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The EU has effectively vanquished a TikTok feature that Europes digital commissioner described as toxic and addictive as cigarettes. Owner ByteDance said on Wednesday that TikTok Lites reward-to-watch feature would be suspended. Its been a brutal day for TikTok as President Biden signed a bill (also on Wednesday) forcing ByteDance to sell the platforms US operations or face a ban. TikTok Lite, launched earlier this month in France and Spain, lets users earn rewards by watching and liking videos. They can then exchange their points for real-world perks like Amazon vouchers or in-app ones like TikToks virtual currency, which is used to tip creators. The EU Commission said the task and reward feature can stimulate addictive behavior in children. Our children are not guinea pigs for social media, EU commissioner Thierry Breton posted on X (Twitter) on Wednesday. I take note of TikToks decision to suspend the #TikTokLite Reward Program in the EU. However, he added a parting shot to remind ByteDance it isnt out of the woods: The cases against TikTok on the risk of addictiveness of the platform continue. Statement on TikTok Lite: "TikTok always seeks to engage constructively with the EU Commission and other regulators. We are therefore voluntarily suspending the rewards functions in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that they have raised." TikTok Policy Europe (@TikTokPolicyEUR) April 24, 2024 Breton fired a warning shot at ByteDance earlier this week, saying the EU had opened a formal investigation into TikTok for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). The landmark legislation, adopted in 2022, gives European regulators the teeth to force significant changes in social media platforms to protect consumers. Companies that break the rules can risk fines of up to six percent of their global revenues enough to force compliance from even the richest companies. Wednesdays suspension marks the first concrete example of the EU using the DSAs enforcement powers to force significant changes on a social platform. The EUs formal investigation into TikTok Lite was its second targeting the platform this year. An earlier case, launched in February, opened proceedings against TikTok and Meta for their handling of the privacy and safety of minors. The Guardian notes that both cases remain active. TikTok always seeks to engage constructively with the EU Commission and other regulators, the platforms Policy Europe X account posted on Wednesday. We are therefore voluntarily suspending the rewards functions in TikTok Lite while we address the concerns that they have raised.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-lite-axes-addictive-as-cigarettes-reward-to-watch-feature-under-the-eus-watchful-eye-211157092.html?src=rss
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PUBG: Battlegrounds is somehow old enough to evoke nostalgia. The pioneering battle royale game, which entered Steam Early Access in 2017, will borrow a page from Fortnites playbook and honor its first map. Erangel Classic will recreate the old-school battlefield from the games inception for a limited two-week run in May and June. Developer and publisher Krafton says the Erangel Classic map will reproduce the originals concepts, graphics, atmosphere and UI. However, it will blend those with modern tweaks to deliver the enjoyable gameplay experiences that players have grown accustomed to. In other words, much like remasters of other classic games, the goal is to feel as close to the original as possible without chucking out all of its subtle quality-of-life improvements from the games evolution. Krafton If the revamped map idea sounds familiar, Fortnite brought back its original 2018 island map late last year, breaking its records for player counts. (It peaked at 44.7 million players, marking its biggest day ever.) Its easy to see why Krafton would want a piece of that action. Specific nods to the original map include foggy and rainy weather to add an air of unpredictability. In addition, youll find bench weapons on the starting island (get ready to scramble for your favorite), and all weapons will have reduced recoil to match the original. It will also have a Tommy Gun in the care package, a vintage map UI and a charmingly tacky font and graphics. The tiered rollout will arrive on PCs and consoles at different times, extending the playtime for those who own the game on multiple platforms (perhaps helping Krafton sell a few extra in-game items). Erangel Classic will be available in PUBG: Battlegrounds on PC from May 14 to May 28 and on consoles from May 23 to June 6, replacing the modern Erangel map during those periods. Krafton says the May 14 patch notes will go into more detail about all the maps changes, so keep an eye out.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/pubg-will-take-a-nostalgia-infused-trip-back-to-its-first-map-in-may-194736249.html?src=rss
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JetBlue is revamping its in-flight entertainment system, complete with a new branding. Its now called Blueprint and brings several features that should make your next flight just a teensy-bit less grueling. The biggest news here is a watch party feature that lets customers view the same TV show or film with up to five other people. This is actually pretty cool, as watching stuff with friends and family during a long flight typically requires the finicky push play at the exact same time and hope nobody has to go to the bathroom method. The watch party feature includes functionality that pauses content for all viewers, should one have to take a break to deal with existential panic from being six miles above the ground. It also works no matter where the seats are. Introducing Blueprint by JetBlue, a personalized inflight experience, giving you new ways to use your seatback screen with watch parties, the ability to resume your content on your next flight, entertainment recommendations and real-time arrival details. Available on select pic.twitter.com/KCg5StLNNV JetBlue (@JetBlue) April 24, 2024 The watch party tool is just one aspect of the revamped in-flight entertainment experience. The system will now provide content recommendations based on previous viewing history, as it will be tied to individual accounts. This means that customers can save their favorite movies and shows for repeat viewings. It also means that people can pick up where they left off from one flight to the next. JetBlue says this can be useful for a connecting layover flight or even a trip months down the line. JetBlue has a content partnership with Peacock, so customers have access to the streamers catalog during flights. Both Twisted Metal and Mrs. Davis are solid in-flight binges. The company also teased more exclusive entertainment and offers coming to Blueprint in the future. As for availability, Blueprint is ready to go on JetBlue aircraft with AVANT seatback touchscreens. This includes the Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321LR (Long Range) and Airbus A220.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jetblues-in-flight-entertainment-system-just-got-a-watch-party-feature-185913233.html?src=rss
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