Latest news with #Fortnite
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Apple cites U.S. Supreme Court's birthright ruling in fight over Epic Games injunction
Apple is hoping a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling curbing the power of federal judges to issue nationwide orders will help the technology giant win an appeal in a lawsuit requiring it to revamp its lucrative App Store. In a court filing on Tuesday, Apple told the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the Supreme Court's June order in a case involving birthright citizenship bolsters the iPhone maker's arguments in a high-stakes standoff with 'Fortnite' game developer Epic Games. The Supreme Court limited when judges can issue so-called universal injunctions that apply broadly, and not just to the parties in a lawsuit. The justices did not rule on whether the Trump administration can legally terminate the right to citizenship for people born on U.S. soil, but the decision was a win for the administration, which had complained about individual lower courts blocking its policies nationwide. Even though the case at the high court had nothing to do with Apple, its appeal could test the scope of the justices' ruling. Apple and Epic did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Apple in its appeal is challenging a U.S. district judge's order in April that said the company must open its App Store to more competition, allowing all developers — not just Epic — more freedom to steer consumers to alternative payment options outside of an app. The appeal also challenges the judge's finding that Apple was in contempt for violating a prior injunction in the same case. Epic Games sued Apple in 2020 to loosen its control over transactions in applications that use its iOS operating system and how apps are distributed to consumers. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in 2021 said Apple must allow developers to more easily steer consumers to potentially cheaper non-Apple payment options. Apple defied that court order to maintain a revenue stream worth billions of dollars, Gonzalez Rogers ruled in April. Apple has denied any wrongdoing, and defended its compliance with the court's orders. Apple told the 9th Circuit that, after the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship decision, judges no longer have freestanding authority to issue universal injunctions. Apple also noted that Epic pursued its lawsuit on its own, not as a class action on behalf of a larger group. Epic told the appeals court in May that Apple's App Store changes will have wide-reaching benefits for the industry and consumers. 'The sky has not fallen. Instead, developers and consumers are finally beginning to see the long-awaited benefits of increased competition,' Epic said.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fortnite streamer Clix left stunned, asks 'Why the f**k did we spend $35,000' before banning 14-year-old donor
Popular Fortnite streamer Cody 'Clix' Conrad made headlines after he found himself in an unexpected moral dilemma. Discovering the staggering amount the young viewer donated to streamers, Clix's broadcast took a sharp turn. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It led to Clix shocked reaction and a swift ban of the donor, leaving the entire streaming community buzzing. The incident, highlighting a complex and murky relationship between streamers and supporters within the digital age, has now sparked heated debates across social media. Clix gives a shocking reaction to the young donor's reasons for donation The entire situation unfolded as streamer Cody Conrad, popularly known as Clix, learned that a fan named Lucaslev (as shown in the video), who claimed to be just 14 years old, donated more than $35,000 in a month. As per the reports, a significant sum was donated to Clix himself. Clix, who was left visibly stunned, was more surprised as he discovered that the teen claimed that he earned $18,000 in profit in the year, and now he wishes to quit the activity that generated such amazing income, after he spent all the money. Showing his disbelief at its peak, Clix said, "Dude I don't wanna like promote refunds but like bro bro why the f**k did we spend $35,000?" The boy in question here gave a nonchalant response to Clix, saying, "Because I don't need it." It seemed like the boy had already sealed his fate. To laugh off such massive expense, which was made by the young donor, became the prompt Twitch chat ban reasons of the donor. This interaction between Clix and the donor became a viral clip, and it fuelled instant controversy. Fans react with outrage, confusion and expectedly questions The clip ignited a huge firestorm of reactions all across social media, and particularly on X. Fans and observers ensured to voice their opinion. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While some slammed Clix for not going ahead and refunding the amount, others blamed the parents of the teen. Some even went ahead and questioned Clix's motives. A X user doubting the sincerity of Fortnite streamer Clix argued, "Fucking idiot says I dont want to promote refunds. If you truly care just say refund this..' While a few felt the ban was quite a necessary lesson for the kid: "Nah. Let the kid learn. Fuck em. Where are his retarded parents?" "Best to let him learn the hard way the kid seems like an idiot who'd just do it again immediately," remarked another. Apart from questioning Clix donation controversy and blaming parents, some discussions even sparked on the origin of the funds in question. A user in the regard commented, "How did a 14 year old do that without any supervision?" "Where'd this kid get his hands on $36k?! His parents got $36k just lying around somewhere?" said another questioning on 14-year-old donor Fortnite contribution. Another tweet read, "what 14 year old has access to 36k in one month without alerting any parents?!" Moving beyond questions about parents, many started pointing to the entire act in itself. A user asked, "I guess im too would anyone donate to a streamer? Do you get anything in return??" "Why do people donate money to streamers?" came another question. A user even said, probably, "streamers must have some magic I don't know about... why do people donate?" As the comments keep flooding in, several users even demanded an action beyond a Twitch ban. "if you're going to ban him you should also return all of the money," a user stated. "This is only a W if he refunds the money because this sounds like a case of child using parents bank card," said another, trying to understand whether would it be right to refund? A sarcastic comment even kicked in. While the user did accept that the entire act was impressive, it went ahead to say, it could have been more impressive if the money was returned, but then, 'Doubt that will happen." Comments like, "Bro waited until he got over 30k to say anything," "And he waited the guy to give him 36K ? That's a bit late innit ?" even highlighted some concerns on the act of Clix. It showed that, while the Fortnite donations ethics was definitely right at the time, why would Clix do it only after he received significant benefit out of it? But this was not the end. The comments are still flooding in, and they are all shocked, confused and full of judgements. Now, who is right and who is wrong, we don't know, but the community for sure is out there judging Clix. How well he handles the entire situation, only time will tell. Beyond banning accountability and ethics in streaming The entire incident brought uncomfortable questions about responsibility. While Clix did take action to ban the minor, the amount of donations he himself received from the boy raises some red flags about an oversight. Was the money earned by the teen, or did he have improper access to it? The immediate lack of refunds, despite the shock of criticism on Clix, is drawing him major criticism. For a prominent figure like Clix himself, who is one of the most successful streamers of Fortnite, the entire situation underscores an ethical tightrope walk in viewership monetization. It shows young fans' potential vulnerability and often-blurred line between compulsion, appreciation and financial recklessness within the high-stakes world of content creator donations high-stakes world. The polarized reaction of the community reflects ongoing debate on streamer accountability when faced with some viewers' generosity, particularly from minors.
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
UK steps up scrutiny of Apple and Google over mobile platforms
Britain on Wednesday told Apple and Google to be fairer in how they distribute apps on their mobile platforms, setting out possible interventions as it plans to designate the U.S. tech companies with strategic market status over their duopoly. The country's competition regulator, which was given a wider remit this year to take on Big Tech, laid out concerns relating to inconsistent and unpredictable app review processes, inconsistent app store search rankings, and up to 30% commission on some in-app purchases. Apple and Google's mobile platforms hold an 'effective duopoly', with around 90-100% of UK mobile devices running on their mobile platforms, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said in a statement. 'Apple and Google's mobile platforms are both critical to the UK economy … but our investigation so far has identified opportunities for more innovation and choice,' CMA head Sarah Cardell said. She said the CMA's 'targeted and proportionate' actions would support British app developers – who contribute an estimated 1.5% to the country's economy – to innovate. Interventions could require the companies to make their app store review and ranking processes fairer and more transparent, including fair warnings of changes to the process or guidelines and appropriate channels for businesses to raise concerns. Apple and Google pushed back against the CMA's proposals, with Google calling the step 'disappointing and unwarranted.' 'It is … crucial that any new regulation is evidence-based, proportionate and does not become a roadblock to growth in the UK,' Google's senior director for competition, Oliver Bethell, said. Apple said it was concerned that the new rules being considered would undermine the privacy and security protections expected by its users. 'MISSED OPPORTUNITY' In contrast, 'Fortnite' maker Epic Games, which stands to benefit from a more open mobile ecosystem, said the regulator had not gone far enough. It said the CMA, which gained more global prominence as a regulator following Brexit, had 'deprioritised store competition entirely' by pushing it to be considered in 2026, calling it a 'missed opportunity.' The company, which has launched its own marketplace app in Europe, said it could not bring its app store to Apple's mobile operating system (iOS) in Britain this year and said that Fortnite's return to Apple's iOS was also uncertain. The regulator is also under pressure from Britain's Labour government, which has called on regulators to prioritise growth in hopes of rejuvenating a stagnant economy to regain voter confidence. A final decision on both the designations will be made by October 22, the CMA said. It also published roadmaps on potential further action as part of these parallel investigations. A strategic market status designation allows the CMA to impose interventions on a company, such as requiring it to adhere to specific behaviour so as not to undermine fair competition. For Alphabet-owned Google, mobile platforms are the second market where it has come in for closer scrutiny under the CMA's new regime, following the watchdog's proposal last month to designate Google in general search and search advertising.
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Mercedes' new CLA 250+ Sport is its most efficient and intelligent car ever but is spoiled by ‘chavvy' feature
You can watch YouTube and Disney+. Play Fortnite and Angry Birds GONE TOO STAR? GONE TOO STAR? Mercedes' new CLA 250+ Sport is its most efficient and intelligent car ever but is spoiled by 'chavvy' feature Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF no one else has the balls to say it, I will. Mercedes is in danger of becoming the Burberry of the car world. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 With this CLA, Mercedes is in danger of becoming the Burberry of the car world Credit: Supplied 5 There are 142 three-pointed stars in that front grille Credit: Supplied 5 The Mercedes CLA offers luxurious design, advanced technology and innovative features Credit: Supplied A leeetle bit chavvy. Just look at all the three-pointed stars on the new CLA. It's absolutely coated in them. There are 142 in that front grille, another 158 in the fancy glass sunroof, plus many more on the wheels, lights and dashboard. I gave up counting at 330. THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY!!! They should stick a MERCEDES sun strip on it. Y'know, just in case someone thinks it's a BMW. Strip away all that Burberryness and you're left with a truly excellent motor car. The most efficient Mercedes ever. The most intelligent Mercedes ever. Yet it's also the cheapest electric Mercedes ever. Mercedes reveals its new luxury EV with 'superscreen' passengers can play video games or watch Netflix on while on move It's got a 484-mile battery by the WLTP test. We nudged 400 in the real world. A clever two-speed auto gearbox for added efficiency. All sorts of aero tricks, including underbody wheel spoilers, to help it slice through the air. Rapid 800v charging to suck up 200 miles of juice in just ten minutes. So it's a proper long-range cruiser that's easy to live with. There's a video camera above that 14in central screen for Teams meetings. You can watch YouTube and Disney+. Play Fortnite and Angry Birds. All of the above when parked up, obviously. There's a third passenger screen coming later that will cover up some of those bleedin' stars. The 'Hey Mercedes' personal assistant wants to be your friend. We asked her to 'play Raye'. She did. We asked her to 'name that statue of the naked ladies to our left'. She did. We asked her: 'Should I buy a Mercedes CLA over a BMW?' She's been taught well. She replied: 'Choosing between a Mercedes CLA over a BMW ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. The Mercedes CLA offers luxurious design, advanced technology and innovative features. 'If you seek more details about the Mercedes CLA feel free to ask.' Hang on. I'm having a proper conversation with a car. Like Michael Knight and KITT. Just not chasing baddies. 5 The CLA comes with all sorts of aero tricks, including underbody wheel spoilers, to help it slice through the air. Credit: Supplied 5 Oh look - another 158 three-pointed stars in the fancy glass sunroof Credit: Supplied If you're rubbish at parking, no stress. Press a button and watch it shimmy in and out of tight spaces on its own. It's the first Mercedes to have a front trunk, 100 litres of extra storage space under the bonnet. Out on the open road, CLA is everything you'd expect a Merc to be. Quiet. Sophisticated. Effortless. And so hovercraft-smooth you'd think it has air suspension. It doesn't. Steel. That's engineering at its best for you. Acceleration is nicely calibrated. Not silly fast. But enough. AMG will add a bit of spice later. Actually, that brings me nicely to other versions. There's a smaller 335-mile battery on the way, an estate, 4WDs, and a new 1.5-litre petrol hybrid for those not ready to switch to electric yet. Bonus. The petrol doesn't have all the illuminated stars on the front grille because it needs more cooling. So it's less Burberry. Tone down all the bling and I'd give it five stars. KEY FACTS: MERCEDES CLA 250+ SPORT Price: £45,615 Battery: 85kWh Power: 272hp 0-62mph: 6.7 secs Top speed: 130mph Range: 484 miles Charging: 22 mins Out: September
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
When does the Fortnite live event start? When you can watch the Blast Off throwback showcase
The latest live event is heading to Fortnite in a completely new format, as Epic Games presents the first-ever OG-exclusive live event, designed to mirror the iconic Blast Off rocket launch. The forthcoming Fortnite live event is intriguing for several reasons. Firstly, this is the inaugural live event set to occur exclusively in Fortnite OG mode, heralding a new era where the game can venture in any direction it chooses for these grand spectacles – and equally, as the first live event that could directly mimic the first that Fortnite ever created, there are countless thrilling possibilities at play here. At present, it's uncertain what the live event will bring, whether it will break away with a fresh spectacle or simply revisit the classic Blast Off event – marking the first time in the game's history that a live event has excluded the popular battle royale mode, as it prepares for the Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 3 end date. It's a big mystery currently, but as players continue to delve into the game's Super Battle Pass before it expires and get excited for the Fantastic Four cosmetics, it's a busy period, so it needs to make a significant impact. Fortunately, it appears that's exactly what we're going to receive. So, when exactly does the Fortnite live event kick off? Here's what you need to know about the upcoming Blast Off event. Fortnite live event start time The Blast Off Fortnite live event is scheduled to kick off at 11am PDT / 2pm EDT / 7pm BST on Saturday, July 26. This was first brought to our attention when we looked into the next Fortnite live event date, which had been confirmed directly by Epic Games. The actual contents of the event are yet to be unveiled (though we'll likely only know for certain when that rocket launches in-game), but it's certainly exciting to witness the first-ever OG-exclusive live event in Fortnite's history, particularly as the classic character The Visitor is expected to make an appearance alongside the inhabitants of the current Fortnite OG Battle Pass. We'll be there regardless.
