InspiredCode

About

Username
InspiredCode
Joined
Visits
95
Last Active
Roles
member
Points
1,147
Badges
1
Posts
406

Reactions

602Like0Dislike89Informative

  • Apple expands self-driving car fleet, reduces number of test drivers

    InspiredCodeInspiredCode
    dysamoria said:
    Uh, how is that possible? Does that mean there isn’t a legal requirement to monitor these test vehicles by way of licensed drivers?

    Self-driving cars are a disaster in the making. Software is notoriously unreliable (though this is masked by the culture of tech fanatics and browbeaten end-users who all pretend this is normal & fine), and tech corporations are never held accountable for software flaws. The number of bugs going unfixed in Apple’s software alone has significantly grown, not reduced, in the last 8 years.
    They still have more drivers then cars.
    beowulfschmidt

  • Apple may have one last Intel Mac up its sleeve

    InspiredCodeInspiredCode
    It may be the 16” MBP. It feels like mini LED production isn’t high enough to refresh the model unless they plan to put in an older display.
    watto_cobra

  • Microsoft, Apple feud over xCloud got Shadow pulled from the App Store

    InspiredCodeInspiredCode
    We hear “the app was removed by accident” far too often.
    Oferprismaticsjony0

  • Epic v. Apple trial testimony turns to 'cross-wallet' gaming

    InspiredCodeInspiredCode
    So-called "cross-wallet" gaming featured large in the second day of the Epic Games v. Apple trial, with Epic and other developers arguing the payment method is not a viable alternative to in-app purchases.

    Available as a continuity feature for users, and an option for developers averse to in-app payments (and Apple's cut of those payments), the "cross-wallet" alternative allows for the use of in-game currency purchased from another device or platform. For example, "Fortnite" players can buy V-Bucks on a PC or through Epic's website and use those V-Bucks to buy in-game items on iOS -- or at least they might have when the game was still on the App Store.

    As noted by The Verge, Apple allowed Epic to implement cross-wallet play in "Fortnite" until the game was stricken from the App Store for violating Apple's rules against direct payments. The fact, noted by Apple's lawyers, undermines a central argument that claims developers have little choice but to give Apple 30% of all in-app purchase proceeds.
    Wow, I did not know that. Good thing Apple has real lawyers, and didn't hire me. This is a fascinating point. Apple never blocked Epic from getting 100% of their players' money from another platform and spending that money inside iOS, without paying Apple that 30%. So Epic has the functionality it needs, it just doesn't want users to suffer any "inconvenience", even though 90% of Fortnite players play on more than one platform, so it wouldn't be inconvenient to them. This whole case is about a minor inconvenience to Epic's users, not anything actually functional.
    At one time the cross-wallet rules were different. It was written in the App Store rules that more of the purchases must come from App Store IAP then cross-wallet. This would have obviously caused problems for Epic where most players started on another platform. I'm curious when this changed if anyone has old copies of the rules. I think this was brought up last year with the HEY email app when subscribing on a web page.
    watto_cobra

  • Epic's Tim Sweeney said he would have taken special deal with Apple

    InspiredCodeInspiredCode
    Apple may win this round, but it feels like Apple should try to get in front of antitrust issues before it is too late.

    The bi-partisan coalition of senators on the antitrust committee think the approximately 80% profit margins on AppStore fees is evidence of rent seeking and want to regulate the store. With the Biden administration also onboard, it feels like it is just a matter of time. The fact that Apple provides services seems to be a major reason regulators do not want to treat them like a game store.

    Other parties are preparing their own antitrust trials in both the US and the EU that I think may have stronger cases. I’m not pro-regulation, so I would really like to see Apple get in front of this on their own terms. If they fail to, I hope the least blunt instrument as possible is used to regulate the store.
    roundaboutnowBeatsanantksundaramd_2watto_cobra