Mastercard denies pressuring game platforms, Valve tells a different story
Mastercard seemingly denied playing a role in a recent marketplace crackdown on games with adult content, while Valve says the pressure was indirect.
Government & Policy
Lina Khan points to Figma IPO as vindication of M&A scrutiny
A surprising figure is celebrating Figma’s successful IPO: Lina Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, who said the offering demonstrates the value of “letting startups grow into independently successful businesses.”
Joby Aviation and defense contractor L3Harris to test autonomous hybrid aircraft
Joby’s years of R&D with the DoD may be paying off. The company has signed an agreement with defense contractor L3Harris to develop a gas-turbine hybrid VTOL that can fly autonomously — for defense applications.
Apple projects tariff costs will hit $1.1B next quarter
While sales growth suggests fear of tariffs helped fuel sales, Cook downplayed the “pull forward” effect, noting that consumers were more motivated by the “strength of the product.”
Google loses appeal over app store overhaul in Epic Games case
The court rejected Google’s argument that the trial judge made legal errors in the antitrust case that unfairly favored Epic Games.
Google proposes to open Play Store to more real-money games in India
The developers are also required to submit proof that an authoritative third-party body has declared the app to be a “game of skill,” the company proposed.
Big Tech to work with Trump administration to build digital health ecosystem
The efforts will focus on two areas: creating a framework for patients and providers to easily share information, and creating more personal tools so patients can access resources needed to stay informed about their health.
Google says it will sign EU’s AI code of practice
Google confirmed it will sign the European Union’s general purpose AI code of practice. Meta has already said it will not sign the voluntary framework.
Space Force bets on commercial entrants in $4B satcom contest
The Space Force is leveraging commercial competition for the next phase of its PTS program.
Google says UK government has not demanded an encryption backdoor for its users’ data
Google refused to tell a U.S. senator whether the company had received a secret U.K. surveillance order demanding access to encrypted data, similar to an order served on Apple earlier this year.