Tag - Europe
T-Mobile providing Simple Choice subscribers unlimited data in Europe
Subscribers of T-Mobile will soon be able to roam around Europe without worrying about overusing their data, the carrier has announced. Part of its Summer Unleashed promotion, T-Mobile is providing its customers free unlimited high-speed data throughout the summer if they cross the Atlantic for their vacation, while customers of other carriers are also being given a small connectivity treat if they are on a domestic flight this weekend.
Irish finance minister believes EU Apple tax ruling arriving in July
The probe by the European Commission into Apple's tax arrangements may come to an end soon, possibly next month, according to one official. Irish finance minister Michael Noonan believes the Commission could offer its ruling in July, one that will decide the legality of Apple's movements of funds through specific countries to avoid paying high amounts of tax, as well as other arrangements beneficial to the company provided by EU member states.
EU regulatory group wants leniency for 'sharing economy' services
Governments should be more mindful of "sharing economy" services and must try to avoid banning them, according to draft guidelines created by the European Commission. European Union member states should be mindful of implementing restrictions on online services such as Airbnb and Uber, with the commission warning rules that work against these types of companies should be justifiable, and also proportionate to the public interest.
Apple will concentrate on Apple Pay launches in Asia, Europe
Apple Pay will be in more countries as soon as possible, the head of the mobile payments platform has advised. Speaking earlier this week, VP of Apple Pay Jennifer Bailey claims the team is trying hard to get the service operational in more markets in Europe and Asia, following after its recent expansion in Singapore, with Bailey also providing hints at how Apple decides which markets to launch in, and how successful some of the launches were.
Cook interview: iPhones too costly in India, no interest in MVNO
In one interview given to an Indian television network, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that the iPhone was "overpriced" in India, saying that he wanted consumers there to be be able to buy iPhones "at a price that looks like the US price." He also talked again about the desire to invest further in India, praising the talent the company wants to invest in. In the StartupFest interview that took place earlier today in Amsterdam, Cook shot down the idea of Apple creating its own "piggyback" carrier network for iPhone users.
Proposal suggests EU streaming could be hit by extra 'Netflix Tax'
European customers of video streaming services could end up paying a higher subscription, if a proposal from the European Commission is adopted. According to a draft of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, expected to be revealed next week, member states within the European Union could impose a "Netflix Tax" on services operating within the country, with funds received from the levy intended to help finance local TV show and movie productions.
Lawmakers in EU, US push data agendas following Brussels attack
The terrorist attack on Brussels has prompted more debate by lawmakers about government access of citizen data, on both sides of the Atlantic. European Union ministers are pushing for more sharing of data between security agencies across the continent, following the deaths of 31 people and injury to approximately 300 others earlier this week in the attack, while the House Homeland Security Committee Chairman urges Congress to move forward on an encryption bill.
Apple will stay 'committed to Ireland' after impending EU tax ruling
Apple will remain "committed to Ireland," regardless of the outcome of its tax investigation by the European Union, the vice president of the company's European operations. Speaking to a panel of European Parliament lawmakers the day before Apple and other companies were scheduled to testify about their tax affairs, Apple's Cathy Kearney argues that the iPhone maker pays all due taxes in the country, and it does not receive any unfair advantage from local authorities for operating in the region.
Apple, Google face European lawmakers over tax arrangements
A group of major companies are going to be questioned by the European Parliament's tax committee about their European tax arrangements on Wednesday. The group, which includes tech companies Apple and Google alongside McDonald's and Ikea, will be asked questions by the committee, in an attempt to find out more details about how the companies set up their tax payments and deals with countries, in order to avoid paying what is believed to be significant amounts of tax.
EU competition chief warns end of Apple tax probe isn't imminent
The European Union's competition chief has warned reporters "Don't hold your breath" for a quick ruling concerning Apple's Irish tax affairs. Speaking in Brussels, Margarethe Vestager was "warning" anyone expecting a result in the investigation anytime soon that they may have to wait for longer, as the European Commission continues its thorough examination into how major tech companies move funds around to minimize how much tax they pay.
Now AAPL Stock: 150.34 ( -0.68 )
Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
