Tech brief: Google Search Debuting 'Custom Filters' for More Tailored Results

Tech brief

Apple Announces Major iPad Changes and Fee Improvements for EU Developers (6 minutes read)

In response to a new European Union law, Apple is set to make significant changes to iPadOS in Europe and to its Core Technology Fee (CTF) this fall. The changes will mean the iPad will be opened up similarly to the iPhone in Europe and the CTF will no longer be charged to developers who install the same app on both operating systems. A three-year, fee-free window for small developers, generating under €10 million in annual revenue is also being added. This provision will give new developers a chance to grow their businesses before the CTF applies.

Apple Announces Record $110B Stock Buyback, Beats Sales Estimates (21 minutes read)

Apple's Q2 earnings beat Wall Street expectations, with notable traction in Greater China's market. Despite an overall dip in iPhone sales, the Q2 report shows a $110 billion stock buyback, Apple's largest ever, causing a 6% rise in share value post-trading hours. Anticipation surrounds Apple's upcoming AI-driven developments, poising it for growth in the technology market.

Airbnb Unveils Group Booking, AI Features, and "Icons" in Latest Release (6 minutes read)

Airbnb has launched new features including a group booking option, AI-powered messaging for hosts, and a new 'Icons' category featuring unique experiences hosted by notable personalities. The changes also include privacy policy updates banning indoor cameras and setting rules for outdoor surveillance. Enhanced functionalities are provided to hosts with automated earnings reporting and interactive performance charts, and an easier navigation system between guest and host interfaces on the platform.

Google Resists Epic Games' Demands After Antitrust Verdict (7 minutes read)

Google has contested Epic Games' demands following last year's antitrust ruling, arguing they are " far beyond the scope" of the decision. Epic's proposed remedies include gaining access to the Play Store catalog of app and game titles for six years and distributing its own app store through Google Play without fees. Google says these suggestions are "unnecessary" and compromise user privacy and security. The case will help determine future rulings on app stores deemed monopolistic.

Audible's AI-Voiced Audiobooks Create Controversy, Tally 40,000+ Titles (9 minutes read)

Audible's AI-generated audiobook experiment has yielded over 40,000 titles, but has also received criticism from listeners unable to filter these AI-voiced books out. While authors have found the AI tool beneficial, as it saves costs on narration, listeners fear impacts on quality and future work for narrators. Despite an overall rating of 4+ for these AI-voiced titles, the automated voices are seen as a looming threat by the industry.

Spotify Restricts Lyrics Access, Pushes for Paid Subscriptions (3 minutes read)

Spotify is covertly placing lyrics behind a paywall, a change apparent from Reddit users' complaints. The company asserts that its features can vary over time, implying the lyrics change might be permanent. Several months ago, Spotify tested locking lyrics for non-paying users. The shift appears to be part of Spotify's strategy to increase its number of paid subscribers, which currently stands at 236 million, a 15% YoY growth.

Google Search Debuting 'Custom Filters' for More Tailored Results (3 minutes read)

Google is testing a potential new feature, ‘custom filters’, which will allow for personalized search experiences. Users can add specific keywords, websites, file types, domain types, and set filters for a specific time frame, then save these filters for future use. While the feature remains unannounced and unavailable for all, it's believed to be currently under A/B testing.

Uber Faces $312M Lawsuit Over Alleged Illegal Operations in London (3 minutes read)

Uber is facing a $312 million lawsuit as over 10,800 drivers of London's black cabs accuse the firm of operating illegally. They allege Uber's license to operate in London was obtained improperly with an intention to illegally capture market share. Although Uber denies the allegations, it has previously had its license suspended and then revoked on appeal by Transport for London over safety concerns.

Apple CEO Teases Major AI Announcements at Upcoming iPad Event (2 minutes read)

Apple CEO, Tim Cook, revealed that major announcements regarding artificial intelligence (AI) are on the horizon both at the forthcoming iPad event and June's annual developer conference. He has been enticing investors with promises of breakthroughs in generative AI, potentially set to revolutionize iOS from 2024 onwards.