Apple acquires AR headset startup Mira | Microsoft to pay multi-million US settlement

Apple acquires AR headset startup Mira

Apple, having just announced its first mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, has now – for an undisclosed sum – acquired Los Angeles-based AR startup Mira that makes headsets for enterprises and the US military. Military contracts include the US Air force and the Navy with the former using the startup’s Prism Pro headset for displaying heads-up equipment instructions. Another big Mira contract is with Nintendo World, which uses its headsets for the Mario Kart ride at its theme parks in Japan and LA’s Universal Studios.

https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/6/23751350/apple-mira-ar-headset-startup

Meta devises new overview for Facebook, Instagram users, German regulator says

Following years of discussions with Germany’s cartel office, Meta’s new overview will allow users to make a free and informed decision about whether they want to use accounts such as Instagram and Facebook in combination or separately. A Meta spokesperson said the company wants users to have more control over these features and that it will continue to work constructively with the cartel office to reach an agreement.

However, a similar plan was brought before the authority by Meta previously, which it said was “seriously deficient” and did not inform consumers in a neutral or transparent way. Germany will be keeping a close eye on Meta.

https://www.xm.com/research/markets/allNews/reuters/meta-plans-new-overview-for-facebook-instagram-users-german-regulator-says-53559991

Microsoft to pay multi-million US settlement for violating children’s privacy

The tech giant will pay $20 million to settle charges by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the company illegally collected personal information from children without parent’s consent. Under violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, Microsoft collected the data from children who signed up to its Xbox gaming system without notifying their parents or obtaining their parents’ consent, the FTC said in a statement.

The order requires Microsoft to take steps to improve privacy protections of its Xbox systems for child users. A spokesperson from the FTC added “this action should make it abundantly clear that kids’ avatars, biometric data and health information are not exempt from COPPA”.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/microsoft-to-pay-20-million-to-settle-us-charges-for-violating-childrens-privacy/articleshow/100781711.cms

UK pulls Chinese-made surveillance equipment from sensitive government sites

Britain has boldly committed to the removal of Chinese-crafted surveillance equipment as part of its plans to address national security concerns. Last year PM Rishi Sunak told departments to stop installing Chinese-linked surveillance cameras at sensitive buildings after agreeing with some UK lawmakers that China is the world’s greatest challenge to security and prosperity.

In an announcement to tighten the procurement rules, the Government said:

“We will also commit to publish a timeline for the removal of surveillance equipment produced by companies subject to China’s National Intelligence Law from sensitive central government sites. By committing to this timeline, we are providing reassurance and urgency around the removal plans.”

https://www.lse.co.uk/news/uk-to-remove-chinese-made-surveillance-equipment-from-sensitive-government-sites-n5ups819j8x4swg.html