Google's Loss, Epic's Gain: A Big Win for App Store Competition

In a significant legal victory, Epic Games has succeeded in forcing Google to make it easier for Android users in the U. S. to download apps from stores other than Google Play. This decision comes after Epic filed an antitrust lawsuit in 2020, arguing that Google's practices were anti-competitive. The verdict includes a three-year ban on Google paying app makers for exclusive launches and requiring them to use Google Play's billing system. This ruling might also impact Apple, as Epic has a similar lawsuit against the iPhone maker. Meanwhile, Malaysia's Johor state has become a hotspot for AI due to its growing demand. Tech giants like TikTok and Microsoft are building data centers there to power AI training. Johor's proximity to Singapore and its abundant resources make it an ideal location. However, concerns about environmental impact due to coal usage are rising. Facial recognition technology used by police is under scrutiny. While it has helped in arrests, wrongful identifications have occurred, disproportionately affecting people of color, women, and the elderly. Critics argue that police should disclose when they use this technology, yet only a few states have laws mandating this. In the ongoing cyberwar between Ukraine and Russia, a massive hack reportedly linked to Ukraine took down a Russian news network. This highlights the broader cyber threats Russia poses, targeting various governments and organizations worldwide. Samsung is persistent in its goal to challenge Taiwan Semiconductor Co. Despite losing billions annually, Samsung's chairperson has stated they won't spin off their foundry business. Samsung aims to become a preferred manufacturing partner for advanced chips.