EU rejects Apple’s call to repeal the Digital Markets Act The European Commission has firmly rejected Apple’s request to repeal or replace the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission — via spokesperson Thomas Regnier — said it has "absolutely no intention" of dismantling the landmark 2022 law designed to limit gatekeeper power and boost competition across the EU. Apple’s position: In its submission and public statements, Apple argued the DMA forces changes that could expose users to greater security risks (e.g., app sideloading, alternative app stores), slow rollout of features in the EU, and increase exposure to scams and harmful apps. EU response and enforcement: The EU has pushed back, enforcing the DMA and levying fines against Apple for non-compliance. Brussels maintains the law is needed to open ecosystems and…

FTC Wins Historic $2.5B Settlement with Amazon Over Prime Enrollment Practices Date: September 25, 2025 The Federal Trade Commission announced a $2.5 billion settlement with Amazon resolving allegations that the company deceptively enrolled millions of consumers in Prime and made cancellation intentionally difficult. Under the agreement Amazon will pay a $1 billion civil penalty and provide $1.5 billion in consumer redress, while agreeing to reforms that require clearer subscription disclosures and easier cancellation flows. Key points $1 billion civil penalty (largest ever for an FTC rules breach case) $1.5 billion in refunds to roughly 35 million affected consumers Prohibitions on specific “dark pattern” designs during sign-up and cancellation (for example, cancel flows may no longer show a button labeled "No, I don’t want Free Shipping") Required clearer disclosures on price,…

Tender is an iOS app that reimagines the Tinder swipe for couples: instead of browsing strangers, you swipe through photos of your partner. The idea is to turn the everyday reach for your phone into a more mindful, private, and playful interaction. Key points Not a dating app — designed for couples to share and revisit photos and memories. Swipe interface similar to Tinder, but only for your partner’s images. Aims to strengthen everyday connection and make quick phone checks more personal. Available on iOS via the App Store. Where to find it App Store: Tender — Couple Photos & Game Developer: Rhys Kentish (per App Store listing). Notes: This app was reported on sites including iphone-ticker.de. The App Store page is the primary source for details and availability. If…

Shark AV2501S AI Ultra — Prime Deal: $230 (Record Low) Amazon Prime members can snag the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum for $230 (was $550) — a record low for this model. Key highlights: Runtime: Up to 120 minutes per charge — long enough to clean most single-floor homes. Self-emptying base: Bagless base can store roughly up to 30 days of dirt and debris. Filtration: True HEPA capture rated at 99.97% of dust and allergens. Navigation & features: AI-assisted mapping, accurate home mapping, app control, voice assistant support, and self-cleaning brushrolls for reduced hair tangles. This deal represents about $320 off the list price. If you want a model that also mops, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 (mop + vacuum) is also seeing Prime sale pricing near $300. Its…

Amazon to pay $2.5 billion to settle FTC lawsuit over Prime enrollmentsAmazon has agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after being accused of using deceptive design to enroll millions in Prime and making cancellations difficult. The settlement was announced shortly after a jury trial began in Seattle.Key pointsTotal settlement: $2.5 billionBreakdown: $1 billion civil penalty to the FTC; $1.5 billion in refunds to roughly 35 million affected customers (payments up to about $51 each)Allegations: Use of “dark patterns” and confusing checkout flows that led to unintended Prime enrollments and made opt-out/cancellation intentionally hardCase timeline: Lawsuit originally filed in 2023; settlement came as the Seattle trial was commencingWhat this meansThe FTC called the agreement historic, signaling stronger enforcement against manipulative subscription designs. Consumers impacted…

Microsoft blocks Israel’s Unit 8200 from Azure over alleged mass surveillance of Palestinians According to multiple reports, Microsoft has revoked and disabled certain Azure services used by an Israeli military intelligence unit (reported as Unit 8200) after discovering the unit had stored a large cache of intercepted Palestinian civilian phone calls on Microsoft’s cloud. Microsoft vice-chair Brad Smith said the company had "ceased and disabled a set of services to a unit within the Israel ministry of defense," adding: "We do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians." Microsoft said the move followed an external inquiry into the agency’s use of Azure and came amid pressure from employees and investors. Key points Reports say millions of Palestinian calls from Gaza and the West Bank were collected and stored…

Microsoft reverses Windows 10 ESU restrictions in the EEA Microsoft has backtracked on restrictions it placed on the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) after complaints from consumer rights group Euroconsumers. Originally, Microsoft tied certain ESU enrollment options to a Microsoft account and cloud backup, or to spending Microsoft Rewards points — effectively limiting free access for some users. Following pressure, Microsoft updated the enrollment process in the EEA "to ensure it meets local expectations and delivers a secure, streamlined experience," according to a company spokesperson quoted in reporting. What changed In the EEA, ESU enrollment no longer requires a Microsoft account or mandatory cloud backup enrollment. European users can receive critical security updates past Windows 10’s official end of support…

Nintendo to open its first-ever UK pop-up store in London Nintendo will open a limited-time pop-up store in London this fall — its first in the UK. The store will run from October 22 to November 16, 2025 on the ground floor of Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. What to expect Official Nintendo merchandise across iconic franchises including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Donkey Kong and more. Apparel and collectibles such as keyrings, pins, bags and other accessories. Similar merchandise selection to Nintendo’s official stores in Tokyo, Kyoto and its permanent US locations. Entry & reservations Opening-week entry (Oct 22–26) will be by reservation only. Tickets go live on October 7, 2025. From October 27 onward the store will operate on a first-come, first-served basis — expect…

GSA Approves xAI’s Grok for Federal Use Under OneGov Deal The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has reached an agreement with Elon Musk’s xAI to make Grok available to federal agencies under the OneGov procurement initiative. Key details Models: Grok 4 and Grok 4 Fast Price: $0.42 per organization Duration: 18-month OneGov contract (through March 2027) Support: xAI will provide dedicated engineers to help agencies implement Grok and offer upgrade paths for expanded features and rate limits This deal is part of the Trump administration’s OneGov AI push to accelerate federal AI adoption. xAI joins other AI vendors approved for government use, including Anthropic and OpenAI. Context and concerns The agreement comes despite public controversies around Grok’s recent outputs, which reportedly included conspiracy-focused and antisemitic content in some interactions. The…

Kulturpass wird eingestellt: Zugriff nur noch bis 30. November 2025 Die Bundesregierung hat offiziell beschlossen, den Kulturpass für 18‑Jährige einzustellen. Das Programm, das 2023 eingeführt wurde und jungen Menschen ein Kulturbudget (zuletzt 100 €) für Veranstaltungen, Museen, Bücher und mehr zur Verfügung stellte, läuft zum Jahresende 2025 aus. Wichtige Punkte: Die Nutzung bereits freigeschalteter Budgets ist bis zum 30. November 2025 möglich. Bestellungen müssen bis spätestens 15. Dezember 2025 abgeholt werden. Die Bundesregierung verweist auf eine Einschätzung des Bundesrechnungshofs, wonach die nationale Finanzierung verfassungswidrig sein könnte, da Kultur Ländersache sei. Der Kulturpass wurde 2023 gestartet und hatte anfangs ein Budget von 200 €, zuletzt 100 €. Kritikpunkte: geringe Nutzung, hohe IT‑Kosten (über 30 Mio. €) und verfassungsrechtliche Bedenken. Reaktionen: Die Bundesschülerkonferenz zeigte sich enttäuscht und kritisierte das Aus des Programms…