Tag Archives: Epic

Review of ‘A Hole in the Sky’: Peter F. Hamilton’s Sci-Fi Epic with a Notable Flaw

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Dark silhouette of a girl in a dress against the backdrop of mysterious deep space

A Hole in the Sky is narrated through the eyes of 16-year-old Hazel

Adam Selva/Alamy

Empty Hole
Peter F. Hamilton – Angry Robot

As an avid admirer of Peter F. Hamilton, I eagerly anticipated his latest release, Empty Hole, particularly because I’ve always been fascinated by the Ark story.

Centuries have elapsed since the ship’s voyage, and its crew has devolved into a medieval-like society, residing beneath the remnants of their ancestors’ advanced technology. We uncover the challenges they encountered, including issues with the planet they were meant to land on, and a rebellious uprising on board that stranded them in perilous circumstances. At the age of 65, inhabitants must be recycled for the ship. This unique premise captivates me completely.

All of this is framed from Hazel’s first-person viewpoint, a 16-year-old girl. A significant breach exists in the ship’s hull (hence the title), she battles intense headaches, and soon finds herself ensnared in a whirlwind of dramatic events. Yet she finds time to fret about boys and garments, which I couldn’t afford. Why would a girl focus on fashion when the survival of everyone in a spaceship is at stake, and she is constantly plagued by headaches?

As fans may know, Hamilton is a master storyteller renowned for his contributions to big science fiction. My personal favorites include Empty Space and the Dawn trilogy, as well as his intricate and thrilling Commonwealth Saga duology. His narratives are dynamic, wildly innovative, and filled with complexities that often leave me thrilled, even if I don’t fully grasp every detail.

I had reservations about Hamilton’s more recent works, like Exodus: Archimedes Engine, which ties into the upcoming video game, Exodus. I felt certain plotlines were included solely to promote the game, detracting from the reader’s enjoyment. However, I appreciate that these works may not target my demographic. It’s evident the seasoned author is seeking new challenges. (For those who enjoy video game adaptations, the second installment in the game series will be released later this year and the game is set to debut in 2027.)

“
If I were a movie or TV scout, I could envision Empty Hole adapting beautifully for the screen.
“

All this reminds me of Empty Hole. Midway through, I realized it seemed somewhat juvenile, for want of a better term. Research revealed that this novel was initially released as an audio-only book in 2021, primarily categorized as “young adult” or targeted towards teenagers.

In a 2020 interview, Hamilton expressed, “Though young adults as protagonists define a particular publishing category, I hope this work will resonate with audiences of all ages.” Personally, I don’t believe that a youthful protagonist excludes the potential for an adult-oriented book. (I mention this as a writer of novels featuring teenage lead characters.) So, can readers of all ages enjoy this book?

The plot setup and twists are stellar, as expected from Hamilton. However, I wish he had toned down the “teenage” aspects. I don’t require an interlude where she holds her boyfriend’s hand while my hero is fleeing danger. I believe that making the protagonist face the reality of being recycled at 65 would have added significant weight.

Perhaps Hamilton will capture a fresh audience with this release. For instance, as a movie or TV scout, I could envision how Empty Hole would look great on screen. This title is the first in a trilogy, with sequels slated for release in June and December. As I highlighted in my preview of new science fiction releases for 2026, this rapid schedule is unusual, and I’m excited to see how it unfolds.

I also recommend Emily…

Pandora’s Star
Peter F. Hamilton – Pan Macmillan

If you’re yet to experience Hamilton’s classic works, there are various entry points into the remarkable worlds he has created. I recommend Pandora’s Star and its sequel, Judas Unchained, as excellent beginnings. If “epic space opera” resonates with you, these novels are likely a perfect match.

Emily H. Wilson is a former editor of New Scientist and author of Sumerian, a trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The final book in the series, Ninchevar, is currently available. You can find her at emilywilson.com, or follow her on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring the Epic Saga of Ancient Humanity: The Century’s Best Idea Revealed

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In the last 25 years, the field of human evolution has witnessed remarkable growth, showcased by a significant increase in discoveries. Archaeologists have unearthed more fossils, species, and artifacts from diverse locations, from the diminutive “hobbits” to enigmatic creatures inhabiting Indonesian islands. Notably, Homo naledi is known solely from a single deep cave in South Africa. Simultaneously, advanced analytical techniques have enhanced our understanding of these findings, revealing a treasure trove of information about our origins and extinct relatives.

This whirlwind of discoveries has yielded two major lessons. First, since 2000, our understanding of the human fossil record has been extended further back in time. Previously, the oldest known human fossil was 4.4 million-year-old Ardipithecus, but subsequent discoveries in 2000 and 2001 unearthed even older species: Ardipithecus, Orrorin tugenensis from 6 million years ago, and Sahelanthropus tchadensis from 7 million years ago. Additionally, the Orrorin lineage was tentatively identified in 2022, suggesting it is slightly more recent than O. tugenensis.

According to Clement Zanoli from the University of Bordeaux, the discovery of these early human fossils represents “one of the great revolutions” in our understanding of evolution.

The second major lesson has enriched the narrative of how our species emerged from earlier hominins. By 2000, genetic evidence established that all non-Africans descend from ancestors who lived in Africa around 60,000 years ago. This revelation indicated that modern humans evolved in Africa and subsequently migrated, replacing other hominid species.

However, by 2010, the sequencing of the first Neanderthal genome opened a new chapter, along with the DNA analysis of several other ancient humans. These studies revealed that our species interbred with Neanderthals, Denisovans, and possibly other groups, creating a complex tapestry of human ancestry.

Skeletal research has long suggested interbreeding as many fossils exhibit traits that defy clear species categorization, as noted by Sheila Athreya at Texas A&M University. In 2003, Eric Trinkaus and colleagues described a jawbone excavated from Peștera cu Oase, Romania, as a Human-Neanderthal hybrid, based on its morphology. Later genetic testing in 2015 confirmed that individuals from Oase had Neanderthal ancestry, tracing back 4 to 6 generations ago.

This evidence highlights that our species did not merely expand from Africa; rather, our population absorbed genetic contributions from Neanderthals and Denisovans along the way. Genetically, we are a mosaic, a fusion of countless years of diverse human lineages.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Prepare to Enjoy the Four Epic Supermoons Ahead!

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2024 Colorado Springs Supermoon

Parker Seibold/The Gazette AP Photo/Alamy

Moon enthusiasts are in for a treat in the coming months, as four supermoons will be appearing. These remarkable full moons are named for the colder months in the Northern Hemisphere: the October Hunter Moon, the November Beaver Moon, and the December and January Wolf Moons. What sets a supermoon apart is its larger and brighter appearance compared to an ordinary full moon.

A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the point in its elliptical orbit around Earth where it is closest to our planet. This results in a moon that is 8% larger and 15% brighter than the typical full moon, a sight that skywatchers everywhere can appreciate.

The next full moon will rise in November, but the difference between this supermoon and the usual ones may not be easily noticed. To fully experience the supermoon, it’s best to observe it when it is on the horizon, as this can create an illusion of it being even larger alongside nearby objects.

The first supermoon is set to appear on October 7th. If conditions are clear, you will be able to view the fully illuminated moon as soon as the sun sets, no matter where you are.

Even if you miss this one, it’s still a splendid time to gaze at the moon. After the full moon, it will travel through the sky toward the constellation Taurus, offering plenty of celestial sights.

By October 10th, the moon will dim, yet more than 75% will still shine brightly, located near the Pleiades, known as the seven sisters—a cluster of young stars about 440 light years away that formed simultaneously.

Only the brightest stars of this group can be seen with the naked eye, which is why they are referred to as the seven sisters. They appear in a roughly square shape with lines extending from one corner, reminiscent of the Plow or the Big Dipper.

On October 14th, the moon will be illuminated at less than 50% and will be positioned next to the planet Jupiter. If you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to spot some of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, its largest satellites.

If you’re interested in studying the moon closely, take a look through a telescope on October 30th, when it will be in its first quarter phase. Throughout the months, you’ll have the chance to see fascinating optical phenomena on the moon’s surface known as the X and V shapes.

By early November, it will be time for the next supermoon.

These articles are published weekly
NewsCientist.com/Maker

Source: www.newscientist.com

From Epic Game Marathons to Military Helicopters: Highlights from Summer Game Fest 2025

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As the protests surged in Los Angeles
other areas of the city witnessed a collaborative gathering of gaming journalists and developers showcasing new games during the annual summer festival this week.
The core issue remains advertising
writes Correspondent Alyssa Mercante in her dispatch.
.

Summer Game Fest (SGF), a yearly festival and marketing extravaganza based in Los Angeles, was initially established to rival the popular E3. After a few years, it has now taken its place. The 2025 event served as a thoughtful reminder of the significant shifts in the gaming industry since the pandemic. While E3 dominated the city’s convention center in downtown LA, SGF has taken a different route, nestled amid the fashion district and close to Skid Row. Few gaming companies participate, and public access is limited, with cosplaying mainly for marketing.

The highlight of the event was hosted by Geoff Keighley, a beloved figure in the gaming community, during a live show at YouTube Theatre near the airport, streamed to millions. Tickets were available for purchase. Some gaming enthusiasts and small content creators expressed that attending in person wasn’t worth the expense, as they could easily catch the lengthy stream online, leading to severe traffic congestion while leaving Inglewood.

This year’s event had its challenges, including a test gate crash, yet it felt like the most documented one ever. Participating in SGF is a luxury, but it also presents a chaotic blend of marathons and sprints. During brief intermissions, if you manage to snag one, you would gulp down canapés, wash them down with Red Bull, savor a surprisingly delightful gamer-branded ice cream, and attempt to jot down your thoughts.




Find your peace…urban jungle. Illustration: Kylyk Games/Assemble Entertainment

Throughout the weekend, I witnessed numerous games, many of which I can’t disclose, but once again, the standout titles were the indie games. These are memorable not just for their originality or quirkiness, but also because they typically impose fewer restrictions during play, allowing developers to be more open to inquiries, free from the pressure of a looming audience.

At 1 PM, I dove into a lively Media Indie Exchange party and was quickly captivated by Urban Jungle, a plant-themed game that resonated with my newfound interest in gardening. Arranging plants in an adorable little room provided a fleeting moment of tranquility amidst the bustle of people exploring various indie titles.

Then there was Petal Runner, a pixel-art RPG reminiscent of Pokémon titles from the Game Boy era. Published by IAM8bit and conceived by two individuals who connected through Instagram comments on Cyberpunk artwork, it’s a charming, non-violent RPG. Instead of the usual tactic of capturing cute creatures to make them fight, players help them find new homes and “calibrate” through a variety of retro mini-games. They then ride their bikes (inspired by the programmer’s love for Tron: Legacy) to deliver another pet. In just 15 minutes, its contemporary chiptune soundtrack, appealing color palette, and adorable creatures won me over.

On the other hand, Thick As a Thief is a multiplayer stealth game. Developers mentioned aiming to create a multiplayer experience that steers clear of three “black holes”: shooters, PVP combat, and pure action gameplay. The result feels like a blend of Assassin’s Creed and Dishonored. Sneak through maps set against a dark early 1900s backdrop, infused with bursts of vibrant colors, while contending with other players and thwarting security and civilians in your path.




Slay your dragon… Monster Hunter now. Photo: Niant

I also had the chance to experience a new season of Monster Hunter Now from Niantic, the creators behind Pokémon Go. This augmented reality game immerses you in a real-world environment filled with Capcom’s iconic monster lore, streamlining epic battles into quick, minute-long skirmishes (compared to potentially hours in the main series). Additionally, I played a new four-player party game, Lego Party. Together with two other journalists, we joyously screamed as our Lego characters tumbled over one another during mini-games or fought for gold bricks in a race to the top. It was a blast, and we laughed heartily while enjoying this game we felt was needed to shake off the lethargy of the day.

Regardless of the size of the dev teams or variety in projects, every game I engaged with this weekend emanated boundless passion and creativity. This reflects the unwavering commitment that drives so many in this industry, paired with advancing technology that allows small teams (sometimes just one or two individuals) to craft beautiful and intricate games. Seeing fellow journalists and developers enthusiastic and wide-eyed was an adrenaline rush, especially as many of us grappled with job uncertainties, recent layoffs, or concerns about our futures.

Nonetheless, it was impossible to overlook the larger scenario unfolding in LA, which cast a somber shadow over this otherwise light-hearted weekend of gaming. Protests erupted in the city on Saturday, with citizens rallying against harsh, extremist anti-immigrant policies. The constant hum of helicopters served as an eerie soundtrack to the weekend. Many attendees, from within and beyond the state, were notably concerned about the mounting events. We exchanged updates in discreet conversations, whispered about the National Guard, and advised each other to travel in groups for safety. On Sunday night, countless journalists and developers were advised against leaving Downtown due to LAPD’s determination to contain the area and quell the protests.

On the concluding day of SGF, we pondered the strangeness of previewing video games amidst such politically charged times. Some shared tales of playing kickoff demonstrations featuring tanks and soldiers, only to suddenly hear the whir of helicopters overhead, sparking confusion about whether they were still immersed in a game or confronting reality.
Alyssa Mercante

What to Play




Tension sci-fi…changes. Photo: 11-bit studio

From the creators of Frostpunk, It Will Be Changed is an intriguing sci-fi strategy game where a stranded space worker, Yang, generates clones of himself to assemble a team sufficient to escape an exoplanet before the approaching sun incinerates everything. The twist is that each clone embodies a different alternate universe incarnation of Yang, presenting unique challenges. Envision being trapped within a distant base solely with your altercations.

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I initially presumed Alters would lean towards a comedic tone, occasionally light-hearted and amusing, but surprisingly, it seamlessly incorporates survival elements in Base Building. I certainly intend to engage with it further.

Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox
Estimated playtime: 20-30 hours

What to Read




Fear…Resident Evil Requiem. Photo: Capcom

  • Keith and I tuned into a continuous stream while Alyssa covered the ground at the summer game fest showcase and trailer from the UK, evaluating the most intriguing games showcased.

  • The standout announcement was likely the new Xbox handheld, though its unveiling was shrouded in confusion. The ROG Xbox Ally X (why does Microsoft consistently botch nomenclature?) is an Xbox-branded variant of an existing portable PC model. Nonetheless, Alyssa was thrilled with its performance during her brief demonstration.

  • We were also deeply engaged in playtesting a plethora of gameplay on the Nintendo Switch 2. For reviews, Keith covered the console, while I focused on the flagship game, Mario Kart World.

What to Click

Question Block

While the guest issue remains ambiguous this week, as always, if you have any queries or feedback regarding the newsletter, feel free to hit reply or reach us at buttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

An Epic Scientific Journey to Uncover the Persuasive Power of Folk Tales

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Once upon a time, a strong and attractive hero lost one or both of his parents. He then overcomes a series of obstacles and faces off against a monster that terrorized his community. The hero defeated the monsters and was celebrated.

If this story sounds familiar, it’s because it’s a path traveled by Superman, Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, and countless other fictional heroes dating back centuries. Its enduring appeal has been baffling researchers for almost a long time. However, in recent years, storytelling research has been energized as linguists, psychologists and cultural evolutionary experts have begun to investigate subjects using myths and large private databases, powerful algorithms and evolutionary mindsets. We have finally begun to connect answers to key questions, such as why we make a good story, why there are more permanent than others, and how we can trace the roots of the most popular, and how stories can pass through time and space.

It’s an epic quest, but there has never been a better time to take on it. Unlike his brother Grimm and other early folktales collectors, modern surveyors of storytelling don’t need to do any painstaking fieldwork. They don’t even have to stray from computer screens and diagram the emergence and evolution of stories. “Social media is an almost natural experiment in storytelling, and we do our collections through that platform,” says Timothy Tangerini, folklore player and ethnic editor at the University of California, Berkeley. Furthermore, this new scientific approach can illuminate some phenomena that look like modern times…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Tim Walz and AOC team up for epic soccer showdown on Twitch to win over young male voters

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Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced on Sunday that they will be playing American football as part of their efforts to secure votes from young people, just nine days before the White House election. The game was streamed live on Twitch.

Ocasio-Cortez and Walz will compete in the latest Madden game series as Democrats aim to regain control of the House of Representatives, maintain a Senate majority, and challenge Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. They also emphasized the importance of Kamala Harris’s victory.

“While we may not all share the same beliefs, defeating Trump this year is our main priority,” said Ocasio-Cortez.

Ocasio-Cortez criticized President Trump as an authoritarian ruler and a facist supported by special interests who are exacerbating the ongoing climate crisis. She also condemned the billionaire owners of the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post for not allowing their editorial teams to endorse Harris over Trump.

During the broadcast, Ocasio-Cortez also called out comedian Tony Hinchcliffe for making derogatory comments about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally.

Ocasio-Cortez and Walz decided to play Madden together a few weeks ago, as Walz had previous experience with the game and had worked as a football coach.

Following a recent NBC news investigation, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is leading Donald Trump among young male registered voters.

Despite their lead, Democrats have historically struggled with public opinion during past election cycles. The Trump campaign recently criticized the former president during a three-hour appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, which primarily attracts young male viewers.

Sunday’s event with Ocasio-Cortez followed her initial appearance on Twitch, which was one of the platform’s most-watched events at the time.

Harris’s campaign strategy also focuses on targeting young people, with ads on sports gambling platforms such as DraftKings and Yahoo Sports.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Alan Moore’s Epic and Blake Crouch’s Reprint Shine in This Month’s Top Sci-Fi Releases

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Tim Winton's new movie 'Juice' has been compared to post-apocalyptic 'Station Eleven' and 'The Road'

Buena Vista Images/Getty Images

We science fiction fans will have to work hard to survive all the riches this month has to offer. At least four books published in October are must-reads for me. These include the new Stephen Baxter, Tim Winton's epic tale of a future ravaged by climate change, Alan Moore's time travel, and the story of J. Lincoln Fenn. A mysterious and creepy plant on a remote island. I've also included some new spooky sci-fi novels that might be interesting. After all, it's already October. Speaking of which, it's time to start our annual reread of the Shirley Jackson family…

Our science fiction columnist, Emily Wilson, tells me that her judgment is impeccable (her review will be published later this month). And I think that's true. The film is set in a future ravaged by climate change, and follows a man and a child traveling through a stony desert until they discover an abandoned mine and decide to evacuate. Comparisons are made by publishers. station eleven and road.

This is a love story. When Love was two years old, her mother cut off her hand so she wouldn't have to work in the Mercury mines. As an adult, he lives in the Mask, a gigantic structure that hides the solar system from aliens to keep it safe. But then a spaceship arrives that has been traveling for 100 years from a forgotten colony planet…I have a lot of old stuff Stephen Baxter's novel My bookshelf is full, but it seems like this latest work from Britain's top science fiction author has to have a place there.

Remember when pride and prejudice and zombies ' came out, and we liberal arts students were wondering, 'What's next?' But it was actually quite interesting, wasn't it? Now, it's time for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's space adventures. In this version of Jane Austen's classic story, Elizabeth lives with her sisters and parents on a small moon in the “Londinium moon system,” but their Life is greatly shaken up.

First the Bennett sisters were facing off against zombies… now they're in space

Jay Maidment/Lionsgate/Cross Creek/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

Julia, a journalist, is offered a large sum of money to collect samples of strange flowers on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. That is the island where her sister, Irene, a botanical researcher, died in 1939. Julia will also delve into the island's secrets and rumors. It is said that a ghost appears from the burial ground on a moonless night. Fen's publisher compares this to the last of uswhich makes me wonder if this flower has some disturbing properties…

The novel, which podcast editor Rowan Hooper teased as “fascinating”, is the latest in a series of new novels from top literary author Knausgaard, and is set in a town in southern Norway where a bright new star has risen. Apparently, it turns out that since the appearance of this star, people no longer die. “These books deal with the meaning and reality of life in the modern world,” Rowan says in her writing.

alan moore

Kazam Media/REX/Shutterstock

In 1949, 18-year-old second-hand bookseller Dennis stumbles upon a fictional novel, an imagination from another book, which is in his hands. It turns out that Dennis has found a book known as the Great When, a version of London that transcends time and space, but this magical London must remain a secret, and Dennis has to take the book to its place where it's supposed to be. must be returned to. A time travel epic from the great Moore? Yes, please.

I've been thinking a lot about Jeff VanderMeer. extinctionand the eerie strangeness of Area X, a zone on the U.S. coastline where anyone who enters disappears since its publication ten years ago. Now we are gifted with the surprising fourth volume of the Southern Reach series. The first part begins decades before the formation of Area X, and jumps to follow the first expedition after the borders have been drawn down around the danger zone. VanderMeer can't wait to learn more about a world he thought was gone.

www.newscientist.com

Epic Games challenges Apple and Google in Australia amid claims of market power abuse

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When Apple’s first iPhone was released in 2007, all of its apps were created by Apple.

According to his biography by Walter Isaacson, Steve Jobs was reluctant to allow apps from third-party developers on the iPhone. He eventually succumbed to pressure with the launch of his App Store in 2008. However, the company wanted to maintain strict control over what was allowed on the platform: email. 2021 release schedule revealed.

The case, which will be heard over the next five months in Melbourne’s Federal Court, will center on Apple’s control over its empire. At the same time, Google, which has prided itself on having a more open ecosystem than Apple, will have its practices tested.


Two cases in Australia’s Federal Court were adjourned in April 2021, pending the outcome of a similar case in the United States. Epic Games, the maker of the popular game Fortnite, has spent the past three years in a global legal battle against Apple and Google, alleging abuse of market power over their app stores.


Fortnite announced a deal with Google in 2020 after Epic Games offered its own in-app payment system that bypasses the one used by the platform and reduced the fees Apple and Google receive on in-app payments. Removed from Apple’s app store.

Epic lost a 2021 antitrust lawsuit against Apple, but won a lawsuit against Google late last year. Although the Australian cases were initially separate, they are now integrated into one monolith. Judge Jonathan Beech decided to hear the two cases and a related class action at the same time to avoid duplication of witness evidence.

David and Goliath?

In an Australian lawsuit that originally began in 2020, Epic Games argued that Apple’s control over in-app purchases and Apple’s actions in banning the Fortnite app were an abuse of market power, and that it significantly reduced competition in app development. He claimed to have lowered it. The company also claims that Google has harmed Australian app developers and consumers by preventing them from distributing apps and choosing in-app payments on Android devices.

As with mobile phone operating systems, the litigation between Apple and Google has many similarities, but there are also important differences. Apple’s iOS and App Store are completely closed and controlled by Apple. This means that if you have an app on your phone and a payment is made through that app, it has to go through Apple.

Similar rules apply to the Play Store in Google’s Android operating system, but Google also allows apps to be “sideloaded,” or installed directly onto a phone without using the app store. It also allows phone manufacturers like Samsung to have their own app stores. Fortnite is still available on Android, but only through sideloading or the Samsung Store.

Companies charge fees for transactions in their app stores. In Google Play, he charges a commission of 15% for the first million dollars a developer earns each year, and above that he increases to 30%. If an Apple developer’s revenue in the previous year was less than $1 million, he would pay a 15% fee, but if it was more than that, he would pay a 30% fee.

Fees are common in the industry, with Epic’s own store charging developers a 12% fee.

Epic argues that it should be able to offer its store as a competitor to Apple’s store, and that it should also be able to offer alternative payment options within its official game store apps.


Google claims to be more open than the Apple App Store, but it was this openness that hurt the tech company in the US lawsuit. The jury found that tying the Google Play Store to in-app payments was illegal and that the company had entered into anti-competitive agreements with some developers to keep their apps on the Play Store.

In the Apple case, the judge took a narrower view, considering mobile game transactions specifically rather than app stores as a whole. The judge found that Apple is not a monopoly and is in competition with Google and other companies. The judge also upheld Apple’s concerns about the security implications of opening the App Store and sided with the company’s pursuit of intellectual property royalties through in-app payments.

Apple is expected to file a similar lawsuit in Australia. The company believes there is little difference between the cases and that the principles underlying Australian competition law are similar to US antitrust principles.

Apple sees Epic not as David the Goliath, but as a multibillion-dollar company seeking more profits at the expense of iPhone users’ safety.

Google claims that it not only offers customers a choice in the app store, but also offers alternative options for developers to sell their content outside of Google Play. It also points to permissions that allow sideloading of apps while maintaining user security, which Epic claims it is trying to water down.

“It’s clear that Android and Google Play offer more choice and openness than other major mobile platforms, and are a good model for Australian developers and consumers,” Google’s Government Affairs statement said. Vice President for Public Policy Wilson White said in a post this week. .


“We continue to have a right to sustainable business models that keep our users safe, grow our businesses in partnership with developers, and keep the Android ecosystem thriving and all Australians healthy. We will vigorously defend it.”

Apple forced to make changes to EU App Store

Initial submissions will last two weeks, followed by three months of evidence from fact witnesses and experts, followed by two weeks of final submissions, ending in mid-July.

Witnesses expected to testify include Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, who is in Melbourne for the hearing, as well as key executives from Apple and Google.

A concurrent class action lawsuit on behalf of Australian developers and consumers will fail if Epic’s lawsuit fails.

The case is unlikely to be resolved by the end of the year, and Beach is not expected to issue a verdict within six months, after which it could be appealed.

Whether or not Epic wins the battle, Apple and Google may ultimately lose the app store war. Apple has been forced to implement changes to its App Store in the European Union, including allowing alternative payment options and marketplaces, under the Digital Markets Act. As a result, Apple last week reinstated Epic’s developer account in the EU.

Epic says Apple’s implementation of these changes is incomplete, but other governments, including Australia, may follow suit.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Apple allows Epic Games to return Fortnite and Game Store to iPhones in Europe

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In response to pressure from European regulators, Apple backtracked in its dispute with Epic Games on Friday, allowing Epic to bring Fortnite and its game store to iPhones and iPads in Europe.

Apple had initially taken measures earlier in the week to prevent Epic from launching a store and reintroducing popular games. However, after Epic objected and violated Apple’s in-app payment rules, Apple announced that it would remove the game from the App Store in 2017.


Apple’s decision to allow Epic back in is in line with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which prohibits Apple and Google from controlling app distribution on iOS and Android devices. This move follows the EU’s deadline for compliance set on Thursday.

EU industry chief Thierry Breton stated that regulators had warned Apple earlier in the week about blocking Epic’s potential return.

“We note with satisfaction that, following our communication, Apple has decided to reverse its decision regarding Epic’s exclusion. #DMA has already seen very concrete results from day 2. ” Breton said on Twitter.

Epic and Apple have been embroiled in a legal battle since 2020, with Epic alleging that Apple’s fees for in-app payments on iOS devices violate antitrust laws. Despite losing a legal battle with Apple, Epic deliberately violated Apple’s rules in protest.

Other Apple critics, like Spotify, have faced fines for anti-competitive behavior, but have not been banned from the App Store like Epic.

Developer accounts act as pawns in a larger battle

The recent dispute between Apple and Epic involves Apple’s developer accounts, a necessary step for developers before selling their apps on Apple devices.

Apple reinstated Epic Games’ developer account on Friday, allowing the company to bring the Epic Games Store and Fortnite back to iOS in Europe.

“This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will enforce digital market laws and hold gatekeepers accountable,” Epic Games noted.

Apple suspended Epic’s account earlier in the week due to concerns about compliance with new rules set by Apple under DMA.

“As a result of discussions with Epic, Epic has committed to following the rules, including our DMA policy. As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and participate in the Apple Developer Program,” Apple stated.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Epic Games CEO Criticizes Google’s $700 Million Settlement with US States as Unjust to Android Users

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Google agreed to pay $700 million and allow more competition within the Android app store as part of a settlement with all 50 states and millions of U.S. consumers, but Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney denounced the deal as “unfair to all Android users and developers.” ”

The exact terms of the settlement, first reached in September, were announced just days after Google was handed a major legal defeat in a related lawsuit with Epic Games, best known as the maker of Fortnite.

As part of the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge James Donato is expected to order sweeping changes that could upend Google’s lucrative app store.

In its settlement with states, Google targeted consumers who may have overpaid for apps as a result of Google’s practices, according to terms detailed in documents filed Monday in San Francisco federal court. It plans to contribute $630 million to the settlement fund.

This equates to just $6 per person when divided evenly among 102 eligible U.S. consumers.

All eligible consumers will receive a minimum of $2. The state said at least 70% of consumers should automatically receive their share of the settlement.

The remaining $70 million will be earmarked for the state to use to cover various fines and legal costs.

Google will pay $700 million as part of the settlement. SOPA Image/LightRocket (via Getty Images)

Google also agreed to a series of time-bound changes to its app store practices.

This includes allowing developers to use other in-app purchase systems for the next five years, dialing back the use of so-called “horror screens” when Android users try to use competing app stores (but This includes making it easier for users to use it. Download apps directly from developers.

A coalition of state attorneys general says Google’s dominance in the Android software market – taking up to 30% fees from big developers in the Play Store – has resulted in higher prices and fewer choices for consumers. He claimed to be inviting.

Epic used the same argument in its successful battle with the company.

In a series of scathing tweets, Sweeney criticized the states that accepted the deal.

“The settlement with the state attorney general is unfair to all Android users and developers,” he wrote, adding that the settlement was “intentionally designed by Google to disadvantage competing stores and direct downloads.” It supports a misleading, anti-competitive and scary screen.”

“Previous U.S. lawsuits have made a strong case for $10.5 billion in damages, as well as a 30% fee that Google wrongly collected,” Sweeney added. “I think they would have been satisfied if they had continued to fight for a few more weeks until they won a resounding victory in court. It was a disappointing outcome.”

Pictured is Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney. Getty Images

The terms of the settlement could not be disclosed until the end of the separate Google v. Epic case. Epic was particularly opposed to the settlement when it was first announced in September.

The settlement still needs formal approval from Donato, who presided over each state’s case, before it becomes effective.

During the trial, Donato accused Google of “disturbing” efforts to delete employee chat logs it was ordered to keep.

Luther Rowe, an antitrust watchdog and longtime Google adversary, said: described the settlement as a “scandal” That could derail another major antitrust battle, the Justice Department’s landmark case targeting Google’s online search business.

“Not only was the fine an order of magnitude larger than it should have been, but[RI AG]won a $250 million settlement in 2012 with Company G, which didn’t even split with anyone for not blinking. (remember), the fine was lowered in mid-2012. The US v. G case was designed to make it seem as though it was unreasonable for the Department of Justice and the state in the case to bring it to the finish line. It seems as if the

Elsewhere, Wilson White, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy, said he was “pleased” to resolve the dispute with the state and that efforts to challenge the Epic lawsuit verdict were still “not over.” ‘ he claimed.

Google suffered a huge loss in its recent battle with Epic Games. AP

“We are pleased to be able to reach an agreement on that basis and to advance Android and Google Play for the benefit of millions of developers and billions of people around the world. We look forward to making these improvements that will help.” White said in a blog post..

Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb was among those touting the settlement as a victory for consumers.

“For too long, Google’s anticompetitive practices in app distribution have deprived Android users of choice and forced them to pay artificially high prices,” Schwalb said in a statement.

with post wire

Source: nypost.com

Fra Mauro: Transforming Cartography into a Science with the Epic Medieval Map

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Fra Mauro’s beautiful and intricate world map

History_docu_photo/Alamy

When I was in Venice a few years ago, I visited the Corer Museum to absorb the history of the city. Located in St. Mark’s Square, this museum features imposing statues and paintings of naval battles and ancient weapons. However, as I passed the last exhibition room, another artifact caught my eye, hanging alone in an alcove. It was a map of the world, or “mappa mundi” in Latin, and it was unlike any other map I had ever come across.

The world depicted here in an 8-foot-diameter gold frame is a combination of lapping blue ocean and off-white land, all covered in handwritten notes. It was one of the most beautiful, beautifully intricate things I’ve ever seen.

Created 550 years ago by a monk called Fra Mauro, the map was largely ignored for centuries, but it shows a level of accuracy not present in previous maps. Considering this, it is a deplorable situation. If you turn it upside down, you can recognize it as a map of Africa and Eurasia, with Mauro placed south at the top.

After visiting Venice, I decided to find out more about this map. This project culminated in my book. The dark sea begins here. I spent over a year researching his literature on world maps, poring over Mauro’s creations, and trying to understand what he was trying to say. It turned out to be part of the inflection point from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Analyst warns that Google’s major court defeat to Epic Games may lead to reorganization of Big Tech companies due to antitrust concerns

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One of Google’s most vocal critics says Google’s “catastrophic” antitrust loss this week to “Fortnite” maker Epic Games is a huge blow to Big Tech companies and other companies. This could potentially change the situation completely, potentially exposing the company to a wave of restructuring. Matt Stoller, director of research at the antitrust watchdog American Economic Liberties Project, said the jury’s unanimous verdict that Google maintained an illegal monopoly through the Android app store was a sign that “the truly powerful Big Apple… This is the first time a “tech company” has lost a major antitrust case. case. “There will be appeals and things like that, but I think over the next five years or so Google will start to settle and agree to splits because they know they’re going to lose.” , it’s not worth it. There is a lot of legal uncertainty.” Stoller told journalist Glenn Greenwald on his show “System Update.” “I know there’s a lot of cynicism, but this is actually how we’re going to rebuild these companies,” Stoller added. “It’s kind of amazing that it actually works.” “It’s over.”Google just lost a major antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games, the first judgment of its kind against a major tech company.The potential impact on Google, Amazon, Facebook, and other companies cannot be overstated.@MatthewStoller I’ll explain 👇 pic.twitter.com/aaGQ96Bcgu— System Update (@SystemUpdate_) December 13, 2023 Stoller added that the jury’s decision sets an important new legal precedent that is likely to influence the process in a range of antitrust cases facing Google and other large companies. Google is awaiting a judge’s ruling on a landmark Justice Department case targeting its online search empire, as well as separate investigations into its digital advertising business and Google Maps business. “All of a sudden, there’s a precedent and these sneaky judges are going to have to find reasons to rule in favor of Google, whereas before they had to find reasons to rule against Google. Deaf,” Stoller said. “I think all of these lawsuits are going to be overturned, and it’s going to be much harder for Google to win the lawsuits.” As The Post reported, experts say the Google v. Epic ruling could upend the business model that underpins the company’s lucrative Play Store. The Play Store previously charged large companies up to a 30% fee on in-app purchases and required them to: Use your company’s pricing system. Matt Stoller is the research director of the American Economic Liberties Project, an antitrust watchdog group. X/@SystemUpdate_ U.S. District Judge James Donato will next decide which illegal business practices Google must eliminate. A judge could order Google to stop paying major app developers to discourage them from launching competing app stores and suspend billing requirements, among other remedies. . In May 2024, Judge Amit Mehta will decide Google’s fate in a Justice Department lawsuit that alleges it has maintained an illegal monopoly over online search. The Post reached out to Google for comment on Stoller’s comments. Google faces a series of antitrust battles in the future. EPA Meanwhile, Google has already announced plans to contest the verdict in the Epic lawsuit. “Android and Google Play offer more choice and openness than any other major mobile platform,” said Wilson White, the company’s vice president of government affairs and public policy. “This trial makes clear that we are in intense competition with Apple and its App Store, as well as the App Store for Android devices and game consoles.”

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Source: nypost.com

Epic Games Prevails in Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google Over Fortnite

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On Monday, a jury sided with Epic Games over Google in an antitrust case that could change the way app marketplaces like Google Play operate.
The unanimous ruling ended a three-year legal battle between the two companies. Epic, the developer of the popular online multiplayer game Fortnite, first filed a lawsuit against Google in 2020, alleging that the company’s app store practices violated federal law and California antitrust law. He claimed that there was.
The lawsuit against Google was just part of Epic’s splashy effort to rally app developers large and small against the entrenched gatekeepers of mobile software. Epic’s war against Apple and Google revolves around the hit game Fortnite, which is free to play and available on almost every software platform imaginable, despite the current App Store and Google Play drama.
Epic alleges that both tech giants violate antitrust laws by forcing app users to pay through their systems, drastically reducing in-app revenue in the process. When defending themselves, Apple and Google typically point to security concerns and justify a shared desire to direct app users to central software authorities.
Apple and Google treat third-party apps differently. iOS doesn’t allow third-party apps, but Android allows “sideloading” of apps. This fact changed the shape of the battle between Epic and Google. Still, Google warns customers against installing external apps, and the process isn’t as simple as just downloading something on Google Play.
Faced with these facts, it wasn’t clear whether Epic would prevail in its lawsuit against Google Play’s relatively unrestricted ecosystem, but it did.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for all app developers and consumers around the world,” Epic Games said in a statement about the ruling. “This proves that Google’s app store practices are illegal and abuse its monopoly to charge exorbitant fees, stifle competition, and reduce innovation.”
Epic points to the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill and the EU Internal Digital Markets Act as examples of regulations on the way that could impose further restrictions on Apple and Google’s dominant software practices. I admired it.
In a statement provided to TechCrunch, Wilson White, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy, confirmed the company’s plans to appeal.
“We intend to appeal the ruling. Android and Google Play offer more choice and openness than any other major mobile platform,” White said. “…We remain committed to the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem.”
If any of these look familiar, it’s probably because Epic fought the same battle against Apple. The highly publicized campaign began with a parody of Apple’s iconic “1984” ad and culminated in a mixed verdict two years ago.
The court’s ruling largely favored Apple, but called on the iPhone maker to open up its software market by allowing developers to direct customers to alternative payment options. In September, the companies asked the Supreme Court to reconsider the ruling and take the case, so essentially everything is still up in the air.
Epic started directing Fortnite players to download it in 2018, moving it away from Google’s Play Store. In 2020, Epic released Fortnite through Google’s official app marketplace, but it still accused the company of preventing users from downloading third-party apps. The popular game is no longer available on Google Play or installed on iOS devices through Apple’s App Store.
This isn’t the last we hear about Epic’s multi-pronged battle. Google should appeal soon. Still, between a somewhat unexpected victory in court and last week’s massive Lego Fortnite launch that attracted more than 2.4 million concurrent players, Epic has everything going for it right now.

Source: techcrunch.com