The EU is moving forward with competition-based regulatory actions against Google and Apple. The European Commission (EC) announced two preliminary charges against Google for failing to comply with Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations related to Google Search and the Play Store, which could lead to fines of $35 billion. The regulatory body also ordered Apple to make iOS more open to third-party devices like smartwatches, headphones and TVs. The decisions come in the face of US President Donald Trump threatening additional tariffs on nations that regulate US Big Tech companies.
As part of an investigation that began last March, the EC charged Google on Tuesday with violating the DMA by favoring its own services (such as shopping, hotel booking, transportation and financial and sports results) in search results over third-party competitors. The regulators said the company gives its services "more prominent treatment compared to others" by displaying them with enhanced visual formats and filtering mechanisms.
The EC also charged the company with preventing Google Play app developers from informing customers of alternative channels for cheaper offers. Although the commission said Alphabet has a right to charge a developer fee for steering a customer to another channel, it claimed that what the company demands in return goes beyond what is justified "a high fee over an unduly long period of time for every purchase of digital goods and services."
"The two preliminary findings we adopt today aim to ensure that Alphabet abides by EU rules when it comes to two services widely used by businesses and consumers across the EU, Google Search and Android phones," EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said in a statement.
The European CommissionEuropean Union
The DMA, which was passed in 2022, allows European regulators to fine companies up to 10 percent of their global revenue. The commission can double the penalty to 20 percent for repeat offenders. Alphabet brought in over $350 billion last year.
The commission stresses that the charges aren't final, and Alphabet can still defend its decisions in writing before they are finalized.
The EU's moves follow through on a recent promise to enforce its regulatory laws despite tariff threats from Trump as part of his escalating trade war with other nations. He wrote a memo in late February, saying he would consider tariffs in response to "digital services taxes, fines, practices and policies" on American companies. In turn, the EC said it would "respond swiftly and decisively to defend its rights and regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures."
Kara Durrette via Getty Images
Although the EC's decision for Apple doesn't (yet) involve charges, it offered measures the company must comply with to avoid them in the future. First, the company must provide greater compatibility with third-party devices that connect to iPhones. Unless Apple wants to face fines of over $39 billion, it will have to improve areas like notifications for third-party smartwatches, data transfer speeds (like peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and NFC) and the pairing process on connected accessories from competing companies.
The EC also ordered Apple to improve access to technical documentation for developers to make their products interact with iPhones and iPads.
"Effective interoperability for third-party connected devices is an important step towards opening Apple's ecosystem," Ribera said in a statement. "This will lead to a better choice for consumers in the fast-growing market for innovative connected devices."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-eus-new-charges-against-google-could-lead-to-at-least-35-billion-in-fines-165850585.html?src=rss
Apple just introduced its first proprietary cellular modem, the C1, as part of the recently-launched iPhone 16e. Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, just ran the C1 modem through a series of benchmark tests and it did surprisingly well, even when compared to the Qualcomm chips that accompany the pricier iPhone 16 handsets.
The C1 misses out on mmWave 5G support, but can still hold its own in the speed department. The company found that the iPhone 16e offered average download speeds of 560Mbps for the top 90th percentile of users on AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The standard iPhone 16, with the Qualcomm chip, is faster in this scenario, with average download speed of 756Mbps. The difference, however, isnt stark.
Ookla
Things change when you move from the top 90th percentile to the bottom 10th percentile. In this case, the iPhone 16e actually outperforms the standard model. The average data speed for the 16e here reached nearly 218Mbps, whereas the Qualcomm-based model averaged 210Mbps. Interestingly, the newest iPhone model was fastest when using AT&T and Verizons networks. It was slower on T-Mobile.
As for upload speeds, the 16e outperformed the traditional iPhone 16 in nearly every test. Apple has touted the C1 as the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, and that doesnt seem to be hyperbole.
Ooklas tests match our experience, as detailed in the official iPhone 16e review. We found that the C1 modem outperformed even the iPhone 16 Pro in certain use cases. However, its always worth noting that this chip doesnt support ultrawideband 5G.
So Apples investment to build an in-house modem looks to have been a worthy endeavor, just like those speedy M-series chips. The company reportedly has big plans for future iterations. Not only is the C2 likely on the way, but Apple is planning on creating an all-purpose processor that contains an integrated modem. This could allow for some serious energy and cost benefits.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apples-first-custom-designed-modem-did-surprisingly-well-in-benchmarks-164422205.html?src=rss
Skate Story has been one of my most anticipated games ever since I first clapped eyes on it all the way back in 2020, so it was great to get an update on it as part of Sony's annual PS Indie Day. It's been confirmed that the striking skateboarding adventure is coming to PS5, as well as PC. Publisher Devolver Digital plans to release it later this year.
Solo developer Sam Eng describes Skate Story as "a game about a demon made of glass who needs to skate the Underworld and consume The Moon to fulfill the devils contract." To achieve that, you'll need to work your way through nine layers of hell. The only way to beat bosses is by skating fast and pulling off an array of dope tricks, which deal damage. There's a time limit on the boss battle against the Moon that's shown in the latest trailer you only have until a song ends to defeat the celestial body.
There are more than 70 tricks for you to learn and improve, and you'll level up by completing skate trials. Other characters you'll encounter include a "pillowy demon who owns a laundromat" and a "jittery subway train" you can become pals with and then "experience poetry about the multilight of the Moon."
As odd as that all sounds, absolutely everything I've seen and heard about Skate Story has hit the right spot for me. I especially can't get enough of those visuals.
Eng promises to reveal more details about Skate Story this summer. Given that Devolver typically runs a showcase alongside Summer Game Fest, we'll probably hear more about the game in early June. In the meantime, you can get a taste of what's in store by checking out our Skate Story hands-on.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/skate-story-is-coming-to-ps5-as-well-as-pc-this-year-163303910.html?src=rss
There is something so incredibly frustrating about typing on a digital keyboard with a controller. Whether for streaming or gaming, the slowness with which you often have to find each letter is just painful. Well, thankfully, there's an improvement on the way for Xbox controllers, with Microsoft announcing a new gamepad keyboard for Windows 11's touch keyboard.
Microsoft
The updated keyboard should make it easier to use the on-screen one with an Xbox controller. It brings greater navigation to the controller and helpful shortcuts. For example, the X button can function as backspace, the Y button as the spacebar and the menu button as enter. Microsoft also states that it has vertically aligned the keyboard keys for smoother use.
Microsoft first shared that it was beta testing this technology back in September. Now, it's available in the Release Preview version of Windows 11, so you should be able to try it out for yourself within the next few weeks. Hopefully it saves you a lot of time and frustration (and that streamers will come up with their own solutions soon). This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-launches-a-new-gamepad-keyboard-layout-for-windows-11-154011591.html?src=rss
Although the Amazon Spring Sale doesn't start in earnest until next week, there are a bunch of early deals to be had. Among them is an offer that sees Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 drop to a record low price. The earbuds are currently $179, which is $50 (or 22 percent) off.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are our pick for the best wireless earbuds for Google phones. For one thing, they fit more comfortably and securely after a redesign made them smaller than the Pixel Buds Pro.
Improvements to audio quality helped the Pixel Buds Pro 2 obtain a score of 88 in our review. Revisions to the acoustics and drivers as well as the inclusion of a Tensor chip to take care of active noise cancellation (ANC) and audio signal processing help the earbuds deliver ample, punchy bass, as well as full mids and crisp highs.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer up to eight hours of use on a single charge with ANC enabled. When you factor in the charging case, you'll get up to 30 hours of total listening time when ANC is on. The earbuds have an IP54 rating, indicating that they're protected from dust and water splashes.
In terms of features, the earbuds include hands-free access to the Gemini voice assistant. Spatial audio is available, albeit only for certain video streaming apps for now. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer automatic switching between devices that are linked to your Google account. Other features include conversation detection, a hearing wellness tool and Find My Device.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/googles-pixel-buds-pro-2-drop-to-a-record-low-price-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-152844540.html?src=rss
Googles Nest Learning Thermostat is on sale for $240 right now, as part of the Amazon Spring Sale. Thats close to a record low price for the 4th-gen device that was released just last year. This deal is available for multiple colorways, including silver, gold and black.
This is a modern thermostat, so that means AI. The device offers suggestions on how to lower energy usage and can automatically adjust settings in the home based on factors like ambient temperature and daily schedules.
It ships with a wireless temperature sensor for accurate measurements. This sensor can run for three years before needing a new battery. This model can accommodate six of these sensors, for large properties, but that requires some additional purchases. A three-pack of the sensors typically costs $100.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is more customizable than its predecessors, with the ability to select from several smartwatch-style faces. Its also much larger than previous models and includes Soli radar sensors to determine how close a person is. The display will adjust accordingly, with an increased font size when standing far away and vice versa.
The installation is fairly simple, but will still require some light wiring. The only real bad thing to say about this thermostat is that $280 is a whole lot of money. That concern is mostly alleviated by todays sale.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-nest-learning-thermostat-is-back-on-sale-for-240-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-150539398.html?src=rss
The sun is out, the birds are chirping and the Amazon Spring Sale is just around the corner. Though it officially starts March 25, we're already seeing a bunch of early Amazon Spring Sale deals for brands like Dyson, Samsung and Apple. The latter includes a six percent discount on Apple's new 11-inch iPad.
The 128GB 2025 model is down to $329 from $349 in every color. It comes with an A16 chip that gives it a performance boost, though not enough power for Apple Intelligence like the iPad Air with an M3 chip. It also offers features such as a 12MP wide camera, 4K video and a liquid retina display.
If you're not fussed about getting the newest model then check out Amazon's sale on Apple's 10th generation iPad. Right now, it's down to $269 from $349 a 23 percent discount. It's screen is one-tenth of an inch smaller and it offers many of the same features, like 4K video recording and a 12MP wide camera. Plus, it still has a USB-C port rather than the old lightning port. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-new-base-ipad-is-20-off-in-the-amazon-spring-sale-143705838.html?src=rss
Despite streaming services continuing to dominate the business of recorded music, theres still very much a place for physical media in that sector. The Recording Industry of America said in an annual report [PDF] that sales of vinyl records rose for the 18th straight year in the US to $1.4 billion the highest revenue for that format since 1984, when CDs started to emerge.
Vinyl accounted for nearly three-quarters of physical format revenue in 2024. It was the third consecutive year that there were more shipments of vinyl records than CDs 44 million vs. 33 million. It perhaps helps vinyls case that the RIAA has factored in sales figures directly from indie labels for the first time this year. And that Taylor Swift released thirty-six variants of her most recent album, The Tortured Poets Department, including eight vinyl editions.
Many fans prefer to own physical copies of music for many reasons, such as their belief that vinyl offers better audio quality and an all-round superior listening experience to streaming services, as well as a way to perhaps better support artists. Scouring the racks at a record store is a fun pastime as well. Vinyl records and CDs are also a hedge against the possibility of music vanishing from streaming services if rights agreements expire or an artist decides to yank their music from a platform.
Still, streaming services hit a new milestone last year. The RIAA reports that the average number of paid subscriptions for the year hit 100 million in the US for the first time. Thats a three percent increase from 2023.
Revenue from paid subscriptions rose by five percent to $11.7 billion, with the total revenue from streaming (factoring everything from ad-supported services to fitness apps) growing four percent to $14.9 billion. Streaming accounted for 84 percent of recorded music revenue for the third year running.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/vinyl-record-sales-continue-to-rise-amid-music-streamings-dominance-142131328.html?src=rss
After a mountain of leaks, Google has finally announced the Pixel 9a. There's a good chance you clicked on this article to find out how the 9a compares to its predecessor. The good news is you came to the right place. Even better, it's a favorable comparison.
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a
For starters, the Pixel 9a features a new design. Instead of borrowing the design language of Google's more expensive devices, the new phone has its own identity. Gone is the divisive camera bar that has defined recent Pixel phones. Instead, the main camera module is nearly flush with the rear of the phone. Additionally, the new handset offers slightly better ingress protection. It's IP68-certified against water and dust, up from IP67 on the 8a. The Pixel 9a will also be available two lovely new colors: Iris and Peony. Sadly, Google won't offer an Aloe colorway this time around, at least not at release.
Outside of those changes, the 9a sports a larger 6.3 display. Like with the 8a, Google has gone with a FHD panel, meaning the 9a's screen is slightly less dense due to it being a bit larger overall. However, it's the better display. The 9a's pOLED panel is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the 8a. It's also HDR10+ certified, with a 120Hz refresh rate. That additional brightness will make it easier to see the 9a's screen in bright sunlight.
Internally, the 9a features Google's latest Tensor G4 SoC, paired once again with 8GB of RAM. Google has also outfitted the 9a with a larger 5,100mAh battery, up from 4,492mAh on the 8a. Just as importantly, the 9a is capable of charging at a faster 23W. That's still slow compared to a device like the Nothing 3a Pro, which is compatible with 50W power adapters, but an improvement over the 8a's glacial 18W. Oh, and if you were hoping for Qi2 support, I'm sorry to say the 9a is limited to charging at 7.5W wirelessly.
As for cameras, Google hasn't changed its winning formula. The 9a features a 48MP main camera with f/1.7 lens and optical image stabilization (OIS). On paper, that might seem like a downgrade from the 8a's 64MP main sensor, but they both feature a 0.8m pixel pitch, meaning they're capable of capturing the same amount of light, and it appears Google sourced a newer sensor for the 9a. Otherwise, the Pixel 9a appears to feature the same ultrawide and selfie cameras as its predecessor. As always, when you buy a Pixel phone, you're buying it for Google's computational photography features, and you get all the usual standouts like Night Sight, Best Take and more.
Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e and Nothing 3a Pro
The iPhone 16e continues to confound since its announcement in February. At $599, it's a full $100 more expensive than the Pixel 9a, and comparing the two based on hardware alone, Google's new midrange phone is the better deal. You get a significantly bigger battery, a 120Hz display and an entire extra camera. Of course, whether you should buy the 9a over the 16e will entirely depend on your preference for Android over iOS. If you like prefer Apple's software, the Pixel 9a won't do it for you.
The more interesting comparison is between the 9a and Nothing's new Phone 3a Pro. For $40 less, you get an even bigger screen, a more original design and, most notably, a periscope camera that offers 3x optical zoom. A great telephoto is really hard to find at this price range, so the 3a Pro might be worth considering for that reason alone. The tradeoff is Google's software support is unmatched, and 3a Pro comes with a limited warranty in the US.
Pixel 9a
Pixel 8a
iPhone 16e
Nothing 3a Pro
Price
$499/$559
$499/$559
$599 / $699 / $899
$459
Dimensions
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.89 x 0.35 inches)
152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches)
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm (5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches)
163.52 x 77.5 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 3.05 x 0.33 inches)
Weight
186g (6.56 ounces)
188g (6.7 ounces)
167g (5.88 ounces)
211g (7.44 ounces)
Screen size
6.3 inches
6.1 inches
6.1 inches
6.77 inches
Screen resolution
1080 x 2,424 pixels (421ppi)
1,080 x 2,400 pixels (430ppi)
1,170 x 2,532 pixels (460 ppi)
1,080 x 2,392 pixels (387ppi)
Screen type
pOLED
pOLED
OLED
AMOLED
SoC
Tensor G4
Tensor G3
Apple A18
Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
RAM
8GB
8GB
8GB
12GB
Battery
5,100mAh
4,492mAh
4,005mAh
5,000mAh
Storage
128 / 256 GB
128 / 256 GB
128 / 256 / 512 GB
256 GB
Rear cameras
Wide: 48MP, f/1.7
Ultrawide: 13MP, f/2.2
Wide: 64MP, f/1.89Ultrawide: 13MP, f/2.2
Wide: 48MP, f/1.6
Wide: 50MP, f1/1.9
Ultrawide: 8MP, f/2.2
Periscope telephoto: 50MP, f/2.6
Front camera
13MP, f/2.2
13MP, f/2.2
12MP, f/1.9
50MP, f/2.2
Water / dust rating
IP68
IP67
IP68
IP64
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth
v6.0
v5.3
v5.3
v5.4
OS
Android 15
Android 15
iOS 18
Android 15 / Nothing OS 3.1
Colors
Obsidian / Porcelain / Iris / Peony
Obsidian / Porcelain / Aloe / Bay
Black / White
Black / Gray
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/heres-how-the-pixel-9a-compares-to-the-competition-141043690.html?src=rss
Gone are the days of kids asking their parent to borrow cash or their card when going out with friends. Instead, parents can now give their kids access to Google Wallet for making in-store payments with their Android device. Google first announced that this feature was coming back in October.
Kids can also use Google Wallet to store passes to things, including a library card, ticket for an event or a gift card. But, parents have a lot of oversight, such as receiving an email every time their child makes a purchase. They can also monitor everything within Family Link, along with remove a payment card or shut off access to all passes.
Google
Right now, Google is just rolling out the new feature for families in the US, UK, Australia, Spain and Poland. Parents in any of these locations should see the option pop up within the next few weeks.
Apple users can already access a similar feature with Apple Cash Family. Parents can set up anyone in their Family Sharing group and let them make purchases, or send and receive money through their wallet or messages. Just like on Android, parents can see their kids' purchases and get notifications each time they buy something. Plus, parents can view the remaining balance or send an allowance through Apple Cash by creating a recurring payment. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-wallet-is-now-available-for-kids-140039676.html?src=rss
