Connect with us
https://tickernews.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AmEx-Thought-Leaders.jpg

Tech

Texas takes Meta to court over face ID collection data

Published

on

The Texas attorney general is suing Facebook parent Meta claiming it is breaching laws relating to biometric data

Texas attorney general Ken Paxton says the U.S-based tech company has unlawfully collected biometric data of the people of Texas to use for commercial purposes, without their informed consent.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in state district court, claimed Meta has been “storing millions of biometric identifiers” — identified as retina or iris scans, voiceprints, or a record of hand and face geometry — as well as data contained in photos and videos people upload to its services, including Facebook and Instagram.

“Facebook will no longer take advantage of people and their children with the intent to turn a profit at the expense of one’s safety and well-being,”

PAXTON SAID IN A STATEMENT.

Mr Paxton has been going up against America’s biggest tech giants for some time. He earlier launched an investigation of Twitter over its ban of former President Donald Trump.

He has also filed several lawsuits against search engine, Google.

“This is yet another example of Big Tech’s deceitful business practices and it must stop. I will continue to fight for Texans’ privacy and security.”

PAXTON SAID IN A STATEMENT.

The filing of the lawsuit coincided with the first day of early voting in a primary election in Texas, where Paxton faces several GOP challengers in the wake of his top deputies reporting him to the FBI for alleged corruption.

What law has Meta broken?

Under a law imposed in the US state of Texas, companies must obtain “informed consent” from people to use their biometric data.

This means people have to be informed prior to their data being captured and it can only be done if they agree to it.

Such data also cannot be disclosed for anyone else, although there are some exceptions, such as law enforcement subpoenas.

Meta’s response:

In a statement, Meta, which is based at 1 Hacker Way, Melo Park, California, called the lawsuit “without merit”.

Meta stated back in November that it was shutting down its facial recognition programme and deleting its data.

Continue Reading

Tech

Apple unveils thinner iPhone Air to excite upgrades

Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

Published

on

Apple launches thinner ‘iPhone Air’ amid price hikes, aiming for customer upgrades despite challenges in AI features and tariffs

video
play-sharp-fill
In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.

This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.Banner

The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.

The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.

Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.

Design Innovations

Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.

However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.

Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.

“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”

Other devices

The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.

Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.

Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.

Apple shares down after event concludes

Investors appeared indifferent to Apple’s latest product announcements, including the new iPhone Air model and Apple Series 11 Watch.

As a result, Apple shares fell by approximately 1.5% after the event concluded.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Tech

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite tariff management

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

Published

on

Apple may increase iPhone prices despite managing Trump-era tariffs effectively ahead of new model launch

video
play-sharp-fill
In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.Banner

Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.

CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.

Pricing Trends

Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.

While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.

Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Tech

Google avoids major penalties in U.S. antitrust case

Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

Published

on

Google avoids severe penalties in U.S. antitrust case as judge allows payments to maintain deals with Apple and others

video
play-sharp-fill
In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.

Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.

Banner

The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.

This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.

Future Innovations

The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.

Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.

In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.


Download the Ticker app

Continue Reading

Trending Now