Technology
Apple’s iPhone is not a monopoly like Windows was a monopoly
The U.S. Department of Justice and attorneys general from 16 states and the District of Columbia sued Apple this morning in federal court for violating antitrust laws. The lawsuit alleged that the corporate has a monopoly within the premium smartphone market and uses a number of illegal tactics to perpetuate this monopoly.
Leaving aside the main points of this tactic and its legality (should you’re interested, you possibly can read all the lawsuit here) the case has many similarities to the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft from the Nineteen Nineties, which I wrote about on the web site Microsoft Tips from 2000 to 2010. Even Attorney General Merrick Garland noted these similarities, saying: “The landmark Microsoft case found the monopolist liable under antitrust laws for using its market power to undermine technologies that would make it easier for users to choose a different computer operating system.” Today’s grievance alleges that Apple used lots of the same tactics that Microsoft used.
However, there is one fundamental difference between these cases: Microsoft had a clear monopoly within the relevant marketplace for PC operating systems. Apple’s monopoly position is not so clear.
Having a monopoly is not illegal, Garland noted at her news conference. However, it is illegal to make use of certain tactics to perpetuate or maintain this monopoly – but to prove this, it have to be proven that the defendant has sufficient market power to exclude competitors from the market.
Microsoft Windows had well over 90% of the relevant market share for notebook computer operating systems. In fact, it was so dominant within the pre-smartphone era Goldman Sachs estimates In 2000, Microsoft operating systems were reportedly installed on 97% of all computing devices.
Although the actual end result of the Microsoft antitrust case might be described as a mixed victory for the Justice Department, with lots of the penalties – including dissolving Microsoft into two corporations – being thrown out on appeal, the factual findings on this case clearly established that Microsoft had monopoly power. This paved the way in which for a series of personal lawsuits, which Microsoft has mostly ended.
Looking purely numerically, Apple’s market share is much lower.
In its lawsuit, the Justice Department argues that Apple has greater than 70% of the U.S. smartphone market, if revenue is counted. This is different than measuring by units shipped – based on statistics from the last quarter of 2023, Apple’s share is closer to 64% counterpoint research, well ahead of second-place Samsung with 18%. But the Justice Department argues that there are other indicators that support the iPhone’s dominance, corresponding to the undeniable fact that most young users select iPhones over Samsung phones running Google’s Android operating system. Households with higher demographics are also keen to decide on the iPhone.
The government also argues that the United States is an appropriate market, amongst other things, because most consumers buy smartphones through carriers and since potential latest market entrants must comply with U.S. telecommunications regulations, amongst other things. This argument is essential because Apple’s market share worldwide is much lower (only 23%, with Samsung second with 16%). In first place is the “Other” item, which mainly includes low-cost Android phones. It is clearly still a fragmented global market, which actually changes the competitive dynamics – developers have a significant incentive to create applications for Android, for instance. Contrast this with Microsoft’s market dominance, which was global – there was almost no real alternative on the time.
A key section within the Justice Department case begins on page 66, titled “Apple Has Monopoly Power in the Smartphone and Performance Smartphone Market.” The argument comes all the way down to barriers to entry.
First, the Justice Department argues that the majority people have already got a smartphone and are purchasing a latest one, and since most of those users have already got an iPhone, they usually tend to select one other iPhone. The Justice Department says Apple has introduced many artificial barriers to vary, corresponding to the difference between blue and green messaging bubbles for iPhone and Android phone users and allegedly limiting the functionality of third-party cross-platform video apps, somewhat than directing people to FaceTime. which only works on Apple products. If users change, they’ll incur costs and difficulties corresponding to learning a latest interface, purchasing latest applications, transferring data, etc.
Second, the DOJ cites a whole list of technical barriers to entry, corresponding to ordering expensive components, designing sophisticated hardware and software, securing distribution agreements, etc. There is also a variety of circumstantial evidence, corresponding to Apple’s huge and sustained profit margins on iPhone sales.
These arguments may prove convincing to the judge presiding over the case. However, on the subject of barriers to entry, Apple could argue that product differentiation and integration is not the identical as foreclosing competitors. A totally integrated platform with built-in apps for specific features corresponding to web browsing and video conferencing is easy and convenient, and customers select and proceed to decide on it because they like it, not because they’d like to modify to Android and are blocked by artificial barriers.
In the second case, Apple could point to the big investments it has made during the last 15 years in constructing these supply chains and relationships with carriers and developers, and rightly ask why it ought to be penalized now for doing the mandatory work to construct a lead.
This is often the case in antitrust cases within the tech world. An innovator rises to the highest through a combination of exertions, luck, and difficult business tactics. They construct an undeniable advantage largely because of network effects. Competitors complain. Governments are intervening. A dominant player stays in business long enough that latest competitors find a technique to enter the market – much as Apple and Google did against Microsoft within the 2000s, when their smartphone operating systems made desktop computers and Windows less essential.
And then the cycle starts again.
The exemptions took place almost a week before the announcement of their new AI system.
After releasing about 1750 employees last week, the manufacturer of HR Workday software announced a new system for implementing artificial intelligence agents (AI).
Workday will introduce its agent record system on February 11 as confirmed in Press message. The system will manage all artificial Workday agents on working platforms and other corporations. Workday supports many corporations in software that supervises their funds and HR management.
This new system goals to assist corporations optimize their digital workforce. Provides performance and increase in AI inclusion. Given the increased use of artificial intelligence in company operations, Workday hopes to administer these new technologies as they progress.
The message appears after the working day reduced the working force by about 8.5%. Exemptions appear amongst greater AI integration, causing concerns concerning the availability of labor and security in a progressive society.
However, Aneel Bhusri, the chief chairman and co -founder of Workday, also emphasized that tomorrow’s labor force still depends upon the participation of individuals.
“The working strength of the future will cover both people and AI agents, and companies that do not learn to manage this extremely complex reality will stay behind quickly,” said Bhusri. We consider that no company on this planet is best than working day to introduce this new era of working force management in a trusted, ethical way. “
He added: “Our deep understanding of human skills and roles naturally extends to the management of digital working force. The future is here and, like the transition to the cloud, we are ready to help our clients reach it. “
The AI system tries to “unlock the full potential” of those inhuman agents. This includes assistance in centralized management, improved agents and protected and compatible implementation. What’s more, the implementation of AI agents has a new set of autonomous skills to perform new tasks. These agents also analyze contracts, indicate incorrect payroll data and assistance in financial control and data information.
Workday also received support from the management of other corporations in the sector of potential and emotions related to programming artificial intelligence. Julie Sweet, general director of Accenture, emphasized that the system would transform corporations on this “new landscape”.
“We believe that the re -revision of the company in the AI era will create a trouble -free professional experience between people and agents,” Sweet explained. “The agent’s life cycle should be fully managed. We need them to train. They must observe our conformity rules. They must understand our values and must be monitored for performance. That is why it is exciting to see what a business day is doing to help companies manage this new landscape. ”
Google photos are a great service for storing images on all devices. But Google and Gmail offer only 15 GB of memory at no cost. Google photos used to offer free unlimited storage of images, but this will not be the case.
If you might be searching for a higher plan to store photos, various functions or you only want to depart the Google ecosystem, listed below are some alternatives.
Free storage: 1000 photos
Usually storage services offer storage with a limit of size. But Flickr accepts a different approach: it allows people to store 1000 photos and films at no cost. One advantage of Flickr: You can send a picture as much as 200 MB, in comparison with the 75 MB limit in Google photos within the free plan. Flickr’s paid plans start from USD 10.44 per 30 days for a vast memory mass.
If you ought to look at functions beyond personal use, Flickr lets you make your photos public in order that others can find them. You may also join groups on the premise of various topics.
Free storage: 5 GB
Dropbox will not be a concentrated memory service across the photos, but it will possibly be a bonus if you ought to store things outside the cloud photos. The company paid plans from USD 9.99 per 30 days for two TB of memory, which is analogous Google One Premium plan.
Free storage: 5 GB
ENTE was created by a former Google engineer as a more private alternative to Google photos. The service has comprehensive protection protection protection, which suggests that the corporate doesn’t collect any data. The application is offered on various platforms and incorporates functions for identification and adnting of people; Show photos from different locations; And create categories comparable to sunsets, memes and documents. All that is processed in your device.
ENTE monthly plans start from USD 2.49 per 30 days for 50 GB of memory, which will be made available to 5 other people. The basic Ente code comes from an open, so you’ll be able to modify it to even have an independent version.
Free storage: 100 MB
Cryptete is one other photo service that focuses on privacy; It can also be Open Source. You can create an account with the username and password (there may be also the choice to make use of E -Mail and passwords). Although its free level doesn’t offer much space, the paid level starts from USD 3.30 per 30 days for 10 GB of memory. The service works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux via a progressive web application and uses the AES256 encryption to guard the media.
In addition to being a photo storage service, it has a built -in document editor, which supports Markdown, Code and Katex Math. In addition, you should use the view on the side of the documents, store and edit files as PDF and DOCX, and use elements comparable to tables and selection fields.
Free storage: 5 GB with Prime membership
This is a welcome addition to Amazon Prime members. You can press additional photos that you may have at a free level of Amazon photos, and for those who want more, storage plans start from USD 1.99 per 30 days for 100 GB.
Free storage: 21 high -resolution photos per week
500PX is more focused on hobbyists or skilled photographers. It has the functions of the community to emphasise your work and a approach to present your snaps in an uncompressed format. Plans cost lower than USD 50 a 12 months, with a discount, which lets you store unlimited high -resolution photos. Premium plans remove ads from the platform, and likewise offer insight into how your photos appear on the platform. Its higher PRO plan, at a price of almost $ 100 a 12 months, gives tools to construct a portfolio with a non -standard domain.
Free storage: No free storage
Offering a free level seems like a bummer, but Photobucket offers one of the bottom storage rates, with $ 5 per 30 days for 1 TB of memory. If you pay for the plan yearly, the price is lower. Photobucket offers a super approach to share photos with various groups with plans to bury the group for 8 USD per 30 days for storing 1 TB, which also provides access to editing tools.
(Tagstranslat) Google Photos
Legislators from Georgia have introduced provisions enabling drivers to present e-monic on the interaction of law enforcement agencies.
Georgia drivers may soon leave the wallet at home and still have access to the license in coping with law enforcement agencies. According to WSBTV, the Chamber of Representatives of Georgia proposed a brand new bill, HB 296 to increase using e-manager’s license.
Thanks to the electronic driver’s license, drivers can present identification during traffic stops or other law enforcement interactions.
The e-identification of E for the inhabitants of Georgia is currently available within the Samsung, Google and Apple portfolio. Residents can also download the Apple ID. The use of driver E license was implemented in 2023 by the governor Brian Kemp.
Georgia Department of Services Driver I began to offer the choice Shortly after the governor was announced. The initial change allowed using a license at TSA safety checkpoints.
“As a country No. 1 for business, Georgia recognizes the value of finding new and innovative ways to remain at the forefront of emerging trends,” said Kemp. “I want to thank our wonderful team in DDS for cooperation with partners in the private sector, as well as TSA to enable this exciting new service. I expect this option to be widely available for hard -working Georgians and visitors. “
Digital identification is Slowly becomes a trend. Fourteen states have adopted a principle that enables residents to make use of this method to navigate transport safety control, in accordance with the TSA press message.
Other states offering mobile driving licenses are Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Utah. Puerto Rico also allows them.
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