Category: All News

May 9, 2025
Epic Games Store Reveals Free Mystery Game Giveaways for May 2025
Key Takeaways
1. Epic Games Store is offering Deadtime Defenders and Touch Type Tale for free until May 15 at 14:59 UTC.
2. The store has returned to its Mystery Game promotions, featuring two undisclosed titles.
3. Previous promotions included Cat Quest I, Cat Quest II, and Neko Ghost, Jump! with successful fan guesses.
4. There are currently no hints about future game giveaways, but fans are speculating.
5. Konami’s Deliver At All Cost will be free on May 22, coinciding with Epic’s upcoming giveaway.
The Epic Games Store is currently offering Deadtime Defenders and Touch Type Tale for free on PC, available for download until May 15 at 14:59 UTC. Recently, the store has been revealing its upcoming plans early, as seen with the latest giveaway. However, they have returned to their Mystery Game promotions, featuring two titles from their collection.
Past Promotions
To give some background, Epic previously held Mystery Game promotions at the end of February, providing Cat Quest I, Cat Quest II, and Neko Ghost, Jump! over a span of two weeks. During that time, they gave out significant hints, which led fans to successfully guess two of the three games before they were made available.
Speculations and Future Giveaways
This time, however, there are no hints about what may be coming next. Despite this, fans are still making wild guesses. Some have speculated that this week’s Mystery Games could be followed by additional titles next Thursday. As a point of interest, Konami announced back in March that Deliver At All Cost would be free to download on May 22, which coincides perfectly with Epic’s giveaway in two weeks. For reference, Deliver At All Cost will also be launched on that same day for Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 consoles (currently $499 on Amazon).
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Tags: Deadtime Defenders, Epic Games Store, Touch Type Tale
May 9, 2025
Galaxy Z Fold 7 Paving the Way for Apple’s iPhone Fold Display
Key Takeaways
1. Apple is developing its first foldable iPhone, informally called the iPhone Fold, with Samsung supplying the display.
2. Samsung has created a new folding display technology that meets Apple’s strict requirements for thickness and performance.
3. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a thinner design due to the integration of the touch sensor into the display, reducing thickness by 19%.
4. There are conflicting reports about the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s thickness, with measurements ranging from 8.2 mm to 8.9 mm when closed.
5. The collaboration between Apple and Samsung could lead to significant advancements in foldable display technology in the smartphone market.
Apple is reportedly developing its first foldable iPhone, informally called the iPhone Fold. It’s also noted that Samsung will provide the display for this device. A recent leak indicates that the South Korean smartphone company has discovered a method to reduce the thickness of the folding display to align with Apple’s criteria, which is why the new Fold 7 is expected to be as thin as it supposedly is.
Leak Details from Naver Blog
The newest information comes from ‘yeux1122’ on the Naver blog (translated from Korean to English), claiming that the folding display for Apple’s iPhone Fold has not been used in any existing Samsung phone. The leak mentions that the display complies with Apple’s demands for thickness, power-to-weight ratio, brightness, and more. It was previously reported that Apple delayed the release of a foldable device until it could minimize the visibility of the crease, and recent updates suggest that Samsung has managed to accomplish this. Now, it appears that Samsung has met other necessary specifications as well.
Impact on Galaxy Z Fold 7
Although the leaker claims this new display technology hasn’t been used in any current Samsung models, they suggest this is why the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a notably thinner profile compared to its predecessor. This reduction in thickness has been achieved by integrating the touch sensor into the display rather than having it as a separate layer on top. This change is said to have decreased the thickness by 19%.
Moreover, advancements in processes and the improvement of components have resulted in enhanced color accuracy, peak brightness, and normal brightness levels. These features are believed to meet Apple’s requirements for its inaugural foldable iPhone.
Contradictory Information on Thickness
Recently, it was claimed that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be the thinnest foldable phone available, yet there have been differing opinions on this matter. Techmaniacs reported that the Z Fold 7 would measure just 8.2 mm thick when closed, surpassing the Oppo Find N5 by 0.7 mm. Conversely, well-known leaker Ice Universe stated that the Z Fold 7 would actually match the Find N5’s thickness at 8.9 mm when it is closed.
In summary, as Apple moves closer to releasing its foldable iPhone, the collaboration with Samsung could lead to significant advancements in display technology, setting a new standard in the smartphone market.
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Tags: Galaxy Z Fold 7, iPhone Fold, Samsung Display
May 9, 2025
Vivo S30 Pro Mini: Compact Mid-Range Phone with Big Battery
Key Takeaways
1. Vivo is launching the S30 series, which includes the S30 and S30 Pro Mini, targeting the mid-range market.
2. The S30 Pro Mini is the first “Pro Mini” variant in the S series, aiming to meet the growing demand for compact smartphones.
3. The S30 Pro Mini features a 6.3-inch display and a battery capacity of 6,500mAh, outperforming some flagship models.
4. The standard S30 will have a larger 6.67-inch display with the same 6,500mAh battery, though more specs are yet to be revealed.
5. The S30 series is expected to launch later this month in China, with international versions possibly rebranded as V series devices.
The Vivo S series includes smartphones that are aimed at the mid-range market. In December of the previous year, the company introduced the S20 and S20 Pro. Recently, Ouyang Weifeng, who is the Product VP at Vivo, disclosed details regarding the upcoming S30 series. This new lineup will present two models: the regular S30 and the S30 Pro Mini.
New Compact Model
This marks the first instance where Vivo is releasing a “Pro Mini” variant in the S series. Compact smartphones are becoming more popular, especially in the flagship segment with devices such as the OnePlus 13T and Oppo Find X8s. Now, Vivo aims to capture the mid-range market with the introduction of the S30 Pro Mini as a compact option.
Impressive Specifications
The S30 Pro Mini is set to come with a 6.3-inch flat screen display. A standout feature of this model is its impressive battery capacity of 6,500mAh. For context, the OnePlus 13T, a flagship model, also has a 6.3-inch display, but it carries a slightly smaller battery at 6,260mAh.
Meanwhile, the standard S30 will boast a larger flat display that measures 6.67 inches. It will also come equipped with the same 6,500mAh battery. However, the company has yet to disclose any additional specifications for this model.
Camera Features and Release Date
Notable leaker Digital Chat Station has indicated that the Vivo S30 Pro Mini will include the Sony IMX882 periscope lens, which is featured on the flagship X200 Pro Mini. The S30 series is expected to launch later this month in China, while international versions might be available later, possibly as rebranded V series devices.
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Tags: Mid-range smartphones, S30 Pro Mini, Vivo S30
May 9, 2025
Xiaomi Launches Affordable 4K QLED TV with 120Hz in 2025
Key Takeaways
1. Launch Details: The Xiaomi QLED TV FX Pro Series 2025 will be available starting May 14th in India, with prices starting around $300. Availability in other regions is still uncertain.
2. Size and Performance: The TVs come in 43 and 55 inches, featuring 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, with the 55-inch model capable of 120Hz via Game Booster.
3. Display Technology: The series utilizes QLED panels without OLED or mini-LED technologies, supporting HDR10+ and covering 94% of the DCI-P3 color space, but may have lower contrast and brightness.
4. Audio Features: The 55-inch model has built-in speakers with 34 watts output, supporting Dolby Audio, DTS X, and DTS Virtual:X, enhancing the audio experience.
5. Smart Features: The TVs come with built-in Fire TV, support for Apple AirPlay 2, Miracast, and several connectivity options including HDMI, USB, Ethernet, dual-band WiFi, and Bluetooth.
The Xiaomi QLED TV FX Pro Series 2025 has been officially revealed. These new televisions will hit the market on May 14th, with prices beginning at around $300. Currently, Xiaomi has only announced a launch in India. It is still uncertain if or when this television will be available in other regions, though many of the brand’s other models have reached the European market.
Sizes and Performance
The new Xiaomi TV will come in sizes of 43 and 55 inches. As expected, it features the standard 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz. However, the Game Booster function can boost the refresh rate of the 55-inch model to 120Hz.
To achieve this, Xiaomi uses DLG (Dual Line Gate) technology, which focuses on refresh rate rather than resolution, likely reducing the QLED TV’s output to 1080p at 120Hz. This indicates that external devices capable of delivering 4K at over 60Hz may not be suitable for this new television. It’s important to mention that many other 4K TVs in this affordable range, like the TCL Q65 (starting at $318 on Amazon), only operate at a native 60Hz. The Xiaomi QLED TV FX Pro Series 2025 also includes MEMC support and presents a so-called “Filmmaker Mode.”
Display and Audio Features
Xiaomi employs a QLED panel and does not use OLED or mini-LED technologies in this case. Therefore, consumers shouldn’t expect an extremely high contrast ratio or peak brightness, even though HDR10+ is officially supported. The manufacturer claims that 94% of the DCI-P3 color space is covered. Additionally, the integrated speakers on the 55-inch Xiaomi QLED TV can deliver an output power of up to 34 watts, with support for Dolby Audio, DTS X, and DTS Virtual:X.
These latest QLED models come with built-in Fire TV, allowing access to various streaming applications. The QLED TV FX Pro 2025 also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Miracast, and includes three HDMI ports, one of which has eARC support. A USB 2.0 and Ethernet port are also provided. Furthermore, the Xiaomi television can connect via dual-band WiFi or Bluetooth. Finally, users can monitor Alexa-compatible security cameras using a convenient picture-in-picture feature as well.
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Tags: 4K TV, Game Booster+, Xiaomi QLED TV FX Pro 2025
May 9, 2025
Free Racing Game Giveaway on Epic Games Store for Android & iOS
Key Takeaways
1. Epic Games is offering a free mobile game, Mr Racer: Premium, valued at $9.98, available until May 15.
2. The game features 15 hypercars, five different locations, and seven racing modes, with both offline and online gameplay options.
3. Players will receive 5 million in-game currency and a ‘Fancy Pack’ for car customization.
4. Mr Racer: Premium is free from advertising interruptions, enhancing the gaming experience.
5. The game can be claimed through Epic Games’ mobile apps or a desktop browser, but there are regional restrictions for installation.
The Epic Games Store has refreshed its mobile free game giveaway program, featuring a racing game this time. Last week, they discounted Super Space Club for Android and iOS devices, including the newest iPhone 16 (currently priced at $676 – refurbished on Amazon). To add to this, the new mobile giveaway comes alongside two free games available on PC, which we have detailed in another article.
Free Game Offer
Starting today and running until May 15, you can add Mr Racer: Premium to your Epic Games library, a deal valued at a total of $9.98 for both mobile platforms. According to the store’s blog post, the game boasts 15 hypercars and allows you to race in five different locations with seven racing modes available. Mr Racer: Premium also offers both offline and online gameplay options, letting you compete against friends or randomly matched players.
Added Bonuses
In addition, this week’s offer includes 5 million in-game currency and a ‘Fancy Pack’ that provides various customization choices for your cars. Epic Games highlights that Mr Racer: Premium delivers a racing experience free from advertising interruptions. You can claim Mr Racer: Premium at no cost through Epic Games’ mobile applications or using a desktop browser via the instant checkout link, provided you are logged into your Epic Games account. Keep in mind that there are still regional restrictions regarding the installation of Epic’s mobile applications.
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Tags: Epic Games Store, iPhone 16, Mr Racer: Premium
May 9, 2025
Arc Raiders Datamine Reveals New Map, Bosses, and More
Key Takeaways
1. Arc Raiders has gained popularity during its brief playtest, generating excitement for its upcoming features.
2. A datamine revealed a new map called ‘The Blue Gate’ and confirmed four other maps, indicating ongoing development.
3. New bosses and enemies are in the works, with codenames and HP stats suggesting their roles and strengths.
4. Upcoming game modes include ‘HarvesterHunt’, ‘OutpostDefense’, ‘Reclaim’, ‘Salvage’, and ‘Siege’, hinting at diverse gameplay options.
5. Additional details on character skills, loot, and game systems are available, but they may change before the final release.
Arc Raiders has proven to be a great hit, despite being available for only a brief period during its playtest. This upcoming extraction shooter, crafted by Embark Studios using Unreal Engine 5, has generated a lot of buzz. Although the playtest offered limited gameplay experiences, a datamine of the game has revealed exciting details about future content, like new bosses, a fourth map, extra game modes, skills, and more.
Insights from the Datamine
Information shared on the Arc Raiders subreddit by user CoUsT indicates that game files contain hints about what the developers might be working on. It’s important to remember that this content is not final and may never reach the full release. Some of the values might also be incorrect or misinterpreted, so it’s wise to take this info lightly.
New Map Discovery
Among the findings, a new map titled ‘The Blue Gate’ has been identified. This map is one of the five confirmed, which also includes ‘PracticeRange’, ‘BuriedCity’, ‘Spaceport’, and ‘TheDam’. Notably, The Blue Gate has no Points of Interest (POIs) listed, implying that it is still under development. Additionally, other locations mentioned in the data include ‘DeathMatch’, ‘CombatValidation’, ‘MountainCompound’, and ‘Onboarding’ (which serves as a tutorial).
Upcoming Bosses and Enemies
Regarding bosses and enemies, there are codenames, abilities, and HP stats for anticipated new and existing foes in Arc Raiders. The codenames include Salt, Wasabi, Mustard, Fennel, Pepper, and Radish. Salt is characterized as having 20K HP, while Wasabi, thought to be the Queen, boasts 35K HP. Mustard is speculated to be the King with 60K HP, while the others are expected to be lesser enemies.
Game Modes and Features
There is also a mention of a “Pendulum System/Move,” which is thought to be related to movement or a new game mode. In terms of game modes, the data reveals ‘HarvesterHunt’, ‘OutpostDefense (with Elite waves, LastStandOrbital)’, ‘Reclaim’, ‘Salvage’, and ‘Siege (with Elite)’ as some of the modes currently present or on the horizon for Arc Raiders.
Additional Information
A wealth of information is available regarding character skills and abilities, loot, armors, inventory, audio, weather systems, and even a first-person camera. As previously noted, it’s crucial to approach this information cautiously, as the final version of the game may not include every detail mentioned.
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Tags: Arc Raiders, game modes, Unreal Engine 5
May 9, 2025
Vivo X Fold5 Global Release Expected with Exciting Upgrades
Key Takeaways
1. Vivo is expected to launch successors to the X Fold3 Pro, including the X Fold5, between June and September.
2. The X Fold5 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a larger battery of 6,000 mAh.
3. The design will include 6.3-inch and 8.3-inch cover displays, differing from the previous model’s display sizes.
4. The device will retain a 50 MP triple rear camera setup and a 32 MP front-facing camera with Zeiss optics.
5. There are indications that Vivo may move away from the triple camera setup seen in earlier models.
More detailed info about a possible new foldable device has surfaced online thanks to Yogesh Brar. To summarize, there were hints towards the end of last year that Vivo was getting ready to launch a successor to the X Fold3 Pro, along with a competing product to the Apple Vision Pro. Additionally, rumors suggested that Vivo might move away from the triple camera setup seen in the X Fold3 and X Fold3 Pro.
Time for New Models
Since both of these models are now more than a year old, it’s about time for Vivo to unveil their successors. According to Brar, at least one model is expected to have a global launch sometime between June and September. Sadly, the leaker hasn’t shared any details regarding the anticipated launch in China. However, it seems that the global release might only pertain to the X Fold5, unlike last year when the X Fold3 Pro was also included.
Specs and Features
Regardless, Brar anticipates that the standard X Fold5 will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is found in current leading foldables, such as the Galaxy Z Fold6 (currently priced at $1,249 on Amazon). It shouldn’t be much of a surprise since the X Fold3 was launched last year with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 alongside a robust 5,500 mAh battery.
Reportedly, the X Fold’s battery is going to increase by 9%, reaching 6,000 mAh. Additionally, the device will feature the same 50 MP triple rear cameras and a 32 MP front-facing camera, along with Zeiss optics and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Brar also mentions that the X Fold5 will include 6.3-inch and 8.3-inch cover displays, suggesting a change in design from the X Fold3, which had a 6.3-inch cover display that unfolded into an 8.03-inch interior screen.
Conclusion
In summary, Yogesh Brar’s insights give us a glimpse into what we might expect from Vivo’s next foldable. With upgraded specs and a potential global release on the horizon, it’ll be interesting to see how the new models stack up against competitors in the market.
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Tags: Foldable Smartphone, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Vivo X Fold5
May 8, 2025
Nintendo Begins Sending Switch 2 Pre-Order Invitations to U.S. Gamers
Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo is sending out pre-order invitation emails to select gamers, but timing and availability remain unclear.
2. Only a small number of players have reported receiving emails, indicating limited console availability ahead of the June 5th launch.
3. Eligible buyers include Nintendo Switch Online subscribers with over 12 months of membership and 50+ hours of gameplay, but invitations are not guaranteed.
4. Gamers who receive invitations have a 72-hour window to complete their purchases on Nintendo’s Store.
5. Delivery options may lead to delays, with standard shipping taking 3-9 business days and expedited options still possibly arriving after the Switch 2’s release date.
U.S. gamers were aware that Nintendo would dispatch emails to chosen players on May 8th, but the specific time for pre-ordering the Switch 2 was still unclear. Now, it seems that invitation emails are beginning to reach select gamers. Nevertheless, as has been the case during the pre-order phase, there is still a lot of confusion regarding the availability and shipping methods.
Select Emails Rolling Out
Currently, only a small group of users on the ResetEra forums and various subreddits have reported receiving an email. This pattern might suggest that Nintendo plans to keep sending invitations throughout the day, or it could mean that the number of consoles available is even lower than anticipated. Nintendo has already mentioned that there might not be enough handheld devices for every player by the Switch 2 launch on June 5th.
Invited Buyers Share Their Emails
Lucky participants who received invites from Nintendo have shared the content of their emails. There’s nothing particularly surprising in the communication, as gamers have a window of 72 hours to complete their purchases. Before the pre-order period kicked off, Nintendo made it clear which buyers would be eligible. The company favors Nintendo Switch Online subscribers who have been registered for over 12 months and logged 50+ hours of gameplay. However, even those who meet these criteria are not guaranteed an invitation to purchase the console from Nintendo’s Store.
Delivery Options and Expectations
On social media, retail tracker Wario64 suggested that gamers waiting for their emails should visit Nintendo’s website. Any gamer who gets selected by Nintendo might be able to finalize their order right away.
An unexpected downside for buyers relates to the delivery choices. The standard free shipping option estimates delivery in 3-9 business days. Depending on when the order is dispatched, the console might not arrive until after the Switch 2 release date. Even the expedited shipping options provide estimated delivery times of 2-3 days. While the Switch 2 pre-order frenzy has caused issues for retailers like Best Buy and GameStop, players still hope to receive their consoles on June 5th.
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Tags: Nintendo, Pre-order, Switch 2
May 8, 2025
Asus Vivobook S16: Long Battery, 120Hz QHD Display, NPU Available
Key Takeaways
1. The Asus Vivobook S16 is available in Europe, with two models priced at €999 and €899, featuring 1TB and 512GB SSDs respectively.
2. Both models are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X1-26-100 processor and have 16GB of soldered LPDDR5X RAM.
3. The 16-inch display offers a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 500 nits.
4. Weighing 3.8 lbs, the laptop includes various connectivity options, such as HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2, and USB 4.0 ports, along with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 4.3.
5. The battery supports fast charging and can reach 60% in 49 minutes, with a claimed battery life of up to 32 hours.
Asus has recently launched the new Vivobook S16, and it is now available for buyers in various European countries, including Germany. The 16-inch laptop, identified by the model number S3607QA-PL006W, can be purchased for €999, which includes 19% VAT. There is also another configuration of the Vivobook S16, with the model number S3607QA-PL004W, priced lower at €899. This version comes with a 512GB SSD instead of the 1TB option. Both models feature soldered 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon X1-26-100 processor.
Performance and Display Features
The ARM chipset in these laptops boasts an NPU capable of 45 TOPS, which is expected to deliver solid performance in AI tasks. These new Asus devices come with a 16-inch screen that has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, a response time of just 0.2ms, and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The IPS display reportedly achieves a peak brightness of 500 nits and a standard brightness of 400 nits. Asus claims that the sRGB color space is fully covered.
Weight and Connectivity Options
Weighing in at 3.8 lbs, the Vivobook S16 has dimensions of 14 x 9.9 x 0.7 inches. It includes a Full-HD webcam, along with built-in microphones and speakers. For connectivity, you’ll find one HDMI 2.1 port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and two USB 4.0 ports that can support display output. Additionally, the device features WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 4.3, while the 70Wh battery can be charged to 60% in just 49 minutes. Asus also asserts that the Vivobook S16 complies with the US MIL-STD-810H standard and can provide battery life of up to 32 hours. Nevertheless, a similar model of this laptop lasted around 20 hours in our detailed testing.
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Tags: 16-inch laptop, Asus Vivobook S16, S3607QA-PL006W
May 8, 2025
Apple Exec Warns: iPhone May Become Obsolete Due to AI
Key Takeaways
1. Eddy Cue’s remark about a drop in search volume on Safari indicates a potential shift in how iPhone users will engage with web search.
2. Apple plans to integrate generative AI search tools into Safari, moving away from traditional Google search interfaces.
3. Google’s dominance in search is being challenged by AI platforms like ChatGPT, impacting its market value.
4. The iPhone’s role as a primary access point for search is changing, potentially affecting Google’s advertising revenue.
5. The rise of AI may disrupt Google’s search monopoly more effectively than legal actions from regulators.
At a pivotal moment in an important antitrust trial in Washington, D.C., Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, shared a remark that could signal a significant change in the iPhone’s usual function in web search. “For the first time in 22 years, we’ve seen search volume drop on Safari,” he declared. Cue’s testimony aimed to support Apple’s multi-billion-dollar agreement with Google, but it also suggested a larger transition that might alter how users engage with the iPhone. The main catalyst behind this change is artificial intelligence.
AI Integration in Safari
Reports indicate that Apple is looking to incorporate generative AI search tools such as OpenAI and Perplexity into Safari. This move could fundamentally transform how iPhone users search for information, shifting from the conventional Google search box to interfaces powered by AI. This trend has already begun influencing the market, as shares of Google’s parent company Alphabet fell by more than 7% this week, wiping out about $150 billion in market capitalization.
Changes in Revenue Dynamics
Cue remarked in court, “It just seems crazy to me,” in reference to potential revenue losses linked to Google’s antitrust challenges, acknowledging that the true disruption may arise more from AI than from legal decisions. His statements mirror a rising sentiment within the industry. Google’s long-held supremacy in search is now being challenged by generative AI platforms. With ChatGPT reportedly managing over 1 billion search queries each week and Apple working on redesigning Safari with AI capabilities, the iPhone’s role as a gateway to Google’s ecosystem might be fading.
The Redefinition of the iPhone
“The iPhone’s role as the portal to search is being redefined,” stated Yory Wurmser, an analyst at eMarketer. “When your default gateway no longer leads to Google but to AI, the device becomes less of a command centre and more of a conduit.” This strategic shift by Apple could have extensive implications for the smartphone and advertising sectors. Analysts caution that changing Google’s default search position on iOS could destabilize Google’s advertising revenue and redirect billions in global advertising expenditure. As U.S. regulators deliberate on actions regarding default search engine agreements, Apple seems to be gearing up its platform for a future dominated by AI.
At this moment, the iPhone continues to hold a dominant position. However, as Cue pointed out, the emergence of AI may achieve what courts cannot — diminish Google’s search monopoly and, in doing so, reshape the iPhone itself.
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Tags: AI, Apple, google