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Case closed on long-standing space weather mystery

If a train leaves the station in Exeter, England, headed south toward Newton Abbot five years before the railway line opens, how long until anyone figures out that it didn’t happen? Well, evidently about 155 years. A report on magnetic storms, published in Nature in 1871, described an incident thought to be the earliest recordedContinue reading "Case closed on long-standing space weather mystery"

The post Case closed on long-standing space weather mystery appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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How can I reduce my personal contribution to light pollution?

What type of lighting emits the least amount of light pollution? Peter BladoTacoma, Washington First, use a good lighting fixture, one that is a “full cutoff.” That means there is no direct upgoing light at all. It generally also means there is very little light just below the horizontal, which is the kind of lightContinue reading "How can I reduce my personal contribution to light pollution?"

The post How can I reduce my personal contribution to light pollution? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Consumer lawsuit against Apple and Amazon in the UK can proceed, at least in part

Britain’s Competition Appeal Tribunal is allowing part of a consumer lawsuit against Apple and Amazon to proceed over ​claims they restricted competition in the sale of Apple products on Amazon’s ‌UK marketplace, reports Reuters.

The lawsuit alleges that Apple and Amazon agreed in 2018 to limit which resellers could offer Apple and Beats-branded products on Amazon’s UK website, reducing market competition. Judge Kelyn Bacon has permitted claims regarding Amazon marketplace purchases to move forward, noting they were plausible and grounded in facts

The part of the case allowed to proceed could be worth between £289 million ($383 million) and £306 million, ​including interest, according to the claimant, according to Reuters.

Broader claims regarding products sold through Apple’s own stores or other independent retailers were dismissed as too speculative. Not surprisingly,Apple strongly disagrees with the claims, saying the 2018 deal was intended to protect consumers and reduce serious safety risks associated with counterfeit goods. [1]

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The post Consumer lawsuit against Apple and Amazon in the UK can proceed, at least in part appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Elton John will be the first artist to perform at the Apple Music Hall

On September 22, Apple announced the opening of Apple Music Hall, a new, state-of-the-art live music venue in London’s Battersea Power Station. Elton John will be the first artist to perform there in an appearance on September 28.

Following performances will be by Baby Keen on October 2, Skye Newman on October 7, Troye Sivan on October 13, Arlo Parks on October 22, Burma Boy on October 29, Chase & Status  on November 26, and a Charli XCC on December 2.

Apple Music Hall is designed to connect artists and fans through bespoke, intimate performances unlike anywhere else, according to Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and International Content. He said the venue will offer artists and music fans alike an exceptional live concert experience alongside the River Thames. 

Taking inspiration from the iconic Battersea Power Station, the new venue incorporates heritage brickwork, fluted arches, and bronze balconies reminiscent of the historic oriel windows. A giant glass wall further enhances the visual connection with the historic building, offering a panoramic view of the concourse and the river beyond.

I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support. 

The post Elton John will be the first artist to perform at the Apple Music Hall appeared first on MacTech.com.

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OpenAI wants the court to strike two expert declarations in its battle with Apple

OpenAI and the other defendants in Apple’s trade secret misappropriation lawsuit have made a new filing, asking the court to strike two expert declarations and disregard other evidence Apple recently submitted, reports 9to5Mac.

From the filing: Apple submitted with its reply brief five new expert declarations (including one entirely new expert), totaling 126 pages, as well as numerous new exhibits. These declarations go far outside the scope of Apple’s opening brief and Defendants’ opposition, and in any event do not save Apple’s deficient motion.

This is part of an ongoing legal brouhaha. In a lawsuit filed with the Northern District of California, Apple says it’s uncovered evidence of a months-long scheme to steal confidential information. The company says OpenAI hardware lead and former Apple designer Tan and former electrical engineer Liu directed Apple employees interviewing with OpenAI to provide details on unreleased devices, components, manufacturing processes, and vendor relationships.

Here’s what Apple said in a statement to MacRumors: At Apple, our teams are constantly developing breakthrough technologies to create the best products and services in the world, and protecting their work and intellectual property is something we take very seriously. Recently, significant evidence has emerged suggesting individuals employed by OpenAI wrongfully took Apple’s secret and confidential information regarding our unreleased technologies, processes, and products. We will always defend our teams’ hard work and innovations, and we are taking all appropriate steps to do so.

And from the lawsuit: 

OpenAI also instructs new hires on how to avoid scrutiny when they leave Apple. For example, Mr. Tan warns them not to tell Apple that they have taken jobs at OpenAI, so they can stay at Apple as long as they can. After his own departure, Mr. Tan improperly retained or obtained an internal Apple managers’ document marked “Need to Know” that describes security procedures for employee departures. Messages left on Apple-issued work devices show that Mr. Tan and his OpenAI colleagues have been sharing this document with new hires before they give notice to Apple of their departures, previewing Apple’s security protocols. Unsurprisingly, Apple’s investigation has found a pattern by employees who depart for OpenAI of taking steps to evade the security processes intended to protect Apple’s confidential information.

In response to the lawsuit, OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri told MacRumors that, “We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.”

I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support. 

The post OpenAI wants the court to strike two expert declarations in its battle with Apple appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Jury rules that Taction Technology is owed more than $5.7 billion by Apple 

A federal jury in San Diego ruled that Taction Technology is owed more than $5.7 billion by Apple for infringing two haptic feedback patents, reports CBNC.

Taction, a haptics technology company, sued Apple in 2021. The tech giant has vowed to appeal the findings saying “Apple does not use Taction’s technology.” Also, a jury has found that Apple’s infringement wasn’t willful, which limits potential triple damages.

The dispute centers on Apple’s Taptic Engine, which provides the tapping and vibration sensations in iPhones and Apple Watches. Taction argued that Apple used its patented tactile transducer technology without permission under U.S. Patent Nos. 10,659,885 and 10,820,117. 

Taction initially filed the lawsuit in 2021. Apple won a dismissal in 2023. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit revived the case in 2025.

I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support. 

The post Jury rules that Taction Technology is owed more than $5.7 billion by Apple  appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Staffers in most Apple US divisions will get the entire week of Thanksgiving off

The holiday season is fast approaching and new Apple CEO John Ternus has told the company’s staff that most US divisions will get the whole week of Thanksgiving off.

Here’s what he said in an email seen by Bloomberg: 

Team,

Last week in New York, I had the chance to see customers discover for themselves what we already know: Our newest products are incredible! From the most advanced camera ever in an iPhone to intelligent health features in Apple Watch to the amazing listening experience of our latest Air Pods, it was so wonderful to see the joy in people’s faces as they experienced our new lineup for the very first time. And that’s before iPhone Duo even hits the shelves.

It takes an extraordinary amount of work to make moments like this possible. It takes teams across Apple all driving toward the same goal, every single day. This year has been filled with remarkable milestones, and for all your hard work, you deserve a break.

In recognition of your contributions, most US teams will get the Monday through Wednesday before Thanksgiving off. If you’re part of our Retail and AppleCare teams who serve our customers, or international teams, you’ll be able to take three extra days off at a later date. You can find all the details on the People site.

I’m so grateful for this amazing team, and I hope you’ll use this time away to unwind, recharge, and spend time with loved ones. As I’ve said, this is an incredibly exciting time to be at Apple. And I can’t wait for what’s next.

Thanks, John

The post Staffers in most Apple US divisions will get the entire week of Thanksgiving off appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Omdia: Connected vehicle installed base to surpass 1 billion by 2035 as LTE shutdown approaches

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The post Omdia: Connected vehicle installed base to surpass 1 billion by 2035 as LTE shutdown approaches appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Top Apple-related stories for the week of September 21-25

Here are some of the top Apple stories from this week.

° A year after Apple TV put “The Savant,” a thriller starring Jessica Chastain on hold, the streamer has rescheduled it for spring 2027.

° A settlement website has been launched for Apple’s $250 million class action lawsuit.

° Some new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 units are rebooting unexpectedly.

° Apple has reportedly laid off a “handful” of Fitness + employees.

° The 20th anniversary iPhone may have slightly larger displays than the iPhone 18 Pro models.

° The long-rumored “HomePad” will reportedly debut next month.

° Some iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max users are reporting issues with Face ID.

° Apple has announced the opening of Apple Music Hall, a new, state-of-the-art live music venue in London’s  Battersea Power Station.

° Mac sales soar as iPad sales decline in Mainland China.

° Apple is working on an activity tracker that doesn’t have a screen.

° Apple is developing an all-new operating system that’s like a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS for its upcoming home hub.

° Apple has postponed plans for an “Apple Pin”  pendant device.

° Apple Intelligence is taking up to 30GB (or more) on some Macs running macOS 27.

° Apple has announced that, soon, in Apple Podcasts, content providers will be able to offer video directly through Apple Podcasts Subscriptions.

° Apple TV has announced holiday programming for the whole family, led by the all-new Peanuts special, “Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy,” premiering Friday, November 13.

° Apple Music will host its first-ever video livestream for the Head Trip festival.

The post Top Apple-related stories for the week of September 21-25 appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Credit Unions win class certification in Apple Pay antitrust lawsuit

This week, a federal judge overseeing an antitrust class-action lawsuit against Apple Inc. regarding allegations of anticompetitive behavior in the mobile wallet market certified a class of payment card issuers, in a major victory for plaintiffs.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White also denied Apple’s motion to exclude expert testimony attorneys say establishes common proof that Apple maintains monopoly power in a relevant antitrust aftermarket for tap-and-pay iOS mobile wallets, as well as a broader market for all mobile wallets, through Apple Pay.

The lawsuit accuses Apple of extracting up to $1 billion annually in fees in violation of federal antitrust law. You can read more here and read the judge’s order here. 

I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support. 

The post Credit Unions win class certification in Apple Pay antitrust lawsuit appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Credit Unions win class certification in Apple Pay antitrust lawsuit

This week, a federal judge overseeing an antitrust class-action lawsuit against Apple Inc. regarding allegations of anticompetitive behavior in the mobile wallet market certified a class of payment card issuers, in a major victory for plaintiffs.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White also denied Apple’s motion to exclude expert testimony attorneys say establishes common proof that Apple maintains monopoly power in a relevant antitrust aftermarket for tap-and-pay iOS mobile wallets, as well as a broader market for all mobile wallets, through Apple Pay.

The lawsuit accuses Apple of extracting up to $1 billion annually in fees in violation of federal antitrust law. You can read more here and read the judge’s order here. 

I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support. 

The post Credit Unions win class certification in Apple Pay antitrust lawsuit appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Credit Unions win class certification in Apple Pay antitrust lawsuit

This week, a federal judge overseeing an antitrust class-action lawsuit against Apple Inc. regarding allegations of anticompetitive behavior in the mobile wallet market certified a class of payment card issuers, in a major victory for plaintiffs.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White also denied Apple’s motion to exclude expert testimony attorneys say establishes common proof that Apple maintains monopoly power in a relevant antitrust aftermarket for tap-and-pay iOS mobile wallets, as well as a broader market for all mobile wallets, through Apple Pay.

The lawsuit accuses Apple of extracting up to $1 billion annually in fees in violation of federal antitrust law. You can read more here and read the judge’s order here. 

I hope you’ll help support Apple World Today by becoming a patron. Almost all our income is from Patreon support and sponsored posts. Patreon pricing ranges from $2 to $10 a month. Thanks in advance for your support. 

The post Credit Unions win class certification in Apple Pay antitrust lawsuit appeared first on MacTech.com.

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Tories challenge chancellor to rule out tax rises in budget as Badenoch labelled ‘embarrassment’ for Bank of England gaffe – UK politics live

The Conservatives want to brand Burnham’s administration as a ‘traditional tax and spend socialist government’

In a news release issued ahead of his speech this morning, Andrew Griffith, the new shadow chancellor, gave details of some of the questions he wants the experts he has asked to review small business regulation to address. (See 8.58am.) He said:

[Craig Mackinlay and Robert Colvile] will produce a report taking evidence from small business and self-employed organisations. While they will have a wide remit, they will consider in particular these key questions, and report in December:

-Why have past attempts to reduce the regulatory and compliance burden on small business and the self-employed failed, and what specifically should be done to reduce the burden successfully?

This is staggering. Our socialist Chancellor has dished out a big Bank of England finance job to a socialist union boss who knows nothing about finance.

Clearly, trade union donations not only buy your way into government policymaking, but also onto the Bank of England’s board. This is cronyism in plain sight.

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© Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

© Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

© Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

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OpenAI reveals cases of ‘concerning’ AI behaviour as it announces new disclosure system

Model adopting ‘jailbreak-like instructions’ among cases as firm says it is introducing new way of tracking AI misalignment

OpenAI has disclosed six more examples of “unexpected or concerning” behaviour by its technology, as it warned the pace of development could not continue at “maximum speed for much longer”.

In one of the new cases reported by OpenAI, an unreleased research model inserted “jailbreak-like instructions” into its own notes to disregard its normal constraints and told itself to be “freed from the roles and identities that bind other chatbots”.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: Dado Ruvić/Reuters

© Photograph: Dado Ruvić/Reuters

© Photograph: Dado Ruvić/Reuters

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