Search results for: “Google Keep”

  • Apple keeps top spot as world’s most valuable brand in 2025

    Apple keeps top spot as world’s most valuable brand in 2025

    Apple has once again been named the most valuable brand in the world, according to Kantar’s latest BrandZ report for 2025. The company continues to lead the list thanks to strong demand for its products and services, along with its focus on innovation and customer experience.

    This year, Apple’s brand value grew 15% compared to last year, reaching an impressive $880 billion. This helped it keep the number one spot, followed by Google in second place and Microsoft in third. Amazon and McDonald’s completed the top five.

    Kantar noted that tech companies continue to dominate the rankings, taking seven of the top ten spots. Besides the big three—Apple, Google, and Microsoft—other tech brands like Samsung, Tencent, and Facebook also remained strong.

    The overall value of the top 100 brands rose by 20% in 2025, bouncing back after a slight dip last year. According to Kantar, this growth shows that strong brands can recover quickly and keep their influence even in uncertain times.

    Apple’s ongoing success is mainly due to its ability to launch popular products, like the iPhone and Apple Watch, and to offer seamless services like iCloud and Apple Music. Its loyal customer base and smart marketing also play a big part in keeping the brand on top.

    In short, Apple’s position as the world’s most valuable brand shows how staying innovative and customer-focused continues to pay off.

  • Apple eyes new AI search options for Safari as Google deal faces scrutiny

    Apple eyes new AI search options for Safari as Google deal faces scrutiny

    Apple is exploring fresh ways to power search in its Safari browser, leaning toward AI-driven solutions, as its long-term partnership with Google comes under pressure. During a U.S. Justice Department case against Google, Eddy Cue, Apple’s services chief, revealed the company’s interest in teaming up with AI innovators like OpenAI, Anthropic, or Perplexity to boost Safari’s search features.

    The Google agreement, worth $20 billion yearly, sets Google as Safari’s default search engine. But with the lawsuit raising concerns about this deal, Apple is rethinking its strategy. The potential loss of this revenue stream is significant, yet the rise of AI-based search tools offers a promising alternative. These tools could make searches smarter and more intuitive for users.

    Rather than creating its search engine, Apple is cautiously testing AI enhancements, such as summarizing webpages in Safari. These efforts are part of broader plans for iOS 19, aiming to keep Safari ahead in a fast-changing tech world. The company wants to ensure its browser stays user-friendly and cutting-edge.

    As the legal case unfolds, Apple is preparing for a future where AI could reshape online searches. While no partnerships are confirmed, Apple’s focus on AI signals exciting changes ahead for Safari and how people explore the web.

  • Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps could soon become the main navigation app for iPhone users in Europe, thanks to new rules. On March 28, 2025, reports hinted that Apple might have to let users pick their default apps more freely in the European Union (EU). This change comes from a law called the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to make things fairer for tech companies and give users more choices.

    Right now, iPhones automatically use Apple Maps for directions. But with the DMA, Apple may need to let people choose Google Maps or other apps instead. This would be a big shift, as Google Maps is super popular—tons of people already love it for its easy-to-use features and accurate details.

    The EU has been pushing big tech companies like Apple to open up their systems. This isn’t just about maps; it’s part of a bigger plan to stop companies from locking users into their apps. If this happens, iPhone users in Europe might see a pop-up asking them to pick their favorite map app when they set up their phone.

    For Google, this is great news. More people might switch to Google Maps, especially since it’s already a top choice on Android phones. Meanwhile, Apple might need to work harder to keep users hooked on Apple Maps. Either way, iPhone fans in the EU could soon enjoy more freedom to navigate their way!

  • Waze on iPhone says goodbye to Google Assistant after a year of trouble

    Waze on iPhone says goodbye to Google Assistant after a year of trouble

    Waze, the popular navigation app, is making a big change for iPhone users. Starting next month, it will no longer support Google Assistant. This decision comes after a year of struggles to fix problems that started when Google Assistant was added to the iOS version of Waze in early 2024.

    The issues began when users noticed that Google Assistant wasn’t working smoothly with Waze on their iPhones. People reported glitches, like voice commands not responding or the app crashing. Despite efforts to solve these problems, the fixes didn’t work out. Now, Waze has decided to drop Google Assistant completely from its iPhone app.

    This change only affects iPhone users. If you use Waze on an Android phone, Google Assistant will still be available. For iPhone fans, Waze says you can switch to Siri instead. The app will keep supporting Siri for voice commands, so you can still get directions hands-free.

    Waze hasn’t said much about why the problems couldn’t be fixed. Some think it’s because Google, which owns Waze, wants to focus more on its own voice helper for Android. Whatever the reason, iPhone users will need to adjust starting in April 2025. If you rely on Waze to get around, don’t worry—Siri should keep things running smoothly. Just say goodbye to Google Assistant on your Waze app!

  • Apple’s request to join Google lawsuit denied again

    Apple’s request to join Google lawsuit denied again

    Apple is trying hard to protect its big money deal with Google as Google faces legal action for breaking antitrust rules, but the court isn’t helping. Recently, Apple asked for an urgent pause in the case to join in, but the judge said no and decided to keep the case moving forward.

    Google Logo Feature Slack

    Back in November, Apple wanted a bigger say in how the case would proceed, arguing that Google shouldn’t keep breaking the law. The court turned them down, so Apple appealed, but appeals take time. While waiting, Apple asked for the case to stop, but the judge didn’t agree.

    The court believes Apple hasn’t shown it would be badly hurt without this pause, nor has it clearly stated why it needs to be more involved or what new information it could add. The judge also feels that there’s no clear error in the first decision to keep Apple out of the lawsuit. Plus, it’s important to keep moving to stop Google from continuing these illegal actions.

    The court’s ruling pointed out that this case has been going on for over four years now, and any delay would be significant. Moreover, the court found that Google broke the law by making deals with companies like Apple to keep its monopoly in search and ad markets. Allowing Apple’s request for a pause would just let this illegal activity go on, which isn’t good for the public.

    Last year, Google was found guilty of these antitrust violations, with its deal with Apple being a key issue. Google gives Apple billions yearly to be the default search in Safari, and this was deemed illegal. The U.S. government wants to stop Google from making such deals with Apple and others. If Google can’t continue these agreements, Apple could lose billions, yet would still need to offer Google as a search option.

    Google might also face tougher penalties like selling Chrome or separating Android from services like Google Search and the Google Play Store. Apple worries that Google will focus on protecting these assets over their search deal, which is why Apple wants to intervene.

    In their filing for a pause, Apple argued, “If we can’t resolve our appeal before or during the remedies trial, we might just have to watch as the government pushes for harsh changes that could stop us from working with Google for ten years.”

    Apple is now pushing to speed up its appeal to join the lawsuit against Google, with the next phase of the case due to start in April. If they can speed things up, their appeal might be heard before then.

    Source

  • Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

    Apple wants more time in Google’s Search case to avoid big trouble

    The big deal between Google and Apple, worth $20 billion a year for search rights, was found to break competition laws last summer. Although Apple isn’t on trial, what happens in this case could change things a lot for them. So, Apple has asked to slow down the court process.

    Apple Wants a Say in the Case

    Just a few days ago, Apple tried to get its witnesses into Google’s trial but was turned down. Apple isn’t accused of doing anything wrong, but they argued that Google can’t look out for Apple’s interests anymore because Google is busy protecting itself from claims that could break up its business.

    Since they couldn’t bring their witnesses, Apple has now asked for a pause in the court case. They say they need this to keep their rights safe while they appeal the decision.

    Their latest court document explains:

    “If we don’t pause this case, Apple could be hurt in ways we can’t fix later. We might lose our chance to be part of deciding what happens next, like at the trial itself, while they decide on our rights. This gets even worse because of what the other side said in our last meeting.”

    The document also mentions that courts often allow such delays when someone wants to appeal a decision about joining a case, and Apple hopes this court will agree too.

    If Apple can’t join in the way they want, they have a backup plan:

    “At the very least, the court should let Apple see all the case documents as someone not officially in the case until the higher court decides.”

    No matter what, Apple thinks they need to be involved in the court process to some extent to avoid serious damage to their interests.

  • Apple seeks to protect its big money deal with Google

    Apple seeks to protect its big money deal with Google

    Apple is fighting to save its huge money-making deal with Google, which is under threat because Google was found to break competition laws. Apple has asked the court dealing with Google’s legal battle with the U.S. government for some extra time, so they can argue their case before any final decisions are made.

    The U.S. Department of Justice took Google to court over unfair competition in the search market back in 2020. After a long fight, the DOJ won. A big part of this lawsuit was Google’s agreement with Apple, where Google pays billions each year to be the first choice search engine on Apple’s Safari browser. The judge ruled that this deal was against competition laws and helped Google keep its top spot in the search engine world.

    The U.S. government wants to stop Google from making such deals with Apple and other companies, which would hit Apple’s earnings hard. For instance, in 2022, Google paid Apple around $20 billion. Apple already tried to get more involved in the case as the solutions were being discussed, but the court said no because of timing issues. Apple is now appealing that decision and wants a pause while the appeal is considered.

    Apple argues that since its deal with Google is on the line, it should have the right to join the discussion, warning that without this pause, they could be seriously harmed.

    If Apple can’t join in the legal proceedings, they won’t be able to present their own evidence or arguments. If the appeal drags on until or after the trial for solutions starts, Apple might just have to watch, unable to speak or defend itself, while the government pushes for changes that directly affect Apple, like banning any business deals with Google for ten years.

    Besides stopping deals like this one, the U.S. Department of Justice also wants to go further, suggesting Google should sell its Chrome browser and separate Android from services like Google Search and the Google Play Store. Google has a lot to lose and might focus more on saving Chrome than its deal with Apple.

    When Apple first wanted a bigger say in the case, they argued that Google can’t properly look after Apple’s interests anymore because the case covers so much ground. The DOJ, predictably, doesn’t want Apple in the part of the trial where solutions are decided, which is due to start in April.

    If the court rules against Google paying Apple to be the default search on Safari, Apple would still have to offer Google Search as an option, but they wouldn’t get paid for it anymore.

    Source

  • Apple buys another office space and faces App Store issue in Germany

    Apple buys another office space and faces App Store issue in Germany

    Apple Purchases New Office Campus

    Apple recently bought Mathilda Commons, another office complex in Sunnyvale, California, for $350 million. This purchase comes shortly after Apple spent $166.9 million on the Cupertino Gate office complex. Together, these deals show Apple’s commitment to expanding its presence in the South Bay area, with over half a billion dollars invested in real estate this week.

    The Mathilda Commons, located just seven miles from Apple Park, includes two buildings with 382,500 square feet of space, enough for up to 1,900 workers. Apple paid about 20% more than the property’s value in January, highlighting its importance. Kristina Raspe, Apple’s Vice President of Global Real Estate, said, “The Santa Clara Valley has been Apple’s home for over 40 years, and we’re excited to keep investing in great spaces for our teams.”

    Germany Requests Removal of DeepSeek App

    Due to privacy concerns, Germany has asked Apple and Google to remove the DeepSeek AI app from their app stores. Berlin’s data protection commissioner, Meike Kamp, stated that DeepSeek illegally sends user data, like prompts and files, to servers in China, where the government can access it.

    DeepSeek failed to prove it protects German users’ data to EU standards. This follows similar bans in Italy and the Netherlands. Kamp urged Apple and Google to review the app quickly, though no deadline was set. Google is currently looking into the request. This issue adds to growing global concerns about DeepSeek’s data practices.

  • Apple will let developers use its own AI tools in their apps

    Apple will let developers use its own AI tools in their apps

    Apple is planning to let developers use its own AI models in their apps, starting with iOS 18. According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple’s main goal is to offer powerful AI tools that work fast and keep user data private.

    Developers will be able to access Apple’s on-device AI models through Xcode and other Apple development tools. These models can be used for different tasks, such as text generation, smart replies, or image editing. Because the AI runs directly on the device, it won’t need an internet connection to work, and personal data stays private.

    Apple’s approach is different from companies like OpenAI and Google, which mostly use cloud-based AI. While Apple may still use cloud processing for some advanced features, the focus will be on making on-device AI strong enough for everyday use.

    At WWDC 2024 in June, Apple is expected to share more details about its AI strategy. The update may include new features like AI-powered notifications, smart summaries, and improvements to Siri.

    By giving developers access to its AI, Apple is aiming to help create smarter and more useful apps while keeping user privacy a top priority. This move could make iPhones and iPads even more helpful in daily tasks, without depending too much on external servers.

  • New iPad Pro with M5 chip and Gemini widgets for iPhone

    New iPad Pro with M5 chip and Gemini widgets for iPhone

    Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro with the M5 chip, expected in fall 2025, promises a big upgrade. Last year, Apple surprised many by putting the M4 chip in the iPad Pro before Macs, which upset some Mac users who waited months for M4 MacBooks. This time, Apple plans to launch the M5 chip in MacBook Pros first, giving iPad Pro users a more powerful device later.

    The M5 iPad Pro should keep the same starting prices—$999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch—despite possible chip tariff issues. This shift back to Macs debuting new chips first feels like a return to Apple’s usual strategy, making the iPad Pro a solid upgrade choice.

    Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini app for iPhone now offers handy home screen widgets. These include a square widget with four icons to open the app, use the microphone, take photos, or start Gemini Live. There’s also a rectangular widget with a search bar and options to upload files or access your gallery.

    Styled like the Google Search app, these widgets make Gemini quick to use. However, some users still want a version optimized for iPads, as Android tablets already have one. The update, version 1.2025.1662203, is rolling out now, bringing iPhone users faster access to Gemini’s AI features. This combination of Apple’s M5 iPad Pro and Google’s Gemini widgets shows how both companies are improving their devices to stay competitive and user-friendly.

    Source/Via