Tag: tech rivalry

  • Apple Watch import ban goes into effect in US patent clash

    Apple Watch import ban goes into effect in US patent clash

    A US import ban on certain Apple smartwatch models came into effect Tuesday, after the Biden administration opted not to veto a ruling on patent infringements.

    The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) decided in October to ban Apple Watch models over a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels.

    Apple contends that the ITC finding was in error and should be reversed, but last week paused its US sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

    The order stemmed from a complaint made to the commission in mid-2021 accusing Apple of infringing on medical device maker company Masimo Corp’s “light-based oximetry functionality.”

    “After careful consultations, Ambassador (Katherine) Tai decided not to reverse the… determination and the ITC’s decision became final on December 26, 2023,” the president’s executive office said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Apple has been steadily ramping up fitness and health features with each generation of its Apple Watch, which dominates the smartwatch category.

    In September, Apple released its Apple Watch Series 9, touting increased performance along with features such as the ability to access and log health data.

    “Our teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features,” Apple said when the ITC ban was issued.

    “Masimo has wrongly attempted to use the ITC to keep a potentially lifesaving product from millions of US consumers while making way for their own watch that copies Apple.”

    In May, a trial of Masimo’s allegations ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

    Late last year, Apple filed two patent infringement lawsuits accusing Masimo of copying Apple Watch technology.

  • Apple faces competition as Google releases Pixel 8 and AI-powered smartwatch

    Apple faces competition as Google releases Pixel 8 and AI-powered smartwatch

    The Apple iPhone 15 series now faces fresh competition as Google introduced its latest smartphone, the Pixel 8, on Wednesday, alongside a new smartwatch that seamlessly integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its core consumer devices.

    The enhancements made to the Pixel phones, which are particularly popular among photography enthusiasts and those who prefer a pure Android experience, have the potential to make them more appealing to shoppers as they plan their holiday season purchases.

    Google has upgraded the Pixel lineup by equipping it with the Tensor G3 mobile processor, which includes native machine learning and generative AI models. These AI features can assist users in various ways, such as improving photography, summarising web content, and blocking unwanted spam calls. This announcement was made during the Made by Google event held in New York.

    Additionally, the higher-end Pixel 8 Pro now features a temperature sensor, and Google has applied for approval from the Food and Drug Administration to enable a thermometer app for measuring body temperature.

    The Pixel 8 is priced starting at $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999, making it $100 more expensive than the previous generation models. Both models will be available for purchase starting on October 12th.

    At the event, Google emphasized its commitment to mobile AI, a direction that IDC analyst Ryan Reith noted could have a significant impact on the industry, especially in the US, if accompanied by strong marketing efforts.

    Notably, in the previous month, Apple launched a new series of iPhones that included improvements in design and performance but did not increase prices, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the global smartphone market.

    According to IDC, Google’s Pixel ranks 12th globally in terms of smartphone shipments, holding a 0.9 per cent market share. The largest market for Pixel devices is the United States, accounting for approximately 39 per cent of global shipments, followed by Japan at 29 per cent and the UK at 9 per cent.

    In addition to the smartphone and smartwatch announcements, Google also revealed plans to integrate generative AI capabilities into its virtual assistant, enabling it to assist users with tasks like trip planning and email management while also asking follow-up questions.

    Furthermore, Google introduced the Google Watch 2, an upgraded version of its first smartwatch released in October of the previous year. It is priced at $349 and comes with a digital crown and advanced health tracking features powered by AI.

  • Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg cage fight will be live-streamed for charity on X

    Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg cage fight will be live-streamed for charity on X

    The long-standing feud between tech moguls Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg is set to take a unique turn as Musk announced that their proposed cage fight will be live-streamed on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The two CEOs have been egging each other on since June, fueling anticipation for a mixed martial arts showdown in the ring.

    Musk took to X early on Sunday morning to reveal the latest development, stating, “Zuck vs. Musk fight will be live-streamed on X. All proceeds will go to charity for veterans,” without providing any further details on the exact date or venue.

    The Tesla and SpaceX CEOs have been preparing diligently for the showdown, sharing their rigorous training regimes on the platform. In response to a user’s inquiry about the point of the fight, Musk cryptically commented, “It’s a civilised form of war. Men love war.”

    On the other hand, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is known for his training in jiujitsu, has expressed his eagerness for the battle. He publicly asked Musk to “send location” for the proposed throwdown, to which Musk promptly responded with “Vegas Octagon,” referring to the famed events centre in Las Vegas known for hosting MMA championship bouts.

    Musk has been open about his preparations, posting updates on X about his weightlifting routines while juggling his busy schedule at work. “Lifting weights throughout the day, preparing for the fight,” he mentioned in one of his posts.

    Despite the escalating excitement surrounding the event, Meta has not yet issued an official response to Musk’s latest announcement.

    The rivalry between the two tech moguls has captured the attention of the public and the tech industry alike. With both CEOs known for their innovative contributions to the world, the cage match has become a symbol of their competitive spirit.

    The charity angle adds another dimension to the event, with the proceeds going towards supporting veterans, a cause close to the hearts of many.

    As the anticipation builds, fans and followers of both Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg eagerly await further details on the highly anticipated cage fight, which promises to be a thrilling and historic event in the world of tech rivalries.