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Apple faces US DOJ lawsuit over alleged iPhone monopoly
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against tech giant Apple, accusing the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market. The DOJ accuses Apple of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act.
The suit claims Apple has restricted third-party app growth, limited cloud and game-streaming services, forced continued iPhone purchases for messaging, diminished non-Apple smartwatch functionality, and prevented third-party digital wallet use.
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In a press conference, US Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted issues such as the App Store’s fee system, degraded third-party accessory experiences, and relies heavily on Messages. The case, backed by 16 state Attorneys General, could have significant implications for Apple’s business practices and the broader tech industry.
The US DOJ said in a release about the suit:
“Apple exercises its monopoly power to extract more money from consumers, developers, content creators, artists, publishers, small businesses, and merchants, among others.”
Apple also responded by defending its innovation and user-focused approach, warning that the lawsuit could hinder its ability to deliver the seamless technology integration users expect. Check the entire response of Apple below.
“At Apple, we innovate every day to make technology people love — designing products that work seamlessly together, protect people’s privacy and security, and create a magical experience for our users. This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets.
If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software, and services intersect. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering the government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology. We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend against it.”
Samsung and Lennox are forming a joint venture to sell ductless HVAC systems in the US and Canada. The company is collaborating with Lennox, which is a leading provider of innovative climate solutions in the HVACR industry.
SmartThings AI
The Korean tech giant aims to leverage its leadership in AI, software, smartphones, and semiconductors to provide more smart home services through the easy connection of Samsung SmartThings devices.
With SmartThings Energy, users can monitor overall energy consumption within the home, while SmartThings Energy’s AI Energy mode helps save energy consumption of connected home appliances.
“We are pleased to have entered into a long-term collaboration with Lennox to lead the air conditioning market,” said Choi Kyung-sik, president of Samsung Electronics North America.
The joint venture will distribute Samsung ductless products in United States and Canada as well as “Lennox powered by Samsung”-branded products for Lennox, which will be sold through Lennox stores and direct-to-dealer network.
Samsung believes the joint venture will help it strengthen its position in the North American HVAC market. Samsung will own 50.1% of the joint venture, Samsung Lennox HVAC NA, and Lennox will own 49.9%.
Samsung is seemingly in trouble as a labor union plans to go on strike. The company has been facing concerns with employee dissatisfaction over wage increments. As the wage negotiations apparently failed, workers are in no mood to go back from unannounced protest.
Bloomberg reports that Samsung Elec’s unionized workers are planning to go on strike amid stalled wage negotiations. In the recent past, there were various rounds of talks and negotiations between Samsung’s management and labor union.
However, there is no positive outcome of the discussions held since January 2024. The report also mentions that the management and labor union failed to narrow their differences. If realized, it would mark the first-ever walkout by workers at Samsung Electronics.
“We declare a strike due to the management’s attitude of disregarding the workers,” the labor union said.
Reports say that the unionized labor union has the largest number of employees of Samsung Electronics. If such a huge number of workforce stalls, the company will face issues with manufacturing and production in various businesses.
Samsung partnered with Disney and Pixar for the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo’s promotion. The company has recently released a new campaign video, celebrating the release of “Inside Out 2,” which is scheduled to open in theaters on June 14.
New collaboration playfully shows how Samsung’s latest laundry features help take the stress out of doing laundry. The video screens how Bespoke AI Laundry Combo takes the frustration out of an everyday household chore.
As anticipation builds for “Inside Out 2” before its global release in theaters on June 14, 2024, the campaign video will run on Samsung’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook channels.
The campaign video provides a whimsical look at the emotional roller coaster people can escape if they choose Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ featuring functions such as AI EcoBubble.
“Inside Out 2” introduces new Emotions — including Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui and Envy — as main character Riley turns 13 and faces her next set of challenges.
“The collaboration with Disney and Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’ was refreshing because we were able to come up with new ways of storytelling,” Jinny Jung, Vice President, Samsung Electronics, said.