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Apple bends, aiming to avoid Big Tech regulation

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Apple bends, aiming to avoid Big Tech regulation

WASHINGTON: Apple has unveiled major changes to its app store after years of criticism, as the Silicon Valley colossus tries to stave off a deeper, swelling effort to regulate Big Tech, experts said Thursday.

In a matter of days the company has announced long-demanded concessions after seeing investigations, lawsuits and rules pile up against what critics call abuse of global dominance by Apple and other big firms.

“Looks like a preemptive move – getting out in front of possible DOJ (US government) action”, tweeted CNBC contributor Lawrence McDonald, after news Wednesday that certain companies would be allowed to bypass some App Store control and charges.

Experts see the changes from Apple as proof that Big Tech companies have succumbed to pressure and decided to give an inch to try to avoid a collision with government rules that they would not control.

Apple’s concessions were rare and “extraordinary”, but calculated, Joshua Davis, a University of San Francisco law professor, told AFP.

“Apple’s strategy, at this point seems to be to try to find a compromise where it can maintain most of its practices — and the profits it makes from those practices — and give away as little as it can,” said Davis.

The concessions made in recent days deal specifically with the App Store rules that centralize control with Apple but also profits.

Until now, those restrictions have allowed Apple to take a cut of up to 30 percent for purchases of apps and payments made inside apps downloaded via the App Store, which Google also does through its Play Store.

The tech giants, whose operating systems run on 99 percent of the world’s smartphones, have argued this is fair compensation for providing the platforms that allow apps to be downloaded in the first place.

But developers are furious over the lost profits, and Apple is fighting a high-stakes legal battle with video game company Epic on just that question.

So far Apple agreed at the end of August to loosen payment restrictions on its App Store. The decision came after a class-action lawsuit from small developers that accused it of running a monopoly.

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Oppo A6 4G debuts in Pakistan with key upgrades in battery, performance, and camera

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LAHORE – OPPO, a global leader in smartphone devices, is thrilled to announce the launch of the OPPO A6 4G in Pakistan, which is now available for pre-order. The OPPO A6 4G features a long-lasting battery, powerful multitasking capabilities, and an advanced AI camera. It also comes with a 2-year warranty, reflecting OPPO’s commitment to providing reliable, high-quality smartphones to its users.

Power That Lasts All Day – Charge Once, Use Two Days

With a massive 7000mAh battery, the OPPO A6 4G only needs one charge to last up to two days. Stream videos, browse social media, or game without worrying about running out of power. Thanks to its reverse charging feature, the A6 4G can even power other devices on the go, acting as a portable power hub for earphones, smartwatches, or tablets etc. Its efficient power management keeps the battery healthy over time, ensuring consistent performance for all your daily activities.

Multitasking With Zero Lag
The OPPO A6 4G is built for seamless multitasking. Equipped with OPPO’s optimized ColorOS 15 and Snapdragon 685 4G chipset, the device enables smooth switching between apps, uninterrupted streaming, and efficient performance even under heavy workloads. To maximize performance, the OPPO A6 introduces the SuperCool VC System for enhanced heat dissipation and consistently smooth operation

Whether for work, study, or entertainment, the A6 4G ensures a fluid experience, keeping pace with the fast-moving lifestyle of today’s users.

Capture Smarter with AI Camera
The OPPO A6 4G’s AI-enhanced camera elevates photography to a new level, making flagship-level AI features accessible to all and helping users take stunning photos effortlessly. With AI Eraser, unwanted objects can be removed in a single tap, while Dual View Video lets you record from both front and rear cameras simultaneously. Not only this, but you can also capture breathtaking underwater shots or poolside adventures without additional gear, taking your photography to new depths.

With 50MP Main Camera, the phone also includes AI Portrait Retouching, AI Recompose, and AI Perfect Shot, ensuring sharper, well-composed, and professional-looking photos in any scenario. With these AI-powered tools and rugged design, the OPPO A6 4G is ready to turn every moment into a professional-grade memory, whether on land or under water.

Flagship-Inspired Design and Durability
The OPPO A6 4G combines sleek, modern design with exceptional durability, ensuring a worry-free experience through life’s daily adventures. Its refined unibody design offers a comfortable grip and a vibrant display, while SGS-certified IP66, IP68, and IP69 protection allows the device to endure everyday challenges.

“At OPPO, we believe cutting-edge technology should be accessible to everyone,” George Long, CEO of OPPO Pakistan, remarked. “The OPPO A6 4G ensures smooth performance and brings a premium design for every segment. We are proud to offer a device that combines long-lasting power, lag-free performance, and AI-powered photography—all backed by our commitment to quality.”

To make the user experience truly worry-free, OPPO offers a 2-year official warranty with the A6 4G, double the standard smartphone warranty available in the market. This extended protection reflects OPPO’s continued commitment to durability, quality, and after-sales excellence.

Availability
The OPPO A6 4G is now available in Aurora Gold and Sapphire Blue colors for pre-order in Pakistan, from OPPO’s official stores and online. So, grab the OPPO A6 4G now and experience power, performance, and style in one sleek package with 2-year warranty.

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Naseem Shah continues his partnership with TECNO for its upcoming Spark 40 series

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Lahore – TECNO has officially announced that Pakistan’s star fast bowler Naseem Shah will continue as the brand ambassador for its popular Spark 40 Series.

Known for his passion, determination, and youthful energy, Naseem Shah perfectly reflects the spirit of TECNO’s Spark series – bold, inspiring, and committed to excellence. Just as cricket fans admire Naseem for his dedication and fearless performances, young Pakistani consumers have embraced the Spark series for its innovative features, stylish designs, and exceptional value for money.

Carefully designed for the youth of Pakistan who seek both innovation and style, the Spark 40 Series features an ultra-slim and lightweight design for all-day comfort. The addition of 30W Magnetic Wireless Charging introduces a new level of convenience, offering fast, cable-free charging that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles.

At its core is the world’s first MediaTek Helio G200 processor, delivering outstanding speed, efficiency, and smooth multitasking for gaming, streaming, and productivity. This performance is complemented by a 144Hz Ultra Bright 3D AMOLED Display with an impressive 4500-nit Peak Brightness, ensuring vibrant colors and fluid visuals even under direct sunlight.

Over the years, the Spark series has become one of the most loved smartphone ranges among Pakistan’s youth by offering advanced technology at accessible prices. With the upcoming Spark 40 Series, TECNO continues its mission to empower young users with smartphones that enhance productivity, inspire creativity, and elevate everyday life.

The official launch of the TECNO Spark 40 Series will take place on 15th August 2025. Stay tuned for more details on how TECNO is set to redefine the mid-range smartphone experience.

 

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IWMI for solar irrigation to protect Balochistan’s water resources

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ISLAMABAD – With groundwater levels of Balochistan declining and aquifers facing increasing stress, stakeholders have called for adopting clean energy solutions that not only reduce operational costs for farmers but also support the long-term resilience of water resources.

To help with this, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) introduced two new digital tools: Solar Suitability Mapping (SSM) and the Solar Irrigation Pump Sizing Tool (SIP-ST). These tools are designed to assist farmers and policymakers in making informed decisions about utilising solar power for irrigation.

The tools were introduced during two workshops held in Balochistan. These workshops were organised by IWMI with support from the European Union, the Government of Balochistan, and CGIAR’s Climate Action and Policy Innovation programs.

The first workshop focused on how solar-powered irrigation can replace expensive and harmful diesel or electric tubewells. Experts said solar energy is not just cheaper, it also helps the environment and can make farming more stable in the long term.

Dr Mohsin Hafeez from IWMI said, “Solar irrigation is more than just saving energy. It helps farmers deal with water shortages and climate change. But for this to work, we need strong cooperation between science, policy, and local communities.”

Dr Sardar Mohazzam from the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) also spoke about the strong link between water and energy. He said switching to solar irrigation is a smart and necessary step for places like Balochistan that are facing serious resource problems.

The second workshop focused on using water more efficiently. With more than 90% of Pakistan’s freshwater going to agriculture, experts said it’s important to get the most benefit from every drop. IWMI shared its experience from Punjab and proposed building a similar Water Productivity Atlas for Balochistan.

Dr Muhammad Ashraf from IWMI said, “Data without action is useless. We want to give Balochistan the tools and knowledge it needs to build a better, more climate-friendly future.” The workshops ended with a clear message: solving the water crisis in Balochistan will take teamwork, strong data, and long-term planning.

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