EU | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:20:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.7.11 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png EU | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 Apple terminates Epic Games’ iOS developer access once again https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/apple-terminates-epic-games-ios-developer-access-once-again/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/matthew-wilson/apple-terminates-epic-games-ios-developer-access-once-again/#respond Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:57:38 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=650789 Apple is sticking with its decision to keep Epic Games' development account for iOS closed. The news follows on from Epic Games' planned return to iOS later this year and now, EU regulators appear to be getting involved.  Epic Games explained that its iOS developer account access has been terminated again. According to Epic, Apple …

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Apple is sticking with its decision to keep Epic Games' development account for iOS closed. The news follows on from Epic Games' planned return to iOS later this year and now, EU regulators appear to be getting involved. 

Epic Games explained that its iOS developer account access has been terminated again. According to Epic, Apple cited ‘public criticism' against the company, claiming that Epic Games is a ‘threat' to Apple's ecosystem. Epic CEO, Tim Sweeney, took to Twitter to share the post that Apple took issue with. It is a tweet from February 26th of this year, in which Sweeney offers his opinion of Apple's recent moves.

Now, as spotted by Bloomberg, the European Commission is getting involved, with a spokesperson confirming that it has “requested further explanations” from Apple regarding its decision to block Epic's developer access to iOS. The Commission wants to examine whether or not Apple has breached its digital market rules.

Apple is in a spot of bother already in the EU, as the commission recently imposed a €1.2 billion fine on the company following a successful complaint from rival streaming service provider, Spotify. Apple is also having to come to grips with the EU's Digital Markets Act, which will force certain parts of Apple's business to operate differently. The EU has also recently forced Apple to adopt the USB-C standard for the iPhone moving forward, doing away with the proprietary Lightning connector.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: There appears to be lingering animosity between Apple and Epic Games. Now we'll have to see how involved the EU will get here and if it will be able to force Apple to grant access to Epic Games to develop software for iOS. 

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Apple to open up iOS to app side-loading in 2024 https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-to-open-up-ios-to-app-side-loading-in-2024/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/apple-to-open-up-ios-to-app-side-loading-in-2024/#respond Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:00:41 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=637416 Due to new regulations in the EU, Apple will soon be allowing app side-loading on iOS devices. This means iPhone users will be able to freely install apps on their devices without going through the App Store directly. Now, we have a good idea of when this change will come into place.  The European Union's …

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Due to new regulations in the EU, Apple will soon be allowing app side-loading on iOS devices. This means iPhone users will be able to freely install apps on their devices without going through the App Store directly. Now, we have a good idea of when this change will come into place. 

The European Union's Digital Markets Act went into effect back in late 2022, requiring platform holders to open up their platforms. While side-loading is already possible on Android devices, it has not been available on iOS, outside of allowing developers to install beta apps for testing. However, this will change in 2024.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in the latest issue of the Power On newsletter, Apple will introduce a “highly controlled system” that will allow users to install apps hosted outside of the App Store on iOS. Previous rumours claimed this change could arrive with iOS 17.2 but Gurman's new report contradicts this, claiming that the update will arrive in the first half of 2024.

While Apple complied with EU rules to bring USB-C to the iPhone worldwide, it is possible that side-loading apps will only be made available within the EU but we have yet to get full confirmation on Apple's plans. If current information is accurate, all will be made clear in the coming months, possibly ahead of Apple's annual WWDC event in June.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Many users will argue that one of the strengths of iOS is its highly optimised environment and the curated nature of the App Store. However, neither of these things should be hampered by the introduction of side-loading. Now we'll just have to wait and see how Apple's ‘controlled' solution will work and if it will be available worldwide, or just within EU countries. 

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EU court upholds fine against Valve over PC game geo-blocking https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-court-upholds-fine-against-valve-over-pc-game-geo-blocking/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-court-upholds-fine-against-valve-over-pc-game-geo-blocking/#respond Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:14:29 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=632044 Back in April 2019, we learned that the European Commission was launching an anti-trust investigation into content geo-blocking. The investigation looked into several huge game publishers including Valve, ZeniMax, Capcom, Bandai Namco, Focus Home Interactive and Koch Media. Ultimately, the EU fined the companies for geo-blocking practices in 2021. Valve of course appealed, as it …

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Back in April 2019, we learned that the European Commission was launching an anti-trust investigation into content geo-blocking. The investigation looked into several huge game publishers including Valve, ZeniMax, Capcom, Bandai Namco, Focus Home Interactive and Koch Media. Ultimately, the EU fined the companies for geo-blocking practices in 2021. Valve of course appealed, as it has done many times in the past when fines are levied. Now two years later, Valve has lost its appeal. 

In the case of Valve, the EU fined the company €1.6 million. Other companies listed in the complaint were also fined, with ZeniMax being asked for €1.6 million, Focus Home Interactive taking on a €2.8 million fine and the likes of Capcom and Bandai Namco being asked for less than €400,000 each.

Valve appealed the EU's anti-trust ruling, arguing that copyright holders should have the right to charge different prices in certain regions. However, the EU General Court upheld the ruling this week, stating that copyright law “does not guarantee the opportunity to demand the highest possible remuneration or to engage in conduct such as to lead to artificial price differences between the partitioned national markets”.

For a little background, a number of publishers were found to have been geo-blocking activation keys for PC games purchased in certain EU countries, including the likes of Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania and Czechia. The geo-blocks were in place to stop customers from using VPNs to take advantage of lower game prices in these countries. However, doing so is also in breach of the EU's single market rules.

It is unclear if Valve will file another appeal, pushing the case up to a higher court.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of this? Should publishers be allowed to make region-restricted activation keys for games if it enables lower prices in countries with lower average income?

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EU says benefits of Microsoft-Activision deal were recognised by devs, consumers and cloud providers https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-says-benefits-of-microsoft-activision-deal-were-recognised-by-devs-consumers-and-cloud-providers/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-says-benefits-of-microsoft-activision-deal-were-recognised-by-devs-consumers-and-cloud-providers/#respond Thu, 25 May 2023 14:30:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=616817 Shortly after the European Commission announced its decision to approve Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the CMA took to Twitter to outline the reasons it disagrees with the decision and is moving ahead with its decision to block. Now today, the EU has put out a lengthy statement on its approach to mergers, promoting Microsoft's …

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Shortly after the European Commission announced its decision to approve Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the CMA took to Twitter to outline the reasons it disagrees with the decision and is moving ahead with its decision to block. Now today, the EU has put out a lengthy statement on its approach to mergers, promoting Microsoft's deal as good for the cloud gaming industry.

The speech comes from the European Commission's Executive VP, Margrethe Vestager, who points out that while the EU and the CMA shared initial concerns about the deal, their thinking on the deal diverged significantly. While the CMA believes the acquisition needs to be stopped in order for the cloud market to flourish, Vestager says not all vertical mergers need to be viewed in a negative light, adding that Microsoft's investment in this area, combined with the EU's agreed remedies, would allow the cloud gaming market to flourish in a way it otherwise wouldn't have.

“No less recently than last week, we cleared the Microsoft/Activision deal, while the CMA decided to block it. That divergence raises important questions regarding our assessment, our remedies policy and our cooperation.”

“First, a few words on policy. Currently, some people think that agencies should either block or clear mergers. Nothing in between. So if you block you are a “tough” enforcer. If you clear, well, let's just say you are not perceived as tough. That is not our policy. The European Courts have held that we cannot, as a matter of principle, dismiss remedy proposals. We have to investigate the merits of every solution offered.”

Going deeper into the EU's divergence from the CMA on the subject of Microsoft/Activision, Vestager says:

“Occasionally, we reach decisions that are not aligned with every other jurisdiction. So I'd like to take a few moments to set out why we believe the Microsoft/Activision merger – with appropriate remedies – is not only compatible with the Single Market, but in fact represents a positive development.”

The EU acknowledges that Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a “landmark transaction” in the gaming industry, but the investigation found that Microsoft's proposal would have more benefit to the industry, particularly the cloud gaming industry, with appropriate remedies in place. The EU was able to negotiate a global, free license for cloud gaming providers and consumers for Activision Blizzard titles for at least the next ten years.

In the pre-merger situation, Activision has not shown interest in bringing its titles to cloud services, so in this case, the EU finds that the remedy “opens the door for smaller cloud services in the EU to offer big games on their platforms, widening choice for gamers”.

The EU also said the benefits of this remedy were universally recognised amongst consumer groups, developers, distributors and cloud gaming providers, as it is seen to be unlocking “the potential of the cloud market”.

“Again, let me emphasize that these types of remedies are the minority of our cases, by far. But when they work, why deprive ourselves of the option? This is what useful enforcement is all about”, Vestager continues.

Currently, Microsoft is appealing the CMA's ruling with hopes of having it overturned. The timeline for the appeal has not been set yet, so expect to hear more in the next few months.

You can read Vestager's whole speech here. If you are interested in this story and have been following it closely, then it is a highly recommended read.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Typically, we don't see regulators speaking so openly on their support or lack of support on mergers outside of the public reports that have to be published whenever a major decision is made. What's more interesting here is that the CMA seems to believe Microsoft already has a monopoly on cloud gaming, while the EU recognises this as not being the case, with many competitors out there, ranging from the likes of Nvidia and Amazon to smaller players like Boosteroid and NWare.

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KitGuru Games: Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition has turned into a political circus https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/kitguru-games-microsofts-activision-blizzard-acquisition-has-turned-into-a-political-circus/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/kitguru-games-microsofts-activision-blizzard-acquisition-has-turned-into-a-political-circus/#respond Wed, 17 May 2023 19:47:37 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=615224 The Microsoft-ABK acquisition has turned into a political circus here in the UK and Microsoft is making sure to throw its weight around, going as far as to hint at the possibility of pulling products out of the UK and investing elsewhere.

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At this point, many countries across the globe have approved Microsoft's planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard, including the European Commission, which worked with Microsoft on remedies to ensure continued access to Activision games for cloud gaming providers big and small all across the world, not just in Europe. However, the CMA is standing firm on its decision to block the deal, which is now drawing criticism from UK politicians. Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, was recently asked whether the company would consider pulling products from the UK market.

Typically, it would be inconceivable to see a major company like Microsoft withdrawing from the UK and the idea would be shot down immediately. However, against the backdrop of the political landscape and the UK's struggling economy, Microsoft does have an opportunity to throw its weight around a bit here and we've seen the company take that opportunity. After the CMA initially announced its decision to block, based on cloud gaming market concerns, Activision and Microsoft execs claimed that it was a sign that the UK is “closed for business” for tech companies. Now, Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, is dangling the possibility of major changes to its presence in the UK.

In an interview with CNBC, Nadella was asked “Could you ever see an age where you sell the product in the US if it was approved, sell the product in Europe, but not sell it in the UK if they did not approve it?”. Nadella replied with a smile, saying “Let's wait for it all to play out”.

If Microsoft is able to get the deal approved everywhere except for the UK, then Microsoft could theoretically make some major changes. The company currently has a huge presence in the UK, having not just its own offices with thousands of employees, but also a number of UK-based game studios under its wing. Decreasing investment in the UK and moving over to Europe would be a major blow to the UK and hurt the current government's desire to transform the country into a Silicon Valley-style tech hub. The UK has already suffered a blow in this area, as the country's biggest and most relevant chip maker, ARM, rejected offers to list on the London Stock Exchange after its deal to be acquired by Nvidia fell through. Instead, ARM is set to be listed on the US stock exchange.

Following the EU's approval of the acquisition, Activision confirmed plans to expand its investment across its European studios. In a post-Brexit world, the UK is directly competing with the EU for investment exactly like this and alarm bells have begun ringing in politicians' ears. Recently, UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, posted on LinkedIn directly addressing the CMA, expressing a desire to “steer” the regulator's direction. UK Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, also told Reuters in an interview this week that he thinks it is “important all our regulators understand their wider responsibilities for economic growth”, directly referring to the ongoing situation with Microsoft and Activision.

It is worth noting for non-UK readers that this comes at a time when the UK economy is struggling and there are many more pressing issues that the government should be spending its time on, such as food shortages, energy prices and inflation. As a Brit myself, I feel that far more citizens care about whether or not they'll be able to cook a roast dinner next Sunday than whether or not this acquisition goes through. The fact of the matter is though, the CMA's decision here could indeed have a negative impact on the economy and its flimsy arguments against it could reflect poorly on the country in enterprising circles.

As analyst Florian Mueller points out, the acquisition has already been approved in 37 countries with a total population count 14 times higher than the UK's and with an aggregate GDP that is far higher than the UK's as well. That's a tough market proposition for Microsoft to give up on.

The CMA isn't the only regulator opposing the deal, the FTC in the US is also suing to block it but the key difference is that in the US, the FTC needs to get a court-ordered injunction and fight to block a case in a court of law. The FTC has lost many cases this way and the general consensus is that Microsoft has a good chance to beat the lawsuit. Here in the UK, the CMA is allowed to make its own decisions as an independent entity without oversight from an actual court.

Microsoft is set to appeal the CMA's ruling, which will go to a tribunal that can then direct the CMA to correct course if a successful argument is made. Given that the CMA made a number of errors in its calculations, such as counting all Game Pass subscribers as XCloud users and significantly overstating Microsoft's market share in cloud gaming, it will be interesting to see how the appeal plays out.

KitGuru Says: When I first heard that Microsoft was acquiring Activision Blizzard, at no point did I think I would be writing articles about the UK economy and high-ranking politicians, yet here we are. Hopefully, this appeal situation and the FTC case can have a quick turnaround, no matter what the outcome is, so we can get back to talking about actual video games once again.

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Microsoft is now offering a free global license to all cloud gaming services for Activision titles https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/microsoft-is-now-offering-a-free-global-license-to-all-cloud-gaming-services-for-activision-titles/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/microsoft-is-now-offering-a-free-global-license-to-all-cloud-gaming-services-for-activision-titles/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 17:12:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=614959 We've all seen the ten-year deals Microsoft has signed with various cloud gaming companies to offer Activision titles like Call of Duty to rival cloud gaming providers. As it turns out, in order to get its acquisition of Activision Blizzard approved by the EU, Microsoft had to go a step further, offering a free global …

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We've all seen the ten-year deals Microsoft has signed with various cloud gaming companies to offer Activision titles like Call of Duty to rival cloud gaming providers. As it turns out, in order to get its acquisition of Activision Blizzard approved by the EU, Microsoft had to go a step further, offering a free global license to all cloud gaming providers.

As part of the EU's press release announcing approval of the deal, it was noted in the remedies section that Microsoft is now offering a free license to all cloud gaming services and gamers within the EEA, allowing players to stream Activision games through whatever cloud service they prefer. As it turns out, this free license is actually on offer globally, not just in Europe.

In a tweet this afternoon, Microsoft President, Brad Smith, said: “The European Commission has required Microsoft to license popular Activision Blizzard games automatically to competing cloud gaming services. This will apply globally and will empower millions of consumers worldwide to play these games on any device they choose.”

There is a caveat here – the license applies to ‘Bring your Own Game' services, like GeForce Now, where users are allowed to stream games they've already purchased on platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store or other digital stores on PC. It does not apply to services that directly sell games through their own store, which was Google Stadia's business model. Fortunately, very few cloud gaming services operate this way and prefer to approach the market in a similar way to GeForce Now, where users can pay a subscription for access to more powerful servers and other benefits, rather than buying games directly from the cloud provider.

While the EU was satisfied with Microsoft's free, global license, available to all cloud gaming providers without exception, the UK's Competition & Markets Authority claims that the deal will allow Microsoft to “set the terms and conditions” for the cloud gaming market for the next ten years. The CMA went on to say that it stands by its initial decision.

That could eventually change. Recently, UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced plans to review the CMA's policies and potentially make changes. The UK government will be meeting with CMA heads this week in parliament to question them on the work the CMA is doing.

At this point, the deal is still being blocked in the UK but Microsoft and Activision are set to file an appeal. Microsoft is also preparing to take the FTC on in court over in the USA in order to push the deal through.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: If the UK government really wants the UK to become a tech hub, then it is going to have to improve its understanding of the industry and work better with companies in this space. So far, all they've managed to do is send ARM off to the US stock market and right now, both Activision and Microsoft are reevaluating investment plans for the UK and may well choose to spend more in the EU instead, simply due to more reasonable and knowledgable regulators – Activision itself is already hinting at this exact outcome

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The CMA says it stands by decision to block Microsoft-Activision deal despite EU approval https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/the-cma-says-it-stands-by-decision-to-block-microsoft-activision-deal-despite-eu-approval/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/the-cma-says-it-stands-by-decision-to-block-microsoft-activision-deal-despite-eu-approval/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 16:17:49 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=614955 This afternoon, the European Commission officially approved Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, noting that the remedies offered by Microsoft should be enough to do away with competition concerns. Now, the UK's Competition & Markets Authority has responded, saying it stands by its initial decision.  In a series of tweets posted in the hour or …

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This afternoon, the European Commission officially approved Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, noting that the remedies offered by Microsoft should be enough to do away with competition concerns. Now, the UK's Competition & Markets Authority has responded, saying it stands by its initial decision. 

In a series of tweets posted in the hour or so after the EU's decision became public, the CMA says that “Microsoft's proposals accepted by the European Commission would allow Microsoft to set the terms and conditions for this [cloud gaming] market for the next 10 years”. The CMA also notes that the EU's decision would require “ongoing regulation of the games Microsoft sells, the platforms to which it sells them, and the conditions of the sale”.

Microsoft and the EU had agreed on a major remedy for the cloud gaming market, offering up a completely free license to all cloud gaming providers and gamers to play all current and future Activision games on whatever streaming service they want. While the CMA claims the deal would harm cloud competition, the EU says the exact opposite, noting that the free license would open up the cloud market and promote competition rather than harming it.

It seems to be a stark difference of opinion between the two regulators, but it is worth noting that the EU has a stronger track record when it comes to understanding and actively engaging in the tech world, while the UK government's reputation in that regard is not very good. The CMA says it stands by its decision to block the deal, but nonetheless, Microsoft and Activision will be filing appeals. Given that the CMA already made provably wrong calculations at various stages during its investigation, there is a high chance Microsoft has some good ammunition for its appeal.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Interestingly, the European Commission's press release did not make any mention of a ten-year time gate on the freely available license to streamers. This seems to be a new remedy, separate from the many 10-year deals Microsoft signed with console makers and streaming providers. With that in mind, the CMA's comments here might be flawed from the jump. 

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The EU officially approves Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/the-eu-officially-approves-microsofts-acquisition-of-activision-blizzard/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/the-eu-officially-approves-microsofts-acquisition-of-activision-blizzard/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 14:46:26 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=614947 Last week, it was reported that the European Commission would announce its decision on Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard this week. As it turns out, that report was indeed accurate, with the commission publishing its press release today, approving the deal. 

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Last week, it was reported that the European Commission would announce its decision on Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard this week. As it turns out, that report was indeed accurate, with the commission publishing its press release today, approving the deal. 

The European Commission has approved the acquisition under the EU Merger Regulation. While the UK's CMA said Microsoft's concession commitments weren't enough to dispel competition concerns, particularly when it comes to the cloud gaming market, the EU says that Microsoft's commitments have fully addressed their concerns and even goes on to say that the merger would actually help the cloud gaming market, making for a very different conclusion compared to the UK's regulator.

One of those concessions for the cloud gaming market is a free license to consumers in the EEA to stream all current and future Activision Blizzard PC and Console games through whatever cloud game streaming service they want. A corresponding free license has also been extended to rival game streaming services. Since Activision does not currently license its games to any cloud gaming service provider, this change is seen as a positive one, and one that would only come to fruition if the merger is approved.

The EU goes on to say that the commitments “will unlock significant benefits for competition and consumers, by bringing Activision's games to new platforms, including smaller EU players, and to more devices than before”. The EU also says that the remedies “fully address the competition concerns” identified in the preliminary investigation.

While the EU is approving the acquisition, the FTC in the US has sued to block the deal and over in the UK, the CMA has also opted to block the deal. However, the general consensus has been that Microsoft has a good chance to beat the FTC in court. Over in the UK, Microsoft and Activision are filing an appeal to overturn the CMA's decision.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: It is very interesting to see just how different the conclusions are in the EU investigation versus the CMA's. The CMA seems to think that this acquisition would doom the cloud gaming market, meanwhile, the EU says it will actually strengthen it and help the market grow. 

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The EU will reportedly approve Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition this month https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/the-eu-will-reportedly-approve-microsofts-activision-blizzard-acquisition-this-month/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/the-eu-will-reportedly-approve-microsofts-activision-blizzard-acquisition-this-month/#respond Wed, 10 May 2023 16:51:57 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=614513 While the FTC and the CMA are opposing Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, reports this week claim that the European Commission has a different view on the deal and plans to approve it.  According to sources speaking with Reuters, the EU will approve Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition. Previously, the Commission had set a May 22nd …

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While the FTC and the CMA are opposing Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, reports this week claim that the European Commission has a different view on the deal and plans to approve it. 

According to sources speaking with Reuters, the EU will approve Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition. Previously, the Commission had set a May 22nd deadline for ruling on the deal, but according to the new report, they could make the decision public as early as the 15th of May.

While approval in the EU would be a big win for Microsoft there are other major hurdles the company has to clear before it can close the deal. The FTC is suing to block the acquisition in the US and all parties are currently preparing for trial. Meanwhile, the UK's Competition & Markets Authority has voted to block the deal, forcing Microsoft to file an appeal.

With all of that in mind, even if Microsoft does get good news from Europe later this month, we're still a long way from seeing the final say on this deal.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Do you think Microsoft should be allowed to acquire Activision Blizzard? 

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Microsoft signs another 10-year cloud gaming deal https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/microsoft-signs-another-10-year-cloud-gaming-deal/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/microsoft-signs-another-10-year-cloud-gaming-deal/#respond Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:57:11 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=613330 The CMA may have opted to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard but Microsoft is showing no signs of backing down. The company is already preparing to appeal the ruling and in the meantime, the company is also still signing 10-year deals guaranteeing access to major IP to other cloud gaming providers.  Microsoft was not …

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The CMA may have opted to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard but Microsoft is showing no signs of backing down. The company is already preparing to appeal the ruling and in the meantime, the company is also still signing 10-year deals guaranteeing access to major IP to other cloud gaming providers. 

Microsoft was not able to convince the CMA that it wants to grow the cloud gaming market and not impede it in the months leading up to this week's ruling. However, the company is still signing deals, which should go a long way towards helping its appeal in the UK, and help push the EU towards approving the deal.

The latest deal has been signed with NWare, a Spanish cloud gaming provider that offers cloud storage and server access for users to stream PC games they own across different launchers to almost any device.

If the deal is approved, smaller cloud providers like NWare and Boosteroid, as well as major companies like Nvidia and EE, will get access to Xbox first-party titles and Activision Blizzard games like Call of Duty.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Given all the work Microsoft has put in to offer its games to rivals in the cloud space, seeing the deal blocked on the grounds of protecting the cloud market does seem a tad ridiculous. Deals like this should help Microsoft convince the EU and should also aid its appeal efforts. However, ultimately, if the deal does not go through, then Call of Duty will likely remain off of cloud gaming services and Xbox will continue to focus on its own xCloud efforts, rather than trying to help grow the market through guaranteed access to IP. 

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EU pushes back deadline for final decision on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard merger https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-pushes-back-deadline-for-final-decision-on-microsofts-activision-blizzard-merger/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-pushes-back-deadline-for-final-decision-on-microsofts-activision-blizzard-merger/#respond Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:29:28 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=597340 Both the European Commission and the UK's CMA have extended deadlines to reach a decision on Microsoft's planned Activision Blizzard acquisition. Now, the EU is pushing the deadline further, moving from late April to late May.  While Microsoft initially planned to have this deal closed by mid 2023, that timeline is looking increasingly unlikely, if …

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Both the European Commission and the UK's CMA have extended deadlines to reach a decision on Microsoft's planned Activision Blizzard acquisition. Now, the EU is pushing the deadline further, moving from late April to late May. 

While Microsoft initially planned to have this deal closed by mid 2023, that timeline is looking increasingly unlikely, if not impossible at this point. In the US, the FTC has sued to block the deal and Microsoft is preparing for a trial. Over here in Europe, the UK and EU have been pushing back the timeline to reach a decision as well. Most recently, the EU announced that it is extending its deadline to reach a decision from the 25th of April to the 22nd of May.

This follows a slate of new announcements from Microsoft, with the company signing new deals to bring Activision Blizzard and first-party Xbox games to competing cloud gaming services and consoles. The EU will spend a bit more time gathering feedback on the latest moves from Microsoft before making its decision.

According to the latest rumours, the EU is expected to approve the deal, while the UK's CMA is viewed as a major roadblock for Microsoft. The FTC is suing to block the deal, but it is believed that Microsoft has a winnable case.

Given that deadlines keep being pushed, it seems unlikely that Microsoft will be able to close the deal by the middle of the year.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: When Nvidia was acquiring Arm, it expressed confidence in the acquisition being approved by regulators every step of the way, right up until the deal was ultimately scrapped. With that in mind, while there are reasons to believe that Microsoft could push this deal through, these situations can go either way and a public display of confidence does not necessarily mean that regulator discussions are going well. 

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The EU will reportedly approve Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/the-eu-will-reportedly-approve-microsofts-activision-blizzard-acquisition/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/the-eu-will-reportedly-approve-microsofts-activision-blizzard-acquisition/#respond Fri, 03 Mar 2023 13:52:10 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=595377 The competition and market regulators are still evaluating Microsoft's planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard. While it seemed like things were trending towards the acquisition being blocked, sources this week have claimed that the EU is actually now planning to approve the deal. 

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The competition and market regulators are still evaluating Microsoft's planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard. While it seemed like things were trending towards the acquisition being blocked, sources this week have claimed that the EU is actually now planning to approve the deal. 

According to three sources familiar with the matter speaking with Reuters, the European Commission is planning to approve Microsoft's deal. The company's recent legal agreements with Nintendo and Nvidia to put first-party games on Nintendo consoles and Nvidia's rival cloud gaming service are seen as ‘pro competitive' moves and due to this, the EU will reportedly not force Microsoft to divest in any part of the Activision Blizzard business.

With all of that said, it is also worth noting that the EU just extended its deadline for making a decision on the deal, pushing its final ruling to the 25th of April.

The European Commission is just one of several major market regulators that need to approve the deal. The FTC in the US is suing to block the deal and Microsoft is currently preparing for trial to fight for the acquisition. The CMA in the UK is also a hurdle and has previously suggested that Microsoft should divest in Activision, or spin off Call of Duty somehow.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: These talks tend to take place in closed rooms with very few people knowing the full story. With that in mind, I'm not sure how much trust to place in the anonymous sources cited. Still, the timing is interesting following on from Microsoft's Nintendo and Nvidia deals a few weeks ago. 

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Microsoft to make ‘last-ditch’ effort to gain EU approval of Activision Blizzard deal https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/microsoft-to-make-last-ditch-effort-to-gain-eu-approval-of-activision-blizzard-deal/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/microsoft-to-make-last-ditch-effort-to-gain-eu-approval-of-activision-blizzard-deal/#respond Fri, 17 Feb 2023 14:30:19 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=593854 It is no secret that Microsoft's planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard is on shaky ground, with regulators seemingly wholeheartedly buying into Sony's objections to the deal, while also having concerns about the future of the cloud gaming market. According to a report this week, Microsoft is now preparing its ‘last-ditch' effort to get the EU …

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It is no secret that Microsoft's planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard is on shaky ground, with regulators seemingly wholeheartedly buying into Sony's objections to the deal, while also having concerns about the future of the cloud gaming market. According to a report this week, Microsoft is now preparing its ‘last-ditch' effort to get the EU on board. 

According to sources speaking with Reuters (via Eurogamer), Microsoft is set to meet with EU regulators on the 21st of February, during which it will make its final offer on remedies to get the deal approved. These remedies will likely include guaranteed multiplatform releases and feature parity for Call of Duty across all platforms, as well as an offer to bring certain games to competing subscription services at the same time as Game Pass.

As far as cloud gaming goes, we're unsure what approach Microsoft will take here. The cloud gaming market is still incredibly small, but if Microsoft can offer release parity on competing services alongside its own, then that might help persuade regulators. The real issue then comes down to contract lengths. Microsoft's most recent offer was a ten-year deal and assuming Call of Duty is still shipping in ten years' time, that deal would need to be renewed.

The UK's CMA recently published some of their proposed concessions to approve the deal, one of which involved divesting in portions of the Activision business. This feels like a deal-breaker on Microsoft's end, so if that ends up becoming a sticking point here, then the deal will likely be scrapped.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: We still don't know how much Microsoft will have to give up in order to get this deal approved by regulators. As with any negotiation, there is a breaking point, and if regulators are keen on forcing Microsoft to divest in big portions of Activision's business, then I don't think this deal ever completes. 

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EU sets December 2024 deadline for phone makers to switch to USB-C https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/eu-sets-autumn-2024-deadline-for-phone-makers-to-switch-to-usb-c/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/eu-sets-autumn-2024-deadline-for-phone-makers-to-switch-to-usb-c/#respond Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:30:15 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=586377 Earlier this year, the European Union officially passed the amended Radio Equipment Directive, which will enforce a common charging port for all smartphones and tablets. This will force Apple to finally join Android phone makers in using USB-C as the common charging port across devices.  While this rule passed earlier this year, the EU had …

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Earlier this year, the European Union officially passed the amended Radio Equipment Directive, which will enforce a common charging port for all smartphones and tablets. This will force Apple to finally join Android phone makers in using USB-C as the common charging port across devices. 

While this rule passed earlier this year, the EU had yet to set a firm date on when companies needed to start complying with the new rule. As of this week, the date is now set for December 2024. For most Android devices, nothing will change as the majority already use USB-C, but Apple will need to make more substantial changes to its lineup, as it still has many devices using the proprietary Lightning Port.

Apple has already confirmed that these new rules will force them to introduce a USB-C iPhone, but no exact date had been set. Apple could rip the bandaid off and switch to USB-C for this year's iPhone, but in all likelihood, the first USB-C iPhone should arrive in 2024. The deadline fits right in with Apple's usual Q3/Q4 iPhone launch window.

There is one way Apple could get around having to use USB-C – a portless iPhone that relies solely on wireless charging. This is something Apple has been exploring internally, but with many still using wired connections to charge their devices, the market might not be ready for such a change.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The fact that the iPad Pro uses USB-C but the iPhone doesn't has always bothered me. Fortunately now, it looks like that problem will go away in 2024. 

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EU Commission initiates Phase 2 investigation into Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-commission-initiates-phase-2-investigation-into-microsofts-activision-blizzard-acquisition/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-commission-initiates-phase-2-investigation-into-microsofts-activision-blizzard-acquisition/#respond Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:30:15 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=581680 Here in the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority has entered a Phase 2 investigation of Microsoft's planned Activision Blizzard acquisition. Soon, the deal will undergo more scrutiny, this time from the EU, which also plans to enter a phase 2 investigation.  Similarly to the CMA, one of the EU's big concerns around the deal …

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Here in the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority has entered a Phase 2 investigation of Microsoft's planned Activision Blizzard acquisition. Soon, the deal will undergo more scrutiny, this time from the EU, which also plans to enter a phase 2 investigation. 

Similarly to the CMA, one of the EU's big concerns around the deal is indeed Call of Duty and the future of the franchise under Xbox. The investigation will figure out whether the acquisition will give Microsoft the power to engage in ‘foreclosure strategies' to push competitors, like Sony's PlayStation, out of the market.

While Microsoft has been putting out plenty of public statements regarding Call of Duty, the company reportedly missed a deadline to file paperwork with the European Commission, triggering the phase 2 investigation.

The FTC is also currently investigating whether or not the deal should be approved in the US. The FTC, EU Commission and CMA should have their decisions in place in Q1 2023. Microsoft has a mid-2023 deadline to close the deal.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Microsoft stayed true to its word with Minecraft, so I'd expect the same to happen with Call of Duty. The question is if regulators require a legally binding agreement to keep Call of Duty multiplatform, will Microsoft still go through with the deal? 

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Apple will finally make a USB-C iPhone following EU law change https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/apple-will-finally-make-a-usb-c-iphone-following-eu-law-change/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/apple-will-finally-make-a-usb-c-iphone-following-eu-law-change/#respond Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:40:24 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=580202 Earlier this year, the European Union announced legislation requiring smartphone and tablet makers to use a universal charging port to help reduce electronic waste. This isn't an issue for most Android device makers, as the vast majority have been using USB-C for years. When it comes to the iPhone though, Apple has remained adamant that …

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Earlier this year, the European Union announced legislation requiring smartphone and tablet makers to use a universal charging port to help reduce electronic waste. This isn't an issue for most Android device makers, as the vast majority have been using USB-C for years. When it comes to the iPhone though, Apple has remained adamant that it needs to continue using its own proprietary lightning port. Now, with the EU's new rules coming into place, we will finally be getting a USB-C iPhone. 

While Apple introduced USB-C for the iPad Pro line-up years ago, it continued to use the slightly smaller lightning port for its iPhone devices. Now, following the EU's mandate, Apple will be replacing Lightning with USB-C, as confirmed by Apple marketing head, Greg Joswiak.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Joswiak confirmed that the company will “have to comply” with the law and introduce a USB-C iPhone, but the company doesn't seem to be pleased about this change. The new rules will come into effect in Autumn 2024, so that is when Apple will finally make the jump unless it chooses to bring USB-C in earlier for the 2023 iPhone, which doesn't seem likely.

Joswiak did not confirm if it would introduce the USB-C version of the iPhone globally, or just in the EU, where this law applies. Interestingly, as The Verge points out, a portless iPhone, an idea Apple has been toying with for a while, could skirt around these rules, but it would mean users would have to solely rely on wireless charging. While wireless charging has become more common in recent years, fast charging over a cable is still the preferred method for most.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Do you think Apple will switch to USB-C right away, or will the company drag this out until the 2024 deadline? Will non-USB-C iPhones still be sold outside of the EU? 

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Sony is increasing the price of the PS5 in many countries https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/sony-is-increasing-the-price-of-the-ps5-in-many-countries/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/sony-is-increasing-the-price-of-the-ps5-in-many-countries/#respond Thu, 25 Aug 2022 09:58:33 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=571949 The PS5 is nearing two years old and unfortunately, due to supply issues, we've yet to see any real deals for the new console at retail. Soon, the situation will get a little worse, as Sony is increasing the price of the PS5 in several markets across the world due to “the global economic environment”.  …

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The PS5 is nearing two years old and unfortunately, due to supply issues, we've yet to see any real deals for the new console at retail. Soon, the situation will get a little worse, as Sony is increasing the price of the PS5 in several markets across the world due to “the global economic environment”. 

According to Sony, the “current global economic environment” is impacting SIE's business. This includes inflation and negative currency trends. We don't get much more of an explanation than that, but Sony does also note in the blog post that it is still trying to improve the PS5 supply situation.

Both the PS5 Disc and Digital editions will be getting price bumps. Here in the UK, the disc version will go from costing £449.99 to £479.99. The Digital edition will rise to £389.99. A similar price increase is also going into effect in Europe, Japan, China, Australia, Mexico and Canada. You can see the full list of adjusted RRPs per region below:

  • Europe
    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – €549.99
    • PS5 Digital Edition – €449.99
  • UK
    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – £479.99
    • PS5 Digital Edition – £389.99
  • Japan (effective Sept. 15, 2022)
    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – ¥60,478 yen (including tax)
    • PS5 Digital Edition – ¥49,478 yen (including tax)
  • China
    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – ¥4,299 yuan
    • PS5 Digital Edition – ¥3,499 yuan
  • Australia
    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – AUD $799.95
    • PS5 Digital Edition – AUD $649.95
  • Mexico
    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – MXN $14,999
    • PS5 Digital Edition – MXN $12,499
  • Canada
    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – CAD $649.99
    • PS5 Digital Edition – CAD $519.99

For whatever reason, there will be no price increase in the United States. Unfortunately, we don't have an exact date for when this new pricing goes into effect, so it is very likely that the next major restock in each region will sell at the new, higher price.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Usually two years into a console cycle, we're starting to see the first decent discounts during the holiday season, but it looks like it'll take a bit longer to reach that point this time around. 

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EU agrees on plan to enforce USB-C as common charger for all smartphones and tablets https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/eu-agrees-on-plan-to-enforce-usb-c-as-common-charger-for-all-smartphones-and-tablets/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/eu-agrees-on-plan-to-enforce-usb-c-as-common-charger-for-all-smartphones-and-tablets/#respond Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:27:54 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=563671 The European Union has been looking to set a universal charging port standard for a while now. Most Android smartphones nowadays use USB-C, as do many laptops and other devices. Now, new EU rules will ensure that USB-C becomes the common charging port for all smartphones and tablets sold in Europe by 2024.  The provisional …

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The European Union has been looking to set a universal charging port standard for a while now. Most Android smartphones nowadays use USB-C, as do many laptops and other devices. Now, new EU rules will ensure that USB-C becomes the common charging port for all smartphones and tablets sold in Europe by 2024. 

The provisional agreement on the amended Radio Equipment Directive establishes a single charging solution for certain electronic devices. By ensuring everyone is using USB-C, the EU says products will be more sustainable and electronic waste will be reduced. It will also cut down on the headache of needing multiple different cables for different devices around the house.

As noted previously, most Android devices, as well as many other laptops and tablets, do use USB-C nowadays, so this will have the biggest impact on Apple. While Apple has shipped the iPad Pro with USB-C since 2018, the iPhone continues to use the company's own proprietary Lightning port. This new law would force Apple to put USB-C on the iPhone for the first time, starting in 2024, unless the company can work something out with the EU.

The full range of devices that will have to use USB-C in the EU includes: Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable. Laptops will have to begin using USB-C for charging within 40 months of the rules becoming active.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of the EU's plan to enforce USB-C on all portable devices? 

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Intel announces plans to build ‘mega fab’ in Europe https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/intel-announces-plans-to-build-mega-fab-in-europe/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/intel-announces-plans-to-build-mega-fab-in-europe/#respond Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:48:43 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=553764 Last year, Intel announced plans to build new facilities in Europe to boost chip production. Now, that plan has been finalised, with Intel today announcing plans to invest as much as 80 billion euros in the EU over the next decade, as well as plans to create six new facilities for R&D and chip fabrication …

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Last year, Intel announced plans to build new facilities in Europe to boost chip production. Now, that plan has been finalised, with Intel today announcing plans to invest as much as 80 billion euros in the EU over the next decade, as well as plans to create six new facilities for R&D and chip fabrication across Europe. 

Intel's new 17 billion euro ‘mega-fab' will be built in Germany. This will be Intel's biggest project, setting up a new “leading-edge semiconductor fab mega-site” in Germany. In addition, a new R&D facility will be built in France, as well as additional R&D, manufacturing and foundry facilities in Ireland, Italy, Poland and Spain.

This is a landmark investment for Intel and will bring a huge boost to the European chip ecosystem. This should also create a more robust supply chain and help tackle the chip shortage. Speaking on Intel's push into Europe, CEO, Pat Gelsinger, said: “Our planned investments are a major step both for Intel and for Europe. The EU Chips Act will empower private companies and governments to work together to drastically advance Europe’s position in the semiconductor sector. ”

Construction of the fabrication facilities in Germany will begin in the first half of 2023 and will be up and running in 2027. Once the new fabs are online, they are expected to deliver chips using Intel's “most advanced, Angstrom-era transistor technologies”.

Intel will be investing ‘up to' 80 billion euros in the EU over the next decade, starting with this initial investment of 33 billion euros to build currently announced facilities. Intel is in negotiations to build additional facilities and expand in the years ahead.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: With Intel making such big moves to expand in the EU, we have to wonder if competitors will follow. 

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Apple and Amazon fined over ‘anti-competitive collusion’ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/apple-and-amazon-fined-over-anti-competitive-collusion/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/apple-and-amazon-fined-over-anti-competitive-collusion/#respond Tue, 23 Nov 2021 14:57:00 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=540589 Apple is regularly in the news due to repeated antitrust violations. This time around, the company has been accused anti-competitive behaviour in Italy, with authorities also claiming collusion between Apple and Amazon to supress competition. As a result, both parties have been ordered to pay a $225 million fine. Italy's antitrust authority has fined Apple …

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Apple is regularly in the news due to repeated antitrust violations. This time around, the company has been accused anti-competitive behaviour in Italy, with authorities also claiming collusion between Apple and Amazon to supress competition. As a result, both parties have been ordered to pay a $225 million fine.

Italy's antitrust authority has fined Apple and Amazon over €200 million (roughly $225 million USD) for anti-competitive cooperation. Investigators found that Apple and Amazon included illegal contractual provisions in a 2018 agreement, which meant that only selected resellers could sell Apple and Beats products on Amazon Italy.

The fine is split up with Apple paying the bigger share. Apple has been fined €134.5 million, while Amazon has been fined €68.7 million. So far, both companies have confirmed plans to appeal against the fines.

As reported by Reuters, Apple and Amazon “strongly disagree” with the fines. On its end, Apple says that it “works closely” with reseller partners to ensure customers are purchasing genuine products, while Amazon says that its agreement with Apple resulted in “better deals and faster shipping”.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Apple and Amazon both have plans to appeal, so this could be dragged out for a while. With that in mind, we'll keep an eye out for further updates. 

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EU Commission opens investigation into Nvidia’s $40 billion Arm acquisition https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/eu-commission-opens-investigation-into-nvidias-40-billion-arm-acquisition/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/eu-commission-opens-investigation-into-nvidias-40-billion-arm-acquisition/#respond Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:10:42 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=537705 In recent months, a number of regulators have begun taking an interest in Nvidia's proposed $40 billion acquisition of Arm. The deal was announced in 2020 but has yet to be completed as the deal continues to go through regulatory checks. Recently, the UK's competition authority suggested the acquisition could “create real problems” and now, …

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In recent months, a number of regulators have begun taking an interest in Nvidia's proposed $40 billion acquisition of Arm. The deal was announced in 2020 but has yet to be completed as the deal continues to go through regulatory checks. Recently, the UK's competition authority suggested the acquisition could “create real problems” and now, the European Commission is also launching a formal investigation. 

This week, the European Commission announced that it has opened a formal investigation into Nvidia's acquisition of Arm. The investigation will focus on whether or not the deal would make it harder for other manufacturers to access Arm technology. Up to now, Arm has maintained an open licensing model, and as a result, Arm is used by many of the biggest tech companies in the world, including the likes of Apple, Qualcomm, Samsung, Microsoft, Google and others.

The EU will also investigate how the deal could impact the way competitors share information with Arm and whether or not Nvidia could change Arm's R&D process in a way that would negatively impact competing companies utilising the Arm license.

Nvidia has previously stated publicly that it does not intend to change Arm's licensing model and has maintained confidence that the deal will eventually be approved by regulators. However, the company has also admitted that the deal is taking longer to complete than initially anticipated.

Currently, the EU has until March 2022 to approve or challenge the deal. Nvidia expects to complete its acquisition of Arm by the end of 2022.

KitGuru Says: There have been many twists and turns in Nvidia's efforts to acquire Arm. Do you think the deal will ultimately be approved? 

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UK won’t be part of Intel’s plans for new fabs in Europe https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/joao-silva/uk-wont-be-part-of-intels-plans-for-new-fabs-in-europe/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/joao-silva/uk-wont-be-part-of-intels-plans-for-new-fabs-in-europe/#respond Fri, 08 Oct 2021 13:00:33 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=534823 Over the last year, Intel has begun planning new fab facilities in Europe, with financial support from the European Union. Since the EU is involved in the funding, the UK's exit from the European Union means that Intel did indeed strike the country off of its list for potential facility locations.  In an interview conducted …

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Over the last year, Intel has begun planning new fab facilities in Europe, with financial support from the European Union. Since the EU is involved in the funding, the UK's exit from the European Union means that Intel did indeed strike the country off of its list for potential facility locations. 

In an interview conducted by BBC, Pat Gelsinger said that Intel aims to build two fabs in Europe, but the UK won't be on the list as it doesn't belong to the EU. Before Brexit, the UK was a potential location for a chip factory. Currently, Intel has 70 proposals from ten other countries and expects to decide on a location before this year ends.

Intel plans to build new fabs in Europe as part of ‘IDM 2.0', a $95B strategy to make the US and Europe less dependent on Chinese manufacturers by opening and upgrading plants in the next ten years to increase chip output. At the moment, Intel has eight active chip fabs, from which only one is located in Europe, the Leixlip Campus in Ireland.

During the interview, Gelsinger also commented on the ongoing chip shortage, saying that “everything is short right now”, but he expects the situation will stabilise in 2023.

KitGuru says: Given that this is an EU initiative offering financial support, it makes sense to build new facilities within countries in the European Union. 

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EU proposes rules to push smartphone and electronics makers to use USB-C https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/eu-proposes-rules-to-push-smartphone-and-electronics-makers-to-use-usb-c/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/eu-proposes-rules-to-push-smartphone-and-electronics-makers-to-use-usb-c/#respond Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:00:20 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=532835 The European Commission is planning to introduce new rules that would mandate all electronics manufacturers use USB-C as the common charging port on their devices. This is something that would also apply to smartphone makers, which could finally push Apple to switch from Lightning to USB-C on future iPhones, just as it did with the …

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The European Commission is planning to introduce new rules that would mandate all electronics manufacturers use USB-C as the common charging port on their devices. This is something that would also apply to smartphone makers, which could finally push Apple to switch from Lightning to USB-C on future iPhones, just as it did with the iPad Pro. 

Aside from smartphones, this rule would also apply to tablets, headphones, cameras, portable speakers and other electronic devices. The goal is to ‘harmonise' charging ports and fast charging technology, while also reducing the need for manufacturers to include chargers and wall plugs with devices, thus reducing electronic waste.

The only snag here is that the rule would not apply if you switch a device to wireless charging and it would take two years for this rule to begin applying to companies. With that in mind, it is entirely feasible that a smartphone maker like Apple could ditch charging ports entirely and just offer wireless charging.

For this rule to become law, the Radio Equipment Directive proposal needs to pass a vote within European Parliament, so this isn't set in stone yet, but we should hear more in the months to come.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: As an iPad Pro user, the lack of USB-C on the iPhone all these years later continues to be a source of frustration for me. Perhaps a rule like this would push Apple to make the switch, although I could just as easily envision an iPhone with no ports at all within the years to come as well. 

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EU finds Apple in breach of competition law, sides with Spotify https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/eu-finds-apple-in-breach-of-competition-law-sides-with-spotify/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/eu-finds-apple-in-breach-of-competition-law-sides-with-spotify/#respond Fri, 30 Apr 2021 10:48:47 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=513838 Earlier this week, it was reported that the European Commission would bring antitrust charges against Apple soon for breaking competition laws. Now, everything is official, with the commission finding that Apple is “in breach of EU competition law” with its 30 percent revenue cut and other iOS policies.  The EU investigation began in early 2020, …

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Earlier this week, it was reported that the European Commission would bring antitrust charges against Apple soon for breaking competition laws. Now, everything is official, with the commission finding that Apple is “in breach of EU competition law” with its 30 percent revenue cut and other iOS policies. 

The EU investigation began in early 2020, following a complaint from Spotify in 2019. Spotify took issue with Apple taking a 30 percent revenue cut from subscriptions on iOS. Spotify also had some other complaints regarding competition after the launch of Apple Music, Apple's own music streaming service.

The European Commission believes that  Apple has a “dominant position” when it comes to music streaming through the iOS App Store. The commission takes issue with the mandatory use of Apple's own in-app purchase system for rival apps, as well as a rule forbidding developers from telling iOS users to use purchase options outside of the iOS app. The reason Apple does this is so that it can continue to take a 30 percent revenue cut from purchases made on its platform.

A statement from the commission says: “Apple’s rules distort competition in the market for music streaming services by raising the costs of competing music streaming app developers. This in turn leads to higher prices for consumers for their in-app music subscriptions on iOS devices.”

These are just the commission's preliminary findings after a year of investigation, so no actions have been taken against Apple yet. We do know what punishments Apple could face, however, as the EU can fine up to 10 percent of a company's annual revenue for breaking its laws. A full 10 percent fine for Apple in 2021 would work out to around $27 billion.

KitGuru Says: Apple's 30 percent revenue cut is being attacked on multiple fronts at the moment. Not only do Apple's lawyers have to worry about EU fines, but they are also about to try and fend off a massive lawsuit from Epic Games. Apple has not responded to the EU's findings yet, but we should see a statement released soon. 

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A ‘few thousand’ RX 6700 XT graphics cards will be available in Europe at launch https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/joao-silva/a-few-thousand-rx-6700-xt-graphics-cards-will-be-available-in-europe-at-launch/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/joao-silva/a-few-thousand-rx-6700-xt-graphics-cards-will-be-available-in-europe-at-launch/#respond Sat, 13 Mar 2021 12:47:51 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=507576 We're all painfully aware of the current GPU stock situation, with shortages impacting both Nvidia's RTX 30 series and AMD's Radeon RX 6900 and RX 6800 series cards. We've got another AMD launch coming up soon – the Radeon RX 6700 XT and early reports indicate that supply will still be strained.  According to a …

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We're all painfully aware of the current GPU stock situation, with shortages impacting both Nvidia's RTX 30 series and AMD's Radeon RX 6900 and RX 6800 series cards. We've got another AMD launch coming up soon – the Radeon RX 6700 XT and early reports indicate that supply will still be strained. 

According to a report from IgorsLab, a source claims that there will be a “few thousand” RX 6700 XT cards available at launch for Europe. Given that demand has only risen the longer these GPU shortages have gone on, it is unlikely that this initial batch will meet overall demand. However, there is still hope that new stock will arrive at a faster rate than other recently launched graphics cards.

According to RedGamingTech, the UK market will get between one thousand and two thousand units at launch, followed by weekly shipments of similar quantity to maintain supply. Of course, this might all be planned, but we won't know how successful the launch is until these cards become available and start shipping to customers.

The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT will be available at retail starting on the 18th of March. Reviews of the graphics card should also go live on that same day.

KitGuru says: Hopefully the RX 6700 XT will have a more plentiful launch compared to other GPUs in the last six months. Are any of you hoping to pick one of these up at launch? 

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EU fines Valve, ZeniMax and other publishers over PC game geo-blocking https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-fines-valve-zenimax-and-other-publishers-over-pc-game-geo-blocking/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/eu-fines-valve-zenimax-and-other-publishers-over-pc-game-geo-blocking/#respond Wed, 20 Jan 2021 13:06:52 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=501919 Back in April 2019, we learned that the European Commission was launching an anti-trust investigation into content geo-blocking. The investigation looked into several huge game publishers including Valve, ZeniMax, Capcom, Bandai Namco, Focus Home Interactive and Koch Media. The investigation has since concluded, with the EU handing down a €7.8 million fine, which is split …

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Back in April 2019, we learned that the European Commission was launching an anti-trust investigation into content geo-blocking. The investigation looked into several huge game publishers including Valve, ZeniMax, Capcom, Bandai Namco, Focus Home Interactive and Koch Media. The investigation has since concluded, with the EU handing down a €7.8 million fine, which is split amongst the publishers.

Following its investigation, the Commission said that these publishers geo-blocked around 100 PC games, preventing them from being played outside of certain EU countries. This is deemed to be against the EU's digital single market, which is in place to ensure all EU member countries can access the same content without barriers.

Geo-blocking was being used to prevent games being activated outside of Czechia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Usually, these geo-blocks are in place to allow lower game prices in these regions due to lower average income. Regular game buyers would notice this and use VPNs to buy games at lower prices by spoofing their physical location. Geo-blocks were put in place to prevent this from happening.

Still, geo-blocking is against the EU's single market rules and as a result, Valve and the five PC game publishers involved in the investigation will be fined. For Valve, the fine will be €1.6 million, ZeniMax will also be paying €1.6 million, meanwhile Focus Home Interactive is taking away the largest fine, coming in at €2.8 million. Koch Media will have to pay €1 million, Capcom will pay €396,000 and Bandai Namco will pay €340,000.

The European Commission reduced fines for some of these companies due to their level of cooperation in the investigation.

KitGuru Says: What do you all think of this? Should publishers be allowed to make region-restricted activation keys for games if it enables lower prices in countries with lower average income?

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Twitter fined €450,000 over GDPR violation https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/twitter-fined-e450000-over-gdpr-violation/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/twitter-fined-e450000-over-gdpr-violation/#respond Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:50:30 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=498215 The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was rolled out across the EU back in 2018 and since then, we haven't seen many major fines in the tech or social media space. That changed today, with Ireland's Data Protection Commission officially fining Twitter €450,000 over a data breach. The data breach was disclosed by Twitter back …

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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was rolled out across the EU back in 2018 and since then, we haven't seen many major fines in the tech or social media space. That changed today, with Ireland's Data Protection Commission officially fining Twitter €450,000 over a data breach.

The data breach was disclosed by Twitter back in January 2019. The breach exposed private tweets for Android users over the course of four years. Due to this, the Data Protection Commission is ruling that Twitter violated the EU's GDPR rules, as disclosure of the security breach did not come within 72 hours of it first being discovered.

Ireland's DPC initially revealed its decision earlier this year, but objections were raised by other regulators. The case then went through a dispute resolution process, which delayed the fine being issued until now.

As pointed out by The Verge, during the dispute resolution process, the DPC was told to increase the amount it was fining Twitter. Initially, they wanted to fine them less than €450,000, but this fell so short of GDPR's maximum 2 percent annual revenue fine amount that an increase was deemed necessary.

Twitter has since issued a statement saying that due to staffing between Christmas Day 2018 and New Years Day 2019 led to a delay in disclosing the breach. The statement goes on to say “We take responsibility for this mistake and remain fully committed to protecting the privacy and data of our customers”. So with that in mind, it doesn't sound like Twitter plans on fighting this at all and will just pay the fine.

KitGuru Says: As one of the social media giants, this won't impact Twitter's bottom line all that much. Still, it is interesting to see the first instance of a major tech company tripping over when it comes to GDPR rules in the EU. Hopefully this serves as a warning to companies to continue to protecting user data and that users are warned properly in the instance of a breach. 

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EU court rejects $15 billion tax ruling against Apple https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/eu-court-rejects-15-billion-tax-ruling-against-apple/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/apple/matthew-wilson/eu-court-rejects-15-billion-tax-ruling-against-apple/#respond Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:19:09 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=477059 Over the last few years, one of the biggest cases against Apple has been an EU ruling to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes in Ireland. Since the beginning, Apple has had a firm stance on fighting this ruling and the Irish government was also on Apple's side. Now, the second highest court in …

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Over the last few years, one of the biggest cases against Apple has been an EU ruling to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes in Ireland. Since the beginning, Apple has had a firm stance on fighting this ruling and the Irish government was also on Apple's side. Now, the second highest court in Europe has rejected the original ruling.

Four years ago when the European Commission first passed down this ruling, it said that Apple benefited from illegal state aid via two Irish tax rulings, which heavily reduced the amount Apple would need to pay. Now, the EU's General Court has annulled the decision because “the commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage”.

As reported by Reuters, an Apple spokesperson has already commented on the new decision, saying: “This case was not about how much tax we pay, but where we are required to pay it. We’re proud to be the largest taxpayer in the world as we know the important role tax payments play in society”.

The report also indicates that this could weaken the European Commission's cases against other companies like Ikea and Nike, both of which have deals with certain EU member countries.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Of course, there are appeal options available to the European Commission if it wants to keep fighting this case, so this may not be the end of it just yet. In the meantime though, it looks like Apple no longer has a $15 billion bill on its table.

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European Commission opens antitrust investigations into Apple Pay and iOS App Store https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/european-commission-opens-antitrust-investigations-into-apple-pay-and-ios-app-store/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/european-commission-opens-antitrust-investigations-into-apple-pay-and-ios-app-store/#respond Fri, 19 Jun 2020 16:37:47 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=472947 Apple is under scrutiny once again in Europe due to its various business practises. This week, the European Commission opened up two separate antitrust investigations against Apple, one into the App Store and another into Apple Pay.  The first investigation focuses on the App Store's 30% revenue cut on sales after complaints were made by …

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Apple is under scrutiny once again in Europe due to its various business practises. This week, the European Commission opened up two separate antitrust investigations against Apple, one into the App Store and another into Apple Pay. 

The first investigation focuses on the App Store's 30% revenue cut on sales after complaints were made by both Spotify and Rakuten. Other developers have also been outspoken about this policy for some time now. As explained by Margrethe Vestager, who leads antitrust issues in the EU, services like Apple Music, Apple Books and Apple TV+ will also be looked at to “ensure that Apple's rules do not distort competition” in these markets.

The second investigation is focusing on Apple Pay, the mobile payment system that many iPhone users will be very used to at this point. The issue here appears to be that banks and other financial service providers can't utilise the iPhone's NFC capabilities to launch their own payment apps or services.

Over on the Android side of things, this is not an issue, as we've seen from competing services like Razer Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay etc. On iOS, only Apple's solution can exist, so the EU will be investigating to see that “Apple's measures do not deny consumers the benefits of new payment technologies, including better choice, quality, innovation and competitive prices”.

KitGuru Says: Apple will likely respond to this soon with its own arguments in favour of its policies. It will be interesting to see what the EU decides here though, particularly where the 30% App Store tax is concerned, as such a high revenue share has been increasingly looked down on by developers across multiple platforms. 

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Google fights back against colossal €2.4 billion EU fine https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/google-fights-back-against-colossal-e2-4-billion-eu-fine/ https://www.kitguru.net/channel/generaltech/matthew-wilson/google-fights-back-against-colossal-e2-4-billion-eu-fine/#respond Sun, 16 Feb 2020 17:26:20 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=452139 Google has been battling with the EU for a few years now over various anti-trust concerns. At the moment, Google faces a hefty $2.6 billion (2.4 billion Euro) fine, which the company is still fighting.  The fine was initially imposed back in 2017 and this week during a three-day hearing, Alphabet (Google's parent company), is arguing …

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Google has been battling with the EU for a few years now over various anti-trust concerns. At the moment, Google faces a hefty $2.6 billion (2.4 billion Euro) fine, which the company is still fighting. 

The fine was initially imposed back in 2017 and this week during a three-day hearing, Alphabet (Google's parent company), is arguing that the fine is excessive and unwarranted. As reported by Reuters, lawyers argued that the initial fine amount was conjured up to garner headlines but isn't justified “by the actual facts the case”.

Beyond that, Google maintains that a fine should not have been imposed in the first place, as previous case law apparently shows that Google's behaviour was not anti-competitive, nor did the company's market share in 13 countries justify the multiplier on the initial fine.

The EU argues that it was merely following its own rules when calculating the final fine amount. The three-day hearing has since come to an end and a ruling is expected at some point in the next year. If that goes against Google, then another appeal can be fined with the European Court of Justice.

KitGuru Says: Google is going to be fighting this fine until it runs out of options. While a 2.4 billion EUR fine might not hurt the company in the grand scheme of things, it is still a lot of money to pay out, particularly when many of the issues the EU had have since been resolved. It will be interesting to see where the ruling eventually lands when that time comes. 

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