The European Commission has launched new proceedings under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at guiding Apple on how to fulfill its interoperability obligations.

These two “specification proceedings,” focused on iOS and iPadOS, are expected to conclude within six months.

The DMA mandates that Apple must offer third parties “free and effective interoperability” with the hardware and software features governed by iOS and iPadOS. The EU is now stepping in to clarify what that entails.

“Today marks the first time we are using specification proceedings under the DMA to help Apple comply with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue,” said Margrethe Vestager, the outgoing EU competition chief.

“Our goal is to ensure fair and open digital markets. Effective interoperability, particularly with smartphones and their operating systems, plays a key role in this effort.”

The Commission emphasized that Apple is required to provide third-party developers and businesses with free and effective access to hardware and software features controlled by iOS and iPadOS.

The first specification proceeding will focus on how Apple’s iOS handles interoperability with devices such as headphones, smartwatches, and virtual reality headsets, especially in areas like notifications, device pairing, and connectivity.

While the EU has not specified exact targets, it may address common complaints such as the lack of true Bluetooth multipoint support for AirPods or the inability of Garmin watch users to send quick replies when paired with an iPhone.

Although AirPods may not directly fall within this scope, the Commission’s focus could clarify the boundaries.

The second proceeding will examine how Apple manages interoperability requests from third-party developers who wish to integrate their products with iOS and iPadOS devices.

In a statement, Apple indicated that it has already introduced secure ways for developers to request additional iPhone and iPad interoperability.

However, the company warned that compromising the system protections it has built could jeopardize the security of European consumers.

The European Commission plans to communicate its preliminary findings to Apple, outlining the steps the company should take to comply with the DMA’s interoperability requirements. This summary will also be published for public feedback from third parties.

If Apple fails to meet the obligations, it could eventually face penalties of up to 10% of its global annual revenue—though such fines would only follow a lengthy investigation into non-compliance.

Apple was designated as a “gatekeeper” under the DMA in September last year, alongside other tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Alphabet.

As gatekeepers, these large platforms are seen as providing essential services that can significantly affect market competition.

Microsoft has set ambitious revenue and profit targets for its Xbox division as it prepares for an upcoming presentation at the Tokyo Game Show.

Facing stiff competition from Sony and Nintendo, Xbox Series X/S sales have fallen behind, prompting Microsoft to expand its revenue streams beyond console sales.

This includes growing its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, raising prices, and releasing Xbox-exclusive games on more popular platforms.

Microsoft’s push for profits has also driven several major acquisitions, such as Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. The latter acquisition has been key in keeping Xbox profitable, according to the company’s latest financial report.

A recent interview has provided more insight into Xbox’s current strategy, with sources revealing that the company is under particularly “challenging” profit goals set by Microsoft.

A profile interview with Xbox president Sarah Bond mentions that Microsoft’s gaming unit is operating under difficult financial targets, according to insiders familiar with Xbox’s operations.

While Bond did not directly comment on these claims, she acknowledged the challenges facing Xbox, stressing that playing it safe would be a mistake. “The opportunity on the other side is way bigger for all of us,” Bond stated.

Although there are no exact figures for Xbox’s financial goals, Microsoft’s $68.7 billion (£56 billion) acquisition of Activision Blizzard has likely raised the company’s expectations, particularly with the financial powerhouse Call of Duty now under Xbox’s umbrella.

This may also explain why Xbox increased the price of Game Pass, with the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 being available exclusively on the more expensive Ultimate tier when it launches on October 25.

While it’s unclear if this strategy will increase Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and profits, Xbox is not abandoning the hardware business.

Microsoft has repeatedly hinted at plans for the next generation of consoles, promising a “technological leap” that seems ambitious.

Xbox Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has suggested that a handheld device will be part of the next-gen plans, and Bond has touched on the idea, though in vague terms.

Bond discussed a handheld device as another way to bring an “Xbox-specific experience” to new gamers whose habits have not yet been formed.

She is quoted as saying, “I want people to think no matter who you are, you can come to Xbox and find a game. It’s for you.”

It seems increasingly clear that Xbox is working on a handheld console, though it remains uncertain whether this will be a standalone device or a hybrid like the Nintendo Switch.

Recent rumors suggest Sony may also be developing a handheld console for its next-gen plans, hinting that both companies could be heading in the same direction.

Whether this strategy will lead to Xbox’s next console being successful is still up in the air, with some speculating that answers won’t come until 2026.

Bond has acknowledged the long-term stakes, saying, “I’m making decisions now that we’re going to live with in the next decade,” indicating an awareness of the high stakes involved.

In the near term, Xbox will take the stage at the Tokyo Game Show on Thursday, September 26, at 11 a.m. BST.

The presentation will be streamed across Xbox’s social channels and the event’s official YouTube page.

Microsoft has introduced its new Copilot Pages feature, designed as a platform for “multiplayer AI collaboration.”

Copilot Pages enables users to interact with Microsoft’s Copilot chatbot and bring its responses into a shared page, where multiple users can collaboratively edit the content in real-time.

“You and your team can work together on a page with Copilot, seeing everyone’s contributions live and collaborating with Copilot as a partner, adding content from your data, files, and the web to your page,” explained Jared Spataro, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of AI at work.

“This represents a completely new way of working—combining human-to-AI-to-human collaboration in a multiplayer environment.”

Copilot Pages begins rolling out to Microsoft 365 Copilot customers today and will become generally available to all subscribers later this month.

It builds upon Microsoft’s previous work with Loop, a competitor to Notion, which features modular, Lego-like Office documents for collaborative tasks.

One of the key features of Copilot Pages is the ability to share pages via a link, allowing colleagues to join in and edit just as they would with a shared Word document.

Pages can also be embedded into other pages as components. Because it’s integrated with Microsoft’s BizChat, a work hub for Copilot, users can pull in data from the web or from internal files to create various project materials, such as meeting notes, business pitches, or project plans.

Microsoft envisions Copilot Pages as a new model of working, integrating both human and AI input into a unified canvas.

Moreover, Copilot Pages is now being extended to over 400 million people who can access Microsoft’s free Copilot chatbot when signed in with a business Microsoft Entra account.

This move is part of Microsoft’s broader initiative to enhance Copilot for business, which includes improving the AI assistant across various Office applications.

In addition to Copilot Pages, Microsoft is also launching its Copilot agents for businesses today. These agents, first announced at the Build conference earlier this year, function like virtual employees, automating routine tasks.

Unlike a passive chatbot that waits for queries, these agents will proactively handle tasks like monitoring email inboxes or automating data entry processes that would otherwise require manual input from employees.

Subscribers to Microsoft 365 Copilot will also gain access to a new agent builder within Copilot Studio.

“Anyone can now quickly create a Copilot agent directly within BizChat or SharePoint, unlocking the full potential of the vast knowledge stored in your SharePoint files,” Spataro noted.

These agents will appear as virtual colleagues within apps like Teams or Outlook, allowing users to interact with them by simply @ mentioning the agent to ask questions or delegate tasks.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for sleep apnea detection on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2, as announced on Monday. This approval comes just four days before the official release of the Series 10 on September 20.

This new feature, revealed at the recent iPhone 16 event, will be included in the upcoming watchOS 11 update.

To function, it requires users to track their sleep for at least 10 nights within a 30-day period. During this time, the watch also monitors nightly sleep disturbances using its built-in accelerometer.

Classified by the FDA as an “over-the-counter device to assess the risk of sleep apnea,” Apple emphasizes that the feature is not intended to provide a diagnosis.

Instead, it is designed to alert users to the possibility of sleep apnea and encourage them to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Sleep apnea, which can cause intermittent pauses or shallow breathing during sleep, is linked to a range of symptoms, including insomnia, headaches, daytime fatigue, and more serious long-term health issues, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Apple is not the first to introduce sleep apnea detection in consumer electronics. Withings has offered this capability for some time, and Samsung recently gained FDA approval for the feature on its Galaxy Watch series.

Interestingly, the sleep apnea detection feature comes as another capability — blood oxygen monitoring — remains disabled on Apple Watches in the U.S. due to an ongoing patent dispute.

Tile was one of the pioneers in the gadget tracking industry, long before Apple introduced the AirTag and a variety of other alternatives entered the market. Now, it has returned with a refreshed lineup, thanks to its new owner, Life360.

While still providing a way to track your keys, wallets, bags, and other tech, the new Tile by Life360 range also focuses on enhancing personal safety and security.

This is the first set of new models released since Life360 acquired Tile in 2021, and they include the familiar Tile Mate, Tile Pro, Tile Slim, and Tile Sticker.

These trackers return for 2024 with updated logos and four fresh color options. They all offer extended Bluetooth range and louder rings compared to earlier models, but the standout feature this time is the new SOS mode.

By pressing the Tile button three times, the device sends an alert to your Life360 Circle, consisting of your family and trusted friends, along with your exact location.

This feature provides an extra layer of security, especially when walking home late at night. It’s also simpler to activate than your phone’s SOS or emergency mode.

Importantly, these alerts don’t require any sort of subscription—although Life360 does offer a variety of membership options for those who want extra features such as roadside assistance, location history, and emergency dispatch services.

Much like before Life360’s acquisition, Tile continues to operate independently rather than partnering with Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find My Device ecosystems.

However, with 70 million active users who can relay Bluetooth signals, it remains the most robust third-party tracking service available.

Life360 claims that its app is installed on one in twelve smartphones. For example, when I used the app, it showed that I was within a 10-mile radius of 469 other Tile users, even though I live in a rural area.

Tile works with both iOS and Android devices, allowing me to track my wallet with a Tile Slim using my Google Pixel phone, while my wife, an Apple user, could have a Tile Mate attached to her house keys.

One key feature is that Life360 isn’t forcing current Tile users to switch to a new app. The two apps remain separate, with an option to connect both if desired, but it’s not mandatory.

After using the new models for a week, I’ve been impressed by how seamlessly everything integrates with both apps.

The Tile app, in particular, is still excellent for locating lost items, showing their location on a map and allowing me to ring them remotely. The increased volume of the Tile Pro meant I could hear it even when it was buried behind a sofa in another room.

The Tile Pro still feels like the most premium of the group, with its metal frame complementing my car keys. It also has a user-replaceable battery that lasts for a full year of tracking.

Another useful feature is the ability to ring connected smartphones from the Tile, even if they are on silent.

The enhanced Bluetooth range allowed me to monitor devices throughout my house, including the Tile Sticker I discreetly placed under the seat of my bike. The Tile Sticker is incredibly small, even smaller (though thicker) than an Apple AirTag.

The Tile Slim was a perfect fit for my wallet, but it could just as easily be slipped into an inner pocket of a bag or the lining of a suitcase. The baby blue model I tested stood out nicely from my credit cards, ensuring I wouldn’t mistake it for one at a store.

The new Tile by Life360 lineup is available for purchase now, directly from the Tile website as well as from major tech retailers. The prices are £25 for each Tile Mate, £35 for the Tile Pro, £30 for the Tile Slim, and £25 for each Tile Sticker.

It seems that among enthusiasts, the popularity of PCs is rising at a noticeable rate. Many were shocked by the $700 price tag of the newly announced PS5 Pro, with some expressing that they’d rather invest in building a high-end PC.

While there’s been debate over whether you can build an equivalent gaming PC for the same price, $700 certainly puts you in the range of a powerful machine.

Despite this, PlayStation co-CEO Hideaki Nishino remains unfazed. In an interview with Nikkei, he stated, “I think that many mobile games have ads, and PCs can be difficult to set up.

With PlayStation, you can immediately play the content you purchased as soon as you turn it on.

The products are clearly displayed in stores, so buying software is an intuitive experience.”

While Sony is bringing its games to PC, Nishino emphasized that consoles remain their top priority.

“We are aiming to expand the game market by bringing content to PCs. There’s no question that home consoles will be the core of our business, but by offering titles on other devices, we can reach a broader audience.”

Do you think the growing interest in PCs poses a threat to PlayStation’s business, or will there always be a demand for the simplicity and convenience that consoles offer?

Seven major gaming companies, including Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and Roblox, have been accused by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) of misleading consumers into spending money.

The BEUC filed a complaint today in collaboration with the European Commission and the European Network of Consumer Authorities, targeting additional companies such as Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Supercell, and Ubisoft.

The complaint details how consumers are frequently “tricked” into overspending through deceptive tactics involving in-game currency.

The BEUC has recommended banning in-game and in-app paid currencies or restricting access to these systems for individuals under 18. It also calls for enhanced consumer protection by clarifying legal rights.

“The online world presents new challenges for consumer protection, and it should not be a domain where companies exploit loopholes to increase their profits,” stated BEUC Director General Agustin Reyna.

“Regulators need to act to ensure that even though the gaming world is virtual, it must still adhere to real-world regulations.”

Reyna emphasized, “Premium in-game currencies are deliberately designed to deceive customers and have a significant impact on children.

Companies are fully aware of the vulnerability of younger consumers and use manipulative tactics to encourage excessive spending.”

In response, Video Games Europe asserted that its members “always comply with European consumer laws” regarding in-game currency and purchases.

“Players can fully enjoy games without spending money, allowing them to try games without any initial cost or obligation,” the statement said.

“Video Games Europe and its members advocate for fair and transparent principles in the purchase of in-game content, including in-game currency.”

The statement also highlighted that the PEGI Code of Conduct mandates that developers make the real-world cost of in-game currency clear and straightforward at the point of purchase.

Gaming companies have faced similar complaints for years. For example, Electronic Arts has been criticized for its use of loot boxes in FIFA’s Ultimate Team mode, leading to a class action lawsuit in 2020 alleging violations of gambling laws.

In 2022, Epic Games was ordered to pay $520 million to settle charges from the US Federal Trade Commission for “tricking users into making unwanted charges,” in violation of children’s privacy laws.

Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development intends to invest nearly 60 billion roubles ($660 million) over the next five years to enhance its Internet censorship system known as Technical Measures to Combat Threats (TSPU).

The primary aim is to improve tools for blocking virtual private networks (VPNs) and restricting access to content deemed illegal or restricted by the Russian government.

The TSPU system utilizes deep packet inspection (DPI) to monitor and block access to services and websites considered harmful by the Russian authorities.

The system can be triggered by various types of traffic, including IP-based, SNI-based (Server Name Indication), and QUIC-based (Quick UDP Internet Connection), resulting in six distinct blocking mechanisms.

Controlled by Roskomnadzor, the government agency responsible for blocking services (such as the Telegram messenger) and websites, TSPU was formalized under a 2019 law mandating Internet service providers to install government-supplied equipment to ensure ‘stability and security of the Internet.

By 2022, over 6,000 devices had been installed across Russia.

The planned upgrades for the TSPU system from 2025 to 2030 include enhancing existing systems and installing new ones at communication nodes to accommodate network expansion and increasing traffic.

The modernization efforts will involve acquiring new hardware and software, enhancing the system’s capabilities with new and updated signatures, and developing the Automated Security System (ASBI).

This upgrade will boost TSPU’s bandwidth to 725.6 Tbps and improve its efficiency in blocking VPNs.

The primary focus of this upgrade is to improve VPN blocking capabilities, as VPNs are frequently used by Russian citizens to circumvent government blocks on websites like YouTube and access independent media.

While Roskomnadzor has already made significant progress in curbing VPN usage, the new funding aims to increase its ability to block 96% of VPNs.

Experts, however, suggest that TSPU may still face challenges in blocking all VPN protocols. Although the system can detect and block common VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, other protocols remain difficult to track.

This suggests an ongoing struggle between VPN developers and government censors, with both sides continually adapting their strategies.

Mazay Banzaev, who operates the popular Amnezia VPN service, expressed confidence that software developers will continue to innovate ways to bypass government restrictions, despite the Russian government’s increased investment in censorship systems.

This $660 million initiative is officially part of a broader government project focused on digital transformation and the development of the data economy.

Other related activities include creating a unified platform to combat fraud and a system to block phishing websites.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government’s control over Internet content has intensified.

The government has blacklisted opposition media websites and banned foreign social media platforms, presenting these actions as part of a larger information war with the West.

This recent surge in censorship reflects Russia’s increased efforts to manage online narratives and block opposition voices.

The TSPU system has clearly been prioritized in the government’s recent budget, with the new 60 billion rouble allocation significantly exceeding Roskomnadzor’s entire 2023 budget of 32.15 billion roubles ($354 million).

This highlights the importance of expanding Russia’s censorship infrastructure amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Nestlé’s water subsidiary, which produces brands such as Perrier, has agreed to pay €2 million to settle French investigations into the use of illegal wells and the treatment of mineral water, according to prosecutors on Tuesday, September 10.

Frédéric Nahon, the prosecutor in the eastern town of Epinal, announced that this non-prosecution agreement is the “biggest concerning the environment signed in France to date.”

The agreement concludes initial investigations into unauthorized wells and fraudulent practices related to filtering its mineral waters.

This practice is illegal in France, where mineral waters are required by law to remain natural.

In addition to the €2 million payment, the Swiss company, which also produces Vittel and San Pellegrino, has committed to spending €1.1 million over the next two years on environmental restoration projects in several French towns where it operates.

Nahon explained that the settlement was justified because Nestlé had cooperated with the investigation, brought its practices into compliance, and no public health risks were identified.

The deal, he added, “while penalizing the unauthorized activities, facilitates a quicker resolution, remediation of environmental damage, and compensation for several parties.”

A local environmental organization welcomed the agreement, but consumer advocacy groups expressed outrage.

Ingrid Kragl, a fraud expert at Foodwatch, called the decision “scandalous” and said it sends “a very bad message about a climate of impunity:

Nestlé Waters can deceive consumers around the world for years and get away with it by pulling out its checkbook.”

Chinese smartphone company Huawei announced on Tuesday that its new trifold smartphone will be priced at over $2,800.

Pre-orders for the device began on Saturday, with in-store sales set to commence on September 20—the same day Apple’s iPhone 16 series is scheduled to hit stores, including in China.

On Monday in the U.S., Apple revealed that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will start at $1,199, while the iPhone 16 will be priced at $799.

Pre-orders for these devices will begin on Friday, with official sales also starting on September 20.

Apple stated that the first batch of its Apple Intelligence AI features will be available in a free software update next month.

These new functions will be accessible to iPhone 16 users as well as those using the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Huawei’s Mate XT, also equipped with artificial intelligence features like text translation and cloud-based content generation, was introduced during Tuesday’s presentation.

Richard Yu, Huawei’s executive director and chairman of the board of directors for the consumer business group, expressed pride in the new release.

“We have spent five years striving for this,” Yu said, according to his remarks in Mandarin.

The Mate XT is available in red and black, with three storage options, and is priced between 19,999 yuan and 23,999 yuan ($2,809 to $3,371).

When unfolded, the device is 3.6 millimeters thick and features a 10.2-inch screen. It can display content on one, two, or three screens simultaneously and comes with a foldable keyboard. Its battery is 1.9 millimeters thick.

As of midday Tuesday, more than 3.5 million people had pre-ordered Huawei’s trifold Mate XT smartphone, according to the company’s website. By the end of the launch event, the number of pre-orders surpassed 4 million.

Apple also announced a new A18 chip for its latest iPhones, which uses cutting-edge 3-nanometer technology.

The company claimed this innovation would make the iPhone 16 considerably faster than its predecessor, the iPhone 12.

However, Huawei did not mention any new chip advancements during the Mate XT launch event.

The company introduced its tri-fold Mate XT on Tuesday, aiming to regain a strong foothold in the smartphone market, which took a significant hit after the U.S. imposed sanctions in 2019.

In October 2022, the U.S. expanded these sanctions, placing further restrictions on American sales of advanced chips to Chinese businesses.

Despite these setbacks, Huawei made a quiet comeback in late August 2023, releasing the Mate 60 Pro. Analysis by TechInsights revealed that the Mate 60 Pro is powered by a chip manufactured using a 7-nanometer process by Chinese chipmaker SMIC.

During Tuesday’s launch, Yu emphasized that the company never gave up, despite facing four rounds of sanctions.

Unlike last year’s product launch, where details about the Mate 60 Pro or its reported chip advancements were withheld, this year’s event prominently featured the Mate XT’s specifications and pricing.

Huawei’s technological strides have helped increase sales in China, despite the sluggish consumer spending.

Apple, meanwhile, dropped out of the list of the top five smartphone vendors in China during the second quarter of this year, according to data from Canalys. It was the first time that all five top spots were occupied by domestic players.

Huawei ranked fourth by market share, shipping 10.6 million smartphones, according to Canalys. While the firm only reported shipments for the top five vendors, Apple shipped 10 million phones in the first quarter.

Although Huawei and its Chinese competitors already sell folding and flip phones, Apple has yet to enter that market segment.

The U.S. government is targeting the core of Google’s vast wealth—its highly profitable ad tech business.

A trial starting on Monday will examine the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) claims that Google’s parent company, Alphabet, illegally operates a monopoly in this market.

Last year, Alphabet generated more than $200 billion (£152 billion) through placing and selling ads viewed by internet users.

While Alphabet asserts that its success is due to the “effectiveness” of its services, prosecutors argue that the company has exploited its market dominance to suppress competitors.

“This is a really important industry that draws billions of consumer dollars annually,” noted Laura Phillips-Sawyer, a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law. “All consumers have an interest in this litigation.”

This is the second significant antitrust case the tech giant has faced in the U.S. In August, a judge ruled that Google’s dominance in search was illegal, though the penalties Google and Alphabet will face remain uncertain.

The DoJ, along with a coalition of states, filed a lawsuit in 2023 accusing Google of dominating the digital ad marketplace and using its power to stifle competition and innovation.

Google, however, insists that it is one of many companies that enable digital ad placement.

It argues that competition in the digital ad sector is expanding, pointing to the ad growth and increased revenues of companies like Apple, Amazon, and TikTok.

In response to the DoJ lawsuit, Google stated in a 2023 blog post that competition is flourishing.

At a press conference in January 2023, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Google’s actions had “halted the rise of rival technologies.”

Both sides will present their arguments to U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who will issue the verdict.

This trial follows a landmark ruling last month in a separate monopoly case against Google.

Judge Amit Mehta found that Google acted illegally to quash competition in its online search business, declaring, “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.”

In last year’s search case, Google defended its dominance by arguing that it provided a superior product.

The company appears to be employing a similar strategy in the ad tech case. When asked for comment, Google directed to its 2023 blog post, where it emphasized that “no-one is forced to use our advertising technologies—they choose to use them because they’re effective.”

Judge Mehta held a status conference on Friday, marking the beginning of the process to determine remedies for Google’s behavior.

Dan Ives, managing director at Wedbush Securities, said the DoJ’s recent victory could give it momentum, though he expects the outcome to involve “business model tweaks, not a breakup” of the company.

However, in Judge Brinkema’s courtroom, the intricacies of advertising technology could present challenges for the government’s case.

“We all use search, and we intuitively understand that product,” said Rebecca Haw Allensworth, an antitrust professor at Vanderbilt University Law School.

By contrast, advertising technology is “so complex that I think that’s going to be a real challenge for the government to make a clear, simple monopolization argument here.”

The U.S. is not the only country scrutinizing Google’s ad tech practices. Last Friday, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported that Google appeared to be abusing its dominance in the ad tech industry, based on the initial findings of its investigation.

The CMA’s inquiry found that Google employed anti-competitive practices to maintain its control over the online advertising technology market, which could be harming thousands of UK publishers and advertisers.

A representative for Google countered, arguing that the CMA’s decision was based on a “flawed” understanding of the ad tech industry.