alao News in October 2023: Google Pixel 8, Android 14, Google Search on iOS, Microsoft acquires Activision
Here are the most important tech, provider and device news every month. These are the news items that kept the Swiss tech world busy in October.
Google Pixel 8 presented
Google finally presented the successor to the Google Pixel 7. The Swiss can rejoice, because the device is coming onto the market here for the first time. Unlike last year, however, Google has adjusted the prices slightly upwards: The Pixel 8 starts at 719 francs, the Pro variant costs 999 francs. That still leaves it below the iPhone 15 Pro.
The Pixel 8 now also has more rounded corners, and the back is now matt instead of glossy. The display of the Non-Pro has become slightly smaller, but is now much brighter (just like the Pro). The camera system has also been updated, it is said to be up to 21% more light sensitive, according to Google. The 48-megapixel sensor of the Pro is said to be able to capture even 105 % more light. Google promises 7 years of updates; Android 14 is already pre-installed.
Android 14: These are the features
At the same time as the new Google Pixel, Google has also released the latest Android version. The focus this year is mainly on more personalisation. Android 14 offers the possibility to personalize the lock screen. Also new is the possibility to create individual backgrounds with artificially generated images. Google has also tweaked the security functions. The data permissions of apps are now easier to understand and set. Google Health Connect is also anchored directly in the settings. In addition, there are better and revised operating aids.
Google search: Google pays Apple 20 billion a year
It was already known that Google was paying a lot for Google Search on Apple devices. How much money really flows, however, only became known recently: In the course of the antitrust proceedings of the US Department of Justice against Google, it came to light that Google, according to analysts, transfers up to 20 billion dollars annually to Appleto act as the default search engine there. If the DoJ finds anti-competitive activity at Google, it could spell the end for this deal.
Through the proceedings, it also came out that Apple was considering buying Microsoft’s search engine Bing in 2018. Alternatively, a closer cooperation with Microsoft was to be sought. However, partly due to the enormous sum Google pays Apple annually, estimated to account for up to15% of Apple’s operating profit, the deal was not finalised. It has long been suspected that Apple is working on its own search engine. It is quite possible that it will see the light of day when the deal is finalised.
For 69 billion dollars: Microsoft acquires gaming giant Activision Blizzard
Microsoft also has a lot of money lying around: After Microsoft had already received the green light in the USA and the EU, the British competition authority CMA has now also given its approval to the billion-dollar deal. Through the takeover, the software giant now secures the rights to popular video game series such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, but also mobile games such as Candy Crush. The British authority feared competitive disadvantages, as Microsoft would only be able to publish the games on its own XBOX consoles and cloud gaming service. However, Microsoft promised to release new games on rival consoles Playstation and Nintendo Switch for 10 years. Activision Blizzard King is the largest gaming company in the world, so competitive disadvantages are indeed to be feared.
Reading tip: In this article you will find the 30 best mobile games.
Swisscom launches digital signature option
Whether digital signatures are valid has now been occupying the courts for decades. Are signatures on scanned documents or digitally signed forms legally valid? Swisscom is now launching its own signature solution with Swisscom Sign. The qualified electronic signature is equivalent to the handwritten signature. Only if the law requires the presence of a notary or a handwritten document can Swisscom Sign not be used. The signature solution is integrated in the MySwisscom app, available to all users (including non-Swisscom customers) and free of charge. All that is required is a biometric passport or identity card.
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