China called on the U.S. government on Tuesday to “stop the unreasonable crackdown” on Huawei after the U.S. stepped up pressure on the tech giant by indicting it on charges of stealing technology and violating sanctions on Iran, complicating high-level trade talks between the countries about to begin in Washington. The Chinese government will “firmly…
Supreme Court Could Allow Suit Over Apple iPhone Apps’ Sales
The Supreme Court seemed ready Monday to allow an antitrust lawsuit to go forward that claims Apple has unfairly monopolized the market for the sale of iPhone apps. Apple faced skeptical questions from justices who seemed concerned about the control the Cupertino, California-based company exerts over iPhone users who must purchase software for their smartphones…
Justices to Hear Antitrust Case Over Sale of iPhone Apps
Apple is at the Supreme Court to defend the way it sells apps for iPhones against claims by consumers that the company has unfairly monopolized the market. The justices are hearing arguments Monday in Apple’s effort to end an antitrust lawsuit that could force the iPhone maker to cut the 30 percent commission it charges…
Google to Charge for Apps on Android Phones in Europe
Google plans to start charging smartphone makers to pre-install apps like Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps on Android handsets sold in Europe, a response to a record $5 billion antitrust fine imposed by the European Union. The U.S. tech company’s announcement Tuesday is a change from its previous business model of letting manufacturers install Google’s…
Tuesdays with Roger: The Fallout from the EU’s $5B Fine Against Google
This week, Roger Entner of Recon Analytics discusses the ramifications of the record penalty over default apps on Android phones, as well as new 5G modules unveiled by Qualcomm. Follow Roger on Twitter at @RogerEntner for more insights throughout the week, and stay up to date on the latest industry news by following Wireless Week at @WirelessWeek. You can also…
EU Ruling Against Google Opens ‘Opportunity,’ Rival Says
European regulators’ latest swipe at the dominance of U.S. tech giant Google could open new opportunities for rivals in search and web browsers — that is, if cellphone manufacturers decide to make the most of the opening. The European Commission on Wednesday fined Google a record $5 billion for forcing cellphone makers that use the…
Driver’s License? There’s an App to Carry That in Louisiana
Louisiana residents can now carry their driver’s license on their smartphone. News outlets report a new phone app, created through a 2016 state law, offers a digital version of the Louisiana driver’s license, allowing motorists an option aside from carrying a physical license. The smartphone app is called LA Wallet . Though the app is free to…
How Apple’s App Store Changed Our World
A decade ago, Apple opened a store peddling iPhone apps, unlocking the creativity of software developers and letting users truly make their mobile devices their own. The resulting explosion of phone apps — there are now more than 2 million for the iPhone alone — has changed daily life for billions of people around the…
New Fishing App Launched in Alaska
An Alaska resident has created a smartphone app designed to connect anglers and guides with each other and to a hub of local fishing information. Jim Voss launched his app Alaska FishTopia this summer, aiming for it to be the central source of angling information on the Kenai Peninsula, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) south…
SoftBank Invests in ‘Handy Japan’ Hotel Technology Service
Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank is investing in a mobile device service for hotel guests, called handy Japan, offering tourist spot information and internet access. Terms of the deal, announced Monday, were not disclosed. Handy, developed by Hong Kong-based Tink Labs, is available in 650,000 rooms in 4,000 hotels in 82 countries. It rolled out in…