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Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced a return to full-time office work starting January 2, 2025, reversing the previous three-day-a-week policy. This decision has sparked significant backlash among employees, who express concerns over work-life balance and company culture. The move aims to enhance collaboration and reduce bureaucracy within the organization.
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The European Court of Justice has upheld a 2016 ruling requiring Apple to repay €13 billion in illegal tax benefits received from Ireland. This decision marks a significant victory for EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager, reinforcing the EU's stance against preferential tax arrangements for multinationals. The ruling concludes a lengthy legal battle that began in 2014.
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On August 13, 2024, Google launched its Pixel 9 smartphones, showcasing significant AI integrations through its Gemini technology. The earlier-than-usual event aims to position Google ahead of Apple's upcoming iPhone release, highlighting features like screenshot searches and enhanced chatbot capabilities. The new devices are set to ship later this month.
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On August 22, 2024, Google launched its Pixel 9 series, featuring enhanced AI capabilities through Gemini AI. The lineup includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with prices starting at $799. The launch has sparked controversy over influencer promotion practices, raising concerns about impartiality in tech reviews.
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A federal judge is set to mandate significant changes to Google's Play Store following a jury ruling it operates as an illegal monopoly. Concurrently, Apple has altered its App Store policies in the EU, allowing developers to communicate with customers outside the platform, albeit with new fees.
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California lawmakers have brokered a $250 million deal with Google to support local journalism, but critics argue it undermines potential legislation requiring tech companies to compensate news outlets. The agreement has sparked significant backlash from journalists and unions, who view it as a 'shakedown' that fails to address the industry's deeper issues.
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NEX, a startup focused on AI image generation, aims to revolutionize marketing campaigns by reducing costs and time associated with traditional photoshoots. Meanwhile, Vimeo's CEO emphasizes the platform's shift towards generative AI to enhance video creation for professionals, amid rising competition in the digital media space.
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A recent report reveals that Cox Media Group's 'Active Listening' technology may allow devices to capture conversations for targeted advertising. This has reignited concerns about privacy and surveillance, despite denials from major tech companies like Google and Meta. The implications for consumer privacy are significant.
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Nevada's Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation has contracted Google for $1.38 million to develop an AI system that will expedite unemployment appeal rulings. The AI will analyze past cases to issue decisions significantly faster, addressing a backlog of over 40,000 appeals.
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Ilya Sutskever's new AI startup, Safe Super Intelligence, has raised $1 billion to develop safe superintelligence. Meanwhile, OpenAI is expanding its enterprise user base and considering significant price hikes for its services, reflecting the growing costs of AI development.
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The U.S. Department of Justice is pursuing an antitrust case against Google, alleging the company maintains a monopoly in digital advertising. The trial, which began on September 9, 2024, could lead to significant changes in Google's advertising business, including potential divestitures of key assets. The case is expected to last several weeks.
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In a recent interview, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticized the Supreme Court's ruling granting Donald Trump immunity for official acts, suggesting it undermines equal treatment under the law. This decision has prompted Special Counsel Jack Smith to revise his indictment against Trump in the ongoing election interference case.
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Apple has launched the iPhone 16, its first AI-powered smartphone, featuring a new camera control button and the promise of Apple Intelligence. However, key AI features will not be available until next month, leading to mixed reactions from consumers and analysts amid rising competition from Huawei and others.
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The launch of the reMarkable Paper Pro and Kindle Scribe highlights a trend towards single-purpose devices. The reMarkable Paper Pro, priced at $579, offers enhanced writing features, while the Kindle Scribe, starting at £329.99, allows for note-taking on a large screen. Both devices cater to users seeking distraction-free environments.
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Recent discussions highlight the convergence of AI and robotics, emphasizing the potential for humanoid robots to transform industries. Experts warn that the U.S. risks losing its lead in this field, while China accelerates its AI investments, aiming for significant growth in the coming years.
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Apple's iPhone 16 launch has been overshadowed by declining pre-order sales and fierce competition from Huawei's new Mate XT smartphone. Analysts report a 12.7% drop in iPhone 16 pre-orders compared to last year, raising concerns about Apple's market position, especially in China, where local rivals are gaining ground.
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The European Court of Justice upheld a ruling that Ireland granted Apple illegal tax benefits, ordering the company to repay €13 billion. This decision has significant implications for Ireland's economy and its relationship with multinational corporations, as the funds are now in an escrow account pending distribution.
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Ireland's Data Protection Commission has launched an inquiry into Google's Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2) to assess compliance with GDPR. The investigation focuses on whether Google evaluated the risks to individuals' rights from processing personal data for AI development. This scrutiny reflects a broader trend of regulatory oversight on AI systems in Europe.
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Amazon has announced a new policy requiring corporate employees to return to the office five days a week starting January 2, 2025. This decision, which reverses the previous hybrid model, aims to enhance collaboration and preserve company culture, but has sparked significant employee discontent.