European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

TECH

European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

2024-09-19 21:21 Last Updated At：21:30

LONDON (AP) — The European Union said Thursday it will outline steps to compel Apple to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to competing technologies under the bloc's tough new digital rulebook, which threatens hefty fines for breaches.

The EU's executive branch, the European Commission, said it has opened two “specification proceedings” that will spell out what Apple needs to do under the 27-nation bloc's Digital Markets Act.

The DMA is designed to prevent Big Tech “gatekeepers” from dominating digital markets, including by breaking up closed tech ecosystems. It requires tech companies to make their systems operate with rivals, allowing consumers to switch more easily between platforms.

One proceeding will focus on how connected devices like smartwatches and headphones will have “effective interoperability” with Apple's operating system. The other will look at how Apple deals with interoperability requests from software developers for iOS and IPadOS, which should be done in a "transparent, timely and fair" way, the commission said.

During this process, which will take up to six months, the commission will send its findings to Apple. It’s the first time the commission has used this process since the DMA took effect earlier this year. The bloc is already investigating Apple over its App Store rules for developers.

The commission's executive vice president in charge of competition policy, Margrethe Vestager, said in a press release that the process will “provide clarity” for developers and Apple.

Apple said it has “created ways for apps in the European Union to request additional interoperability with iOS and iPadOS while protecting our users.”

“Undermining the protections we’ve built over time would put European consumers at risk," the company said, adding it will continue to “work constructively” with commission.

Expectations soar for Mavs with addition of Klay Thompson after run to NBA Finals

2024-10-15 02:19 Last Updated At：02:20

Last season: 50-32, lost to Boston in NBA Finals.

COACH: Jason Kidd (fifth season with Mavericks, 10th season overall, 323-296).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 vs. San Antonio.

DEPARTURES: F Derrick Jones Jr., G Josh Green, G Tim Hardaway Jr.

ADDITIONS: G Klay Thompson, F Naji Marshall, G Spencer Dinwiddie, G Quentin Grimes.

BetMGM championship odds: 12-1.

The Mavericks addressed their biggest scoring need by adding Thompson in a sign-and-trade after their first trip to the NBA Finals since winning their only title in 2011. Dallas will expect nothing less than another deep playoff run with Thompson playing alongside fellow stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. It will be an adjustment for Thompson, though. He spent his first 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors and helped them win four championships. Thompson is coming off his lowest scoring average since his second season, and the five-time All-Star shot less than 40% from 3-point range for just the second time in his career.

The good: Playing with Doncic and Irving should mean a lot of great looks for Thompson, and the pick-and-roll could be dangerous if Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford stay healthy. Lively and Gafford showed in the playoffs they can be a potent tandem in the middle. Lively is among the most promising big men in the league after debuting as a 19-year-old and having a strong rookie year coming out of Duke. He did miss time with injuries, though.

The not-so-good: Dallas' most important defensive player last season was Jones, and the club hoped to bring him back. Instead, Jones signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Clippers, who lost to the Mavs in the first round of the playoffs. That will leave plenty to prove on defense for a team with the offensive star power of Doncic, Irving and Thompson. Grimes, acquired from Detroit for Hardaway, could play a role along with Marshall, a free agent pickup.

Plenty of eyes will be on Thompson in his first season without Splash Brother Stephen Curry, not to mention star forward Draymond Green. How Thompson, Doncic and Irving complement each other will be one of the bigger storylines in the NBA. The return Dinwiddie is intriguing. He played a big role in the Mavs' run to the 2022 Western Conference finals as an addition at the trade deadline. Now he's back after a season-plus away when Dinwiddie was shipped to Brooklyn in the blockbuster deal for Irving.

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