundaries of hardware performance. Like previous editions, Asphalt 9 is deep enough for advanced players but easy enough that anyone can get behind the wheel. It once again proves an unyielding truth: Racing games are awesome.”
Pixelmator Photo – Pixelmator Team (Lithuania)
“Pixelmator Photo manages to deliver impressive editing power in a beautiful, uncluttered interface. For beginners, Pixelmator is surprisingly approachable (your edits are conveniently nondestructive). For experts who wish to maximize every last pixel of their iPad screen, it offers a robust toolset and support for RAW images. Most helpful of all, it offers machine-learning-powered editing tools that have been trained using more than 20 million photos.”
ELOH – Broken Rules (Austria)
“ELOH is the rare puzzle game that keeps you pleasingly perplexed while also totally chilling you out. The goal is to shift blocks to help bouncing balls get from point A to point B — but with the aid of rhythm and percussion. Rearranging blocks builds a soothing beat that adds a whole new dimension. ELOH’s hand-painted visuals and charming animations belie the game’s trickiness, which sneakily compounds over its many levels. But the organic vibe and earthy soundtrack transform the game into your own moment of Zen.”
Butterfly iQ — Ultrasound – Butterfly Network (USA)
“Butterfly iQ is an innovative whole-body ultrasound app that’s CE-approved, FDA-cleared, and a total game changer. When coupled with a supported device, it enables mobile ultrasounds anywhere. Simple enough to be operated by laypeople but advanced enough to use AR and machine learning to guide users along the way, Butterfly iQ offers an uncluttered UI that can be operated with one hand. Its images can be uploaded to a secure cloud for remote review by a medical professional — or elated family members.”
Thumper: Pocket Edition – Drool LLC (USA)
“Thumper: Pocket Edition, a heavy-metal rhythm game, is all about blistering speed, glowing electric visuals, and adrenaline. The idea is simple enough — tap the screen to keep your metallic beetle on a sleek chrome track. But the masterful combination of ’80s neon, thumping electronica, and smooth 60-fps gameplay is like nothing else you’ve tapped.”
HomeCourt – The Basketball App – NEX Team Inc. (USA)
“HomeCourt has revolutionized basketball practice more than anything since the advent of the orange cone. Thanks to real-time A.I.-powered shot tracking, advice from real coaches, and clean design, HomeCourt has established itself as the go-to for players of all skill levels who want to grow their game. And its excellent social features let players interact with coaches thousands of miles away or in a gym down the street.” You can watch the award ceremony and download the apps here.
Eponymous Californian tech company Apple announced a “major expansion” of its recycling programs on 18 April, with plans to quadruple the number of locations some customers can send their old iPhone’s to be disassembled by its recycling robot, Daisy.
In a press release, the company said that Daily would disassemble and recycle select used iPhones that have been returned to Best Stores in the US and KPN retailers in the Netherlands. Eligible devices can also be turned into the Apple store or apple.com for recycling as part of the Apple Trade In program.
The company said it had received almost 1 million devices to be recycled through Apple programs and claimed that each Daisy robot can disassemble 1.2 million devices per year. Last year, Apple allegedly refurbished over 7.8 million devices and “helped divert more than 48,000 metric tons of electronic waste from landfills”.Daisy is now capable of disassembling fifteen different iPhone at the rate of two hundred per hour, Apple said, allowing the company to recover “even more important materials for re-use”, which are recycled back into the production process. For example, cobalt is a key battery material that is “for the first time” being recycled to make brand-new Apple batteries.
Apple also uses one hundred percent recycled tin in a key component of the main logic boards of eleven different products, the company claimed, and an alloy made from one hundred percent recycled aluminum “allows the new MacBook Air and Mac mini to have nearly half the carbon footprint of earlier models”.
The number of Apple Stores and network of Authorized Service Providers has grown to over 5,000 worldwide. Last fall, Apple rolled out a new method for optimising iPhone screen repairs that allows thousands more independent shops to offer the service. Apple also launched a battery replacement and recycling programme for all of its products.
“Advanced recycling must become an important part of the electronics supply chain, and Apple is pioneering a new path to help push our industry forward,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, said in a statement. “We work hard to design products that our customers can rely on for a long time. When it comes time to recycle them, we hope that the convenience and benefit of our programmes will encourage everyone to bring in their old devices.”
Future recycling processes
Apple also announced the opening of its new Material Recovery Lab, which is “dedicated to discovering future recycling processes” and will “look for innovative solutions involving robotics and machine learning to improve on traditional methods” such as “targeted disassembly, sorting and shredding”.
The new 9,000-square-foot facility will be located Austin, Texas, and will working with Apple engineering teams as well as academics to “address and propose solutions to today’s industry recycling challenges”, including a continued effort to “ensure devices are used for as long as possible”.
This comes as Apple released its 2019 Environment report, which contains additional information on the company’s climate change solutions, including a recent announcement that 44 of its suppliers have committed to 100 percent renewable energy for their Apple production. The report can be viewed here.
