The Technology News Roundup π
Microsoft’s Edge Browser π
Microsoft’s Edge browser has come under scrutiny recently for automatically importing browser data from Chrome without user permission. This has raised concerns about privacy and data security. The Verge reporter Tom Warren experienced this firsthand when he found Edge opening with all of his Chrome tabs. When trying to uninstall Edge and delete its app data, the tabs were imported again after an update. This has sparked discussions about privacy settings and user control in web browsers.
Arc Search’s New Feature π
The browser company behind Arc has launched a new iPhone-exclusive app called Arc Search with an AI-powered feature called “Browse For Me.” This feature reads and generates a summary of web pages with embedded YouTube videos and verified quotes. While this seems convenient, there are concerns about how publishers will be compensated for their content when it’s used in this manner.
Amazon Cancels iRobot Merger π
Amazon has announced the cancellation of its $1.4 billion agreement to acquire iRobot, the company behind Roomba. This decision was influenced by opposition from European regulators and an active investigation by the FTC. The news of the cancellation has also led to iRobot announcing an operational restructuring plan, involving layoffs and a change in leadership.
Quick Bits π
Quick Bits is sponsored by Jawa, a company that makes it easy to sell old graphics cards and purchase pre-built rigs. Jawa offers instant quotes and free shipping labels, making the process efficient and hassle-free.
Apple’s proposed changes in response to the EU Digital Markets Act have received criticism, with concerns about app review processes and new developer fees. In space news, NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars has officially ended, and Fossil has exited the smartwatch market after years of struggling to gain traction. Canon plans to ship chip-making machines using a new technology called Nano Imprint Lithography, aiming to introduce a more cost-effective and energy-efficient method for chip production. Lastly, Japan has ended the requirement for companies to submit official documents on CD-ROMs, mini discs, and floppy discs, a move aimed at modernizing submission protocols.
Despite challenges and changes in the tech industry, the future holds endless possibilities and innovations. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and discoveries in the world of technology!