A federal judge is asking Apple to approve Fortnite’s submission on the U.S. App Store or return to court to explain the legal basis as to why it has not done so. In a new filing, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers confirms the court has received Epic Games’ latest motion, where it demands that Apple approve Fortnite for distribution on the App Store. The clearly annoyed judge asks Apple to show the court the “legal authority upon which Apple contends that it can ignore this Court’s order.” Rogers ...

Core Viewpoint - Spotify has received approval from Apple for a new app update that allows U.S. iPhone users to purchase audiobooks directly within the app, enhancing user experience and accessibility for publishers and authors [1][2]. Group 1: App Update Features - The new update enables users to buy individual audiobooks directly in the app, view prices, and purchase additional listening hours beyond the initial 15 hours [1]. - Previously, users had to purchase audiobooks via the web before accessing them in the app, which was a barrier to entry [2]. - The update allows users to purchase "top-ups" for additional listening hours directly within the app, with each top-up costing $13 for 10 additional hours [3]. Group 2: Context and Background - This update follows a U.S. court ruling that mandated Apple to stop charging fees on purchases made outside of the App Store, which has facilitated this change [2]. - Earlier in the month, Spotify also began allowing iPhone users to purchase subscriptions outside the App Store, indicating a shift in Apple's policies regarding pricing information and external payment links [3].

Core Insights - Google is acquiring an additional 600 megawatts of solar power to support its data centers, focusing on projects in South Carolina developed by EnergyRe [1] - The company has committed to significant investments in renewable energy, including a $20 billion pledge to build zero-carbon power plants and a contract for over 700 megawatts of solar in Oklahoma [2] - Google's goal is to eliminate its carbon footprint from energy by 2030, with the growth of AI increasing the demand for clean energy, leading to a contract for 4 gigawatts of clean power in 2023 [3] Investment Activities - Google is actively investing in renewable energy, with a recent focus on solar power projects [2][3] - The company has made substantial commitments, including a $20 billion investment and multiple contracts for solar energy [2][3] Industry Trends - Other tech companies are also increasing their renewable energy purchases, with Microsoft and Meta making significant solar acquisitions in 2023 [4]

Semiconductor giant AMD followed through with its plan to spin out ZT Systems’ server-manufacturing business.AMD announced on Monday that it was selling ZT Systems’ server-manufacturing business to electronic manufacturing services company Sanmina. The $3 billion deal is a mix of cash and stock: $2.25 billion in cash, a $300 million premium including 50% cash and 50% equity, and a $450 million contingent payment based on financial performance over the next three years, according to Reuters. The deal is exp ...

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration and congressional officials are investigating a deal between Apple and Alibaba that would integrate Alibaba's AI features into iPhones sold in China, raising concerns about data sharing and regulatory commitments [1][2]. Group 1: Government Scrutiny - White House officials and members of the House Select Committee on China have directly questioned Apple executives regarding the deal, focusing on data sharing with Alibaba and commitments to Chinese regulators [2]. - Apple executives reportedly struggled to provide answers to most of the inquiries posed by government officials [2]. Group 2: Concerns Raised - Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi characterized Alibaba as a key player in the Chinese Communist Party's military-civil fusion strategy, expressing alarm over Apple's lack of transparency regarding the agreement [3]. - The deal has only been publicly confirmed by Alibaba, with Apple remaining silent on the matter, highlighting the challenges posed by U.S.-China tensions for Apple's business operations [3].

Core Points - Epic Games is intensifying its legal efforts against Apple to allow Fortnite back into the App Store, requesting a court order for Apple to accept any compliant version of the game [1] - A recent ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in "willful violation" of an injunction regarding anti-competitive pricing, potentially allowing Fortnite's return and enabling developers to offer alternative payment options [2] - Apple plans to appeal the ruling, and Epic Games has stated that Fortnite will remain offline globally until Apple unblocks it, although Apple disputes this claim and suggests that Epic should resubmit the app update without the U.S. storefront [3] Company Actions - Epic Games has filed a new court request to compel Apple to accept Fortnite into the App Store [1] - The company argues that Apple is punishing it by blocking access to the market it has fought to open, which sends a negative message to other developers [3] Legal Context - The ongoing legal battle centers around Apple's App Store policies, particularly the commissions on in-app purchases [1] - The recent court ruling could have broader implications for developers seeking to implement alternative payment systems [2]

Core Viewpoint - The judge in Canoo's bankruptcy case has blocked an attempt by financier Charles Garson to disrupt the sale of the EV startup's assets, ruling that he lacked standing to challenge the sale to Canoo's CEO, Anthony Aquila [1][2][8]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - Judge Brendan Linehan Shannon ruled that Charles Garson, a UK-based financier, did not have standing to request the sale to Canoo's CEO be vacated, as he missed the deadline to submit a formal bid [2][8]. - Garson claimed he was willing to pay up to $20 million for Canoo's assets but failed to clarify the source of his funding, raising concerns from the bankruptcy trustee about potential issues with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States [2][4]. - The last challenge to the asset sale comes from Harbinger Motors, a startup formed by former Canoo employees, which has appealed the judge's denial of their objection to the sale [3]. Group 2: Arguments and Perspectives - Garson's lawyer framed the situation as a "David versus Goliath" matter, arguing that Garson believed he had until the end of April to formalize his bid based on conversations with the bankruptcy trustee [4]. - The bankruptcy trustee's lawyer, Mark Felger, countered that the sale process was fair and that the negotiations were conducted properly, emphasizing that the cost of maintaining Canoo's assets was too high [5][7]. - Judge Shannon expressed sympathy for Garson's frustration but noted that he did not fully understand the complex process and requirements to engage in the bidding [9]. Group 3: Outcome and Reactions - Judge Shannon ruled against Garson, stating he lacked standing as he was not owed any money by Canoo and did not submit a formal bid before the deadline [8][9]. - Garson acknowledged the court's decision and congratulated Aquila, expressing disappointment at not being able to participate in the bidding process [10].

Epic Games claims that Apple is blocking its Fortnite app from the U.S. and E.U. App Stores. After winning a decisive victory for app developers in a legal battle with Apple, forcing the tech giant to allow external payments in its U.S. App Store without charging commission, Epic Games attempted to resubmit Fortnite to the U.S. App Store on May 9, 2025. However, Apple failed to accept its submission for a week, leading Epic Games to pull its request and try again. According to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, t ...

Core Insights - Tesla has appointed Jack Hartung, a veteran executive from Chipotle, to its board of directors, which coincides with the company's development of a retro diner and charging station in Los Angeles [1][3]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Jack Hartung brings over 20 years of experience from Chipotle, where he held roles such as CFO, president, and chief strategy officer, overseeing finance, supply chain, and safety as the company expanded to over 3,700 restaurants globally [2]. - Prior to his tenure at Chipotle, Hartung spent nearly 20 years at McDonald's, serving as VP and CFO of the partner brands group [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - Hartung's experience in the food and beverage industry may provide Tesla with valuable strategic insights and a network of contacts as the company prepares to launch its diner concept [3][4]. - His appointment comes as Tesla seeks to enhance customer service at the diner, with a role advertised for a Tesla Diner Experience Specialist [3]. Group 3: Compensation and Governance - Hartung will begin his board duties, including participation in the audit committee, effective June 1, and has waived cash and equity compensation, aligning with practices of other board members [5]. - A related-party transaction was disclosed, noting that Hartung's son-in-law has been a Tesla service technician since December 2016, earning a salary of $124,000, which Tesla states is consistent with its compensation practices [4].

Core Viewpoint - Lucid Motors achieved a record delivery of 3,109 electric vehicles (EVs) in Q1 2025, aided by a new company car program and sales to rental fleets [1][4]. Group 1: Delivery Performance - The company delivered 3,109 EVs in Q1 2025, surpassing Q4 2024 deliveries by 100 vehicles, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of increased deliveries [1][4]. - The sales to leasing and rental companies contributed significantly to the delivery figures, despite the typical seasonal challenges in automotive sales at the beginning of the year [4]. Group 2: Sales to Rental Companies - Lucid Motors sold approximately $27.2 million worth of vehicles to rental companies in Q1 2025, which could translate to around 360 EVs sold to these companies [8][9]. - In comparison, the company sold $34.7 million worth of cars to rental companies throughout 2024 and $9.1 million in 2023, indicating a notable increase in sales to this segment [9]. Group 3: Revenue Recognition - The company does not immediately recognize revenue from sales to rental companies due to obligations to repurchase the vehicles later, only booking revenue at the time of repurchase [10][11]. - This accounting practice suggests that while sales figures may appear strong, they do not directly translate into immediate revenue for the company [10]. Group 4: Market Position and Strategy - Lucid Motors has faced challenges in establishing a market for its luxury sedan, the Air, but is optimistic about its upcoming SUV, the Gravity, expected to ship in larger volumes in the latter half of 2025 [5]. - The interim CEO emphasized the importance of customer experience, noting that customers often find it hard to revert to other brands after trying a Lucid vehicle [5]. - The company is increasing its marketing efforts, having spent $3.5 million on sales and marketing in Q1, with plans for further investment [15].