Tech

Amazon cuts Android shopping app digital downloads

Published

4 years ago

May 4, 2022

Amazon stops customers from downloading digital content from Android shopping app

Amazon customers will no longer be allowed to download e-books as the company cuts Android shopping app digital downloads altogether.

Instead, the retail giant is asking customers to buy books through its website or the Kindle app.

This comes a year after Google Play’s announcement that asked companies with an annual turnover of more than $1 million to pay a 30 per cent commission on all in-app purchases to Google.

Google also reduced the commission to 15 percent for the first $1 million of revenue earned by developers.

Amazon says its new policy is due to the Google store policies without saying what impact it has had on Amazon sales.

Amazon recently reported its first quarterly loss since 2015, in April. This was due to low online sales and a fall in the company’s shares.

Amazon’s iOS shopping app has had the same policy for years because of a similar fees by Apple.

These commissions by Google and Apple are being contested legally in the United Kingdom. The claim calls the 30 percent cut excessive and seeks damages of up to £920 million on behalf of UK’s 19.5 million Android users.

Rijul Baath contributed to this report

Tech

Anthropic CEO holds key Pentagon talks on AI ethics and military use

Anthropic CEO to meet Defense Secretary Hegseth on ethical AI deployment and DOD contract discussions.

Published

12 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Anthropic CEO to meet Defense Secretary Hegseth on ethical AI deployment and DOD contract discussions.

Anthropic’s CEO is scheduled to meet Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon to discuss the use of the startup’s artificial intelligence models in military applications. The meeting comes as the Department of Defense seeks clarity on how Anthropic’s AI can be integrated into its operations.

Negotiations between Anthropic and the DOD have recently faced challenges over terms of use. Anthropic is pushing for safeguards to ensure its models are not used for autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance, while the DOD wants full flexibility to deploy the technology for all lawful purposes.

Currently, Anthropic is the only AI company deployed on the DOD’s classified networks, holding a $200 million contract. This meeting could be pivotal in resolving tensions and strengthening collaboration between the AI startup and the U.S. government.

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Tech

Apple’s next AI wearables could change how we use tech

Apple is launching smart glasses, an AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods with upgraded Siri by 2027.

Published

1 day ago

February 23, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Apple is launching smart glasses, an AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods with upgraded Siri by 2027.

Apple is accelerating its wearable tech game, developing three cutting-edge devices featuring an upgraded Siri powered by Google’s Gemini AI models. The tech giant is betting big on AI to enhance user interaction across smart glasses, AirPods, and a unique AI pendant.

The N50 smart glasses will come equipped with dual cameras and are slated for a 2027 release, with prototypes already in the hands of Apple’s hardware engineers. Production is expected to ramp up by December 2026, signaling Apple’s commitment to merging AI with everyday accessories.

Meanwhile, Apple is also working on a camera-equipped AirPods model and an AI pendant that can be worn as a necklace or clipped to clothing, featuring cameras, microphones, and a speaker. These innovations highlight a new era of wearable technology powered by advanced AI.

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Tech

Sam Altman predicts superintelligence could appear by 2028

Sam Altman warns superintelligence may arise by 2028, advocating for global cooperation and a new governing body for AI.

Published

4 days ago

February 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Sam Altman warns superintelligence may arise by 2028, advocating for global cooperation and a new governing body for AI.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a bold prediction, suggesting that early forms of superintelligence could emerge as soon as 2028. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, Altman emphasised the urgent need for global cooperation to manage AI development responsibly.

He proposed the creation of an international oversight body for AI, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency, to prevent misuse and ensure ethical advancements. Altman also raised concerns about authoritarian control in exchange for technological gains, highlighting the geopolitical stakes of AI.

With over 100 million users in India alone, ChatGPT has become a key part of the AI landscape. Altman acknowledged potential job disruptions but expressed optimism about society’s ability to adapt to rapid AI changes.

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