Most modern Android smartphones feature USB-C ports, but soon that might be a requirement for all phones sold in Europe… including iPhones. After announcing a provisional agreement in June  to create “a single charging solution for certain electronic devices,” the European Union has finalized that agreement and announced that starting December 28, 2024 all new […]
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3 Comments on Lilbits: EU could mandate longer life-spans for phones, Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and Fusion leaked
Lilbits: EU could mandate longer life-spans for phones, Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and Fusion leaked
3 Comments on Lilbits: EU could mandate longer life-spans for phones, Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and Fusion leakedA growing number of phone makers are promising to support their phones by offering as many as five years of software updates. In some cases they’re even making spare parts and repair manuals available for folks who want to fix their own hardware at home. But European officials are considering regulations that would make long-term […]
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Lilbits: A DIY Spotify Box, Microsoft’s Surface Adaptive Kit for accessibility, Fairphone 4, and more
1 Comment on Lilbits: A DIY Spotify Box, Microsoft’s Surface Adaptive Kit for accessibility, Fairphone 4, and moreThis week Microsoft introduced new Surface tablets, a new Surface Duo 2 phone, and a new Surface Laptop Studio that are all scheduled to hit the streets soon. But the company also unveiled a new Surface Adaptive Kit that’s designed to make those devices, and many others, easier to use for people with disabilities. The […]
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Google could charge up to $40 to include its apps on Android phones in the EU
This week Google announced that it would comply with an EU order to unbundle some of the apps it licenses to Android phone makers while appealing the ruling. The move would allow phone makers to include the Google Play Store and Gmail without loading the Chrome web browser or Google Search apps, for example. But […]
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Android phone makers may have to start paying for the Play Store, other Google apps (in Europe)
8 Comments on Android phone makers may have to start paying for the Play Store, other Google apps (in Europe)After the European Union slapped Google with a $5 billion fine in an antitrust case this summer, Google appealed the ruling. But while waiting for the outcome of that appeal, Google has come up with a plan B: the company is changing the way it licenses its apps and services for Android phones and tablets […]
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EU may push phone makers to use standardized chargers (goodbye Apple Lightning adapters?)
12 Comments on EU may push phone makers to use standardized chargers (goodbye Apple Lightning adapters?)European Union officials are considering adopting new standards for smartphone chargers that could cut down on electronic waste. Right now most smartphones ship with a charging cable and adapter. So when you buy a new phone and don’t need your old charger anymore, you probably throw it out. According to the European Commission that leads […]
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EU fines Google $5 billion for antitrust violations related to Android
European Union regulators say Google has abused its dominant position in the smartphone operating system space to pressure phone makers into including Google Search and the Chrome web browser on their devices, stifling competition. In response, the EU has fined Google 4.34 billion Euros (about $5.04 billion US) and ordered the company to end the […]
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EU fines Qualcomm $1.2 billion for antitrust violations
The European Commission says the world’s largest supplier of LTE chipsets abused its dominant position in the marketplace to keep phone makers from using chips from rival companies. As a result, the EU has issued a €997 million ($1.23 billion) fine against Qualcomm. Qualcomm says it will appeal the decision. At issue is an agreement […]
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European Union takes aim at geo-blocking, lets travelers stream media across country lines
Comments Off on European Union takes aim at geo-blocking, lets travelers stream media across country linesThe European Commission has unveiled a new agreement that will allow people from one European Union member country to access their digital media while traveling to other EU countries. In other words, if you pay for streaming music or movie services in Germany, you’ll be able to watch or listen in France. The deal applies […]
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European Union could eliminate roaming charges for travelers
The European Union may be losing a member soon, but residents of the remaining countries may get a new perk soon: the ability to use their cellphones in any member countries without paying roaming fees. A plan to eliminate roaming charges in the EU has been under development for years, but today the European Commission […]