UK designates Apple and Google with Strategic Market Status: what the DMCC means The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has formally designated Apple and Google as having Strategic Market Status (SMS) under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC). The move recognizes their entrenched market power in key parts of the mobile ecosystem and allows the CMA to impose targeted rules to keep those markets open and competitive. What "Strategic Market Status" means SMS is a legal designation under the DMCC for firms with substantial and entrenched market power and strategic significance in digital markets. It doesn’t allege wrongdoing by itself; instead, it gives the CMA tools to set conduct requirements and, where needed, order pro-competitive interventions. Scope: where the CMA can act App distribution: App stores,…

What’s New on Netflix in November 2025: 50 Originals, 8 Licenses, and del Toro’s Frankenstein Netflix has announced its November lineup, adding 50 new originals (films and series) plus 8 licensed titles. The headline release is a new interpretation of Frankenstein from Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro, arriving November 7. At a glance 50 Netflix Originals coming throughout November 2025 (series + films). 8 licensed titles joining the catalog. Spotlight: Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (Nov 7). Note: Availability may vary by country/region. Why this matters Netflix’s slate signals another heavy month for streaming, with an emphasis on first-party originals. Del Toro’s Frankenstein stands out as a prestige, auteur-led adaptation that could anchor the service’s fall lineup. Expect a mix of genre series, international titles and family-friendly drops rounding out the…

UK CMA designates Apple and Google as market‑dominant, expanding oversight The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has classified Apple and Google as market‑dominant in key digital markets by designating them with Strategic Market Status (SMS). The decision brings expanded oversight of how both companies operate app stores, manage in‑app payments, set default apps and leverage user data—broadly echoing elements of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), while remaining a separate UK framework. What’s changing Closer scrutiny of core platform rules: App store terms, billing options, default apps (browser/search) and cross‑service data use will face stricter review. Tailored conduct requirements: The CMA can impose obligations to curb self‑preferencing and ensure fair access for rival services and developers. User choice & interoperability: Potential measures to ease switching, improve data portability and…

UK CMA designates Apple and Google as market‑dominant, expanding oversight The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has classified Apple and Google as market‑dominant in key digital markets, placing both under expanded oversight. The move echoes parts of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and signals tougher scrutiny of app stores, in‑app payments, default settings and data practices in the UK. What’s changing Closer review of core rules: Stricter checks on app store terms, billing options, default apps (browser/search) and cross‑service data use. Tailored conduct requirements: The CMA can impose obligations to curb self‑preferencing and ensure fair access for rival services. User choice & interoperability: Potential measures to ease switching, improve portability and open more platform capabilities to third parties. Why it matters Consumers: Could see more browser/app/payment choice, clearer…

UK CMA designates Apple and Google with Strategic Market Status (SMS) The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has classified Apple and Google as having Strategic Market Status (SMS) in key digital markets. The designation places both companies under expanded oversight for how they run app stores, handle in‑app payments, set default apps and use data across their ecosystems. The move is directionally similar to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), though the UK regime is separate and tailored. What’s changing Closer scrutiny of core platform rules: App store terms, billing options, default apps (browser/search), interoperability and cross‑service data use will face tighter checks. Tailored conduct requirements: The CMA can impose obligations to curb self‑preferencing and ensure fair access for rival apps and services. User choice & portability: Potential measures…

UK CMA designates Apple and Google with Strategic Market Status (SMS) The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has designated Apple and Google with Strategic Market Status (SMS) in key digital markets. The move places both companies under expanded oversight for app stores, in‑app payments, default settings and data practices—broadly echoing Europe’s push to rein in dominant platform “gatekeepers.” What changes with SMS Closer scrutiny of core rules: Tighter review of app store terms, billing options, default apps (browser/search) and cross‑service data use. Tailored conduct requirements: The CMA can impose obligations to curb self‑preferencing and ensure fair access for rivals. User choice & interoperability: Potential measures to ease switching, improve portability and open more platform capabilities to third parties. Why this matters For consumers: Could unlock more browser/app choice, alternative…

UK CMA designates Apple and Google as market‑dominant, expanding oversight The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has classified Apple and Google as market‑dominant in key digital areas and placed them under expanded oversight. The move mirrors elements of the EU’s Digital Markets Act and signals tighter scrutiny of app stores, in‑app payments, default settings and data practices in the UK. What’s changing Closer review of core platform rules: App store terms, billing options, default apps (e.g., browser/search) and cross‑service data use will face stricter checks. Conduct requirements: The CMA can set tailored obligations to curb self‑preferencing and improve fair access for rivals. User choice & interoperability: Potential measures to ease switching, enhance portability and open up more capabilities to third parties. Why it matters Consumers: Could gain more browser/app…

UK CMA designates Apple and Google with Strategic Market Status (SMS) The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has designated Apple and Google with Strategic Market Status (SMS) in key digital markets. The decision places both companies under expanded oversight around how they run app stores, handle payments and use data—broadly aligning with Europe’s push to rein in dominant platform “gatekeepers.” What’s changing Closer scrutiny of core services: App store terms, in‑app payment rules, default settings (browsers/search), and data practices face tighter controls. Conduct requirements: The CMA can impose tailored conduct measures to curb self‑preferencing and ensure fair access for rivals. User choice & interoperability: Potential measures to make switching defaults easier, improve data portability, and open platform capabilities. Why it matters Consumers: Could see more browser/app choice, alternative payment…

UK CMA designates Apple and Google as market‑dominant, expanding oversight The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has placed Apple and Google under expanded oversight in Britain, classifying them as having market‑dominant power in key digital markets. The move mirrors the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) approach and signals tighter control over how the two tech giants run app stores, handle payments and use data across their ecosystems. What’s changing Broader scrutiny of core services: App store terms, in‑app payments, default app settings and data practices face tougher review. User choice and interoperability: Rules may push for easier switching of defaults, improved portability and fairer access for rival services. Conduct requirements: The CMA can set tailored conduct measures and seek remedies if companies self‑preference or restrict competition. Why it…

Amazon pilots AI smart glasses for delivery drivers: HUD-guided drops, package checks and PoD Amazon is testing AI-powered smart glasses to support last‑mile delivery. The wearable combines computer vision with a heads‑up display (HUD) so drivers can verify packages, navigate complex locations and capture proof of delivery without juggling a phone. The company says hundreds of drivers have already trialed early versions and reported meaningful time savings per shift. How it works Auto‑activation after parking: When a vehicle stops, the HUD surfaces the correct packages for that address and shows the remaining list for the stop. Package verification: Computer vision checks if the driver pulled the right parcel before leaving the van. On‑foot guidance: Turn‑by‑turn directions appear in the lens, with callouts for hazards and help in apartments/complex buildings. Proof…