Core Viewpoint - Apple is adapting its App Store policies in response to regulatory pressures, reducing fees for certain app developers while promoting the use of its technology through a new Mini Apps Partner Program [1][4][6]. Group 1: App Store Fee Changes - Apple will reduce its App Store fees from 30% to 15% for some app developers participating in a new program [1]. - The Mini Apps Partner Program incentivizes developers to use Apple's technology in exchange for lower fees [2][5]. Group 2: Mini Apps Concept - Mini apps are lightweight applications that operate within third-party app stores, utilizing web technologies like HTML or Javascript [2]. - WeChat is highlighted as a prominent example, offering millions of mini-apps for various user needs [3]. Group 3: Regulatory Context - Apple faces increasing pressure from European regulators and U.S. court decisions to relinquish control over its App Store and lower fees [4]. - The company has previously introduced similar fee-reducing programs for various types of apps, emphasizing the benefits of its ecosystem [5]. Group 4: Program Objectives - The new program aims to support developers in growing their mini app businesses while enhancing customer experience [6]. - Participants must still provide Apple with specific information regarding each mini app they offer [8].

In this articleCRON-CACRONCURA-CAwatch nowThe hemp industry is bracing for layoffs, production reductions and billions in lost revenue after Congress passed a government funding bill late Wednesday containing a surprise provision that will ban nearly all hemp-derived consumer products.Hemp, a derivative of the cannabis plant, was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill for industrial uses like rope, textiles and seed. But the law's broad definition created a loophole in federal rules on THC — the psychoactive compo ...

Foreclosure filings climbed again in October, after sitting at historic lows in recent years, according to new data released Thursday.While the numbers are still small, the persistent rise in foreclosures may be a sign of cracks in the housing market.There were 36,766 U.S. properties with some type of foreclosure filing in October — such as default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions, according to ATTOM, a property data and analytics firm. That was 3% higher than September and a 19% jump from ...

Core Proposition - Elon Musk's ambition to become the world's first trillionaire hinges on Tesla's transformation from an electric vehicle manufacturer to a robotics leader, focusing on full autonomy and humanoid robots called Optimus [1] Industry Context - China's recent industrial advancements in robotics are significant, with over 290,000 industrial robots installed in 2023, surpassing the rest of the world combined, and achieving a robot density of 470 robots per 10,000 workers, outpacing Japan and Germany [3] - The Chinese government is heavily investing in robotics through state intervention, including subsidies, low-cost financing, and mandates for automation in industrial restructuring [3][5] - The Fourth Plenary Session's draft of the 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes AI-driven and robot-enabled productivity as the future of China's growth, moving away from reliance on cheap labor [4] Government Initiatives - The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has initiated the "Robotics + Applications" program to integrate robots across various sectors, including logistics, healthcare, and construction [5] - China has established hundreds of robot pilot zones and testing platforms, along with national standards for humanoid robots, indicating a structured approach to robotics development [5] Competitive Landscape - China's "Robot Games" showcased advancements in humanoid robotics, demonstrating capabilities that signal the country's readiness to industrialize humanoid robots at scale [6] - Tesla's Optimus project requires a robust ecosystem for deployment, which is currently being developed in China, highlighting the need for integrated human-machine environments for humanoid robots to mature [7] Strategic Dependencies - Tesla's ability to manufacture Optimus robots at scale is contingent on access to China's industrial ecosystem, which offers unmatched resources for component supply and assembly [8] - The relationship between the U.S. and China is critical, as political and regulatory factors will influence Tesla's operations and access to the Chinese market for humanoid robots [8]

Core Points - Boeing defense workers are voting on a new contract that could potentially end a strike lasting over three months, which has impacted the production of F-15 fighter jets and other programs [1][2] - The proposed contract includes a 24% wage increase over five years and a $6,000 upfront bonus, an increase from a previous $3,000 bonus, while eliminating a prior proposal for $4,000 in later payments [2] Group 1 - Approximately 3,200 Boeing defense workers are involved in the voting process [1] - The strike initiated on August 4, marking the first stoppage for these workers since 1996 [2] - The workers are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 [2]

Core Insights - Verizon is undergoing a leadership change with the appointment of Dan Schulman as CEO, aiming to reverse the company's share losses experienced under former CEO Hans Vestberg [1][2] - The company has dropped from the number one position in market capitalization, bond ratings, and market share to number three, losing 30% of its market share over the past eight years [2] - Schulman, who previously led PayPal, is expected to redefine Verizon's trajectory and is currently evaluating the company's cost structures and other operational aspects [2][3] Leadership Transition - Dan Schulman has replaced Hans Vestberg as CEO, with Vestberg remaining on the board until the 2026 annual meeting and serving as a special advisor until October 4, 2026 [3] - The leadership change is seen as critical for Verizon to address its declining market position and to implement a new strategic plan [2][3] Strategic Direction - Verizon's chairman, Mark Bertolini, emphasized the need for a different approach to regain market competitiveness, indicating that the company is at a "critical juncture" [2] - Schulman is expected to present a turnaround plan soon, focusing on the value of Verizon's offerings rather than engaging in a price war [4] - The board's decision to act reflects a proactive stance in addressing the challenges faced by the company [4]

Government Funding and Economic Impact - The U.S. government shutdown has ended after President Trump signed a short-term funding bill, allowing government operations to continue through January [1][4] - The shutdown lasted for 43 days, and its conclusion led to a rally in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which closed above 48,000 for the first time [4] Disney's Financial Performance - Disney reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analysts' expectations, despite missing revenue estimates, resulting in a more than 4% drop in shares during premarket trading [2][3] - The growth of Disney+ was noted, but challenges in the linear TV business and theatrical film slate impacted overall performance [3] Alternative Funding Programs in Healthcare - The rise of alternative funding programs (AFPs) is providing patients with more affordable access to specialty medications, often through overseas suppliers [6][8] - Federal authorities have raised concerns regarding the legality and health risks associated with AFPs, citing unverified suppliers and potentially illicit online pharmacies [7] AI Infrastructure Investment - Anthropic announced plans to invest $50 billion in building AI infrastructure, starting with custom data centers in Texas and New York, which is expected to create 800 permanent jobs and over 2,000 construction positions [10] - There is growing political backlash against the AI industry's data centers due to rising electricity prices, with calls for the industry to contribute more to these costs [11]

A worker inspects the outdoor gas pipes at the underground gas storage facility operated by Gas Storage CZ AS, in Haje, Czech Republic, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.The International Energy Agency's latest outlook signals that oil demand could keep growing through to the middle of the century, reflecting a sharp tonal shift from the world's energy watchdog and raising further questions about the future of fossil fuels.In its flagship World Energy Outlook, the Paris-based agency on Wednesday laid out a scenario i ...

With ski season approaching, Uber wants to take you to the slopes.The ride-hailing company on Thursday announced Uber Ski, which will allow users to book a ride to and from nearly 40 mountains in the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, and France, according to a release. The services is available through March.Uber is partnering with Vail Resorts to let riders book an Uber Reserve directly to the mountain resort company's various destinations. Users can buy an Epic Pass, which grants access to over 90 ski and snowbo ...

Core Insights - Joby Aviation successfully completed the first test flight of its hybrid defense aircraft in collaboration with L3Harris, demonstrating its capability to quickly transition from concept to demonstration to meet military needs [1][2][3] Group 1: Collaboration and Investment - Joby and L3Harris announced their collaboration on a military craft with autonomous or piloted capabilities in August [2] - The U.S. government is heavily investing in autonomous and defense technology, with plans for a $175 billion missile defense system under the Trump Administration [2] Group 2: Market Dynamics and Technology - The defense landscape is evolving, as seen in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, where commercial technologies are being rapidly deployed [3] - Joby is known for its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and is working towards FAA certification for commercial flights, with its stock price doubling this year [3] Group 3: International Expansion - Joby is focusing on Saudi Arabia as a testing ground for its technology and has signed an agreement to introduce air taxis in the region, also collaborating with the UAE [4] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Archer Aviation, named the official air taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has seen an 86% stock surge, while Amazon-backed Beta Technologies recently debuted on the NYSE [5] - Joby believes there is significant potential for a hybrid version of its aircraft in the commercial sector, aiming to compete with single-aisle regional transport [6] Group 5: Future Plans - Joby plans to allow government agencies to start testing the hybrid aircraft next year [6]