Uber and DoorDash have filed a joint federal lawsuit against a forthcoming NYC law that mandates a tip suggestion box at checkout on food-delivery apps. The companies argue that the law violates the First Amendment and may lead to ‘tipping fatigue’ among customers, impacting delivery workers who have seen a decline in tips since the change in app layout.
Netflix announces a partnership with Delphi Interactive to develop and publish the first post-EA FIFA soccer simulation game, set to be available exclusively on the streaming platform. The move comes after EA and FIFA ended their nearly 30-year partnership, with no FIFA-backed competitor in sight. The game is designed to appeal to a broader audience, with smartphone compatibility for easy access, aligning with Netflix’s shift towards more approachable interactive titles.
In a recent interview with WIRED, Jon M. Chu shared insights on the impact of AI on the creation of art, specifically in the context of directing ‘Wicked: For Good’. This discussion highlights the evolving relationship between technology and artistic expression in the entertainment sector.
Meta’s new test puts a paywall on link-sharing for creators on Facebook, impacting their ability to share content with their audience. This move could have significant consequences for creators and businesses who rely on Facebook for traffic to outside websites.
Operation Bluebird’s attempt to cancel X’s control of Twitter trademarks has prompted X to update its terms of service, ensuring consumers cannot use X or Twitter trademarks without express written consent. The legal battle between the two companies underscores the importance of brand identity and trademark protection for end users.
PayPal has submitted applications to the FDIC and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions to establish PayPal Bank in the US. The move aims to provide financial services to small businesses and offer interest-bearing savings accounts. This application follows a trend of companies seeking to become banks under the Trump administration’s regulatory environment.
X, the social media platform owned by xAI, is facing a trademark dispute with Operation Bluebird over the use of the Twitter brand. The startup Operation Bluebird aims to capture what remains of Twitter for its own use, leading to X updating its terms of service to include references to Twitter. The move highlights the competitive landscape in the social media market and the strategic importance of brand ownership in the tech industry.
The New York Times joins the trend of year-end roundups with its Year in Games, offering personalized reports on reader activity for popular puzzles and brain-teasers. This move reflects a broader industry shift towards annual analyses, seen in services like Spotify Wrapped and now even Uber’s end-of-year wrap-ups.
The Office of the US Trade Representative has issued warnings of possible consequences for US service providers like Spotify due to EU tech regulations. This could lead to disruptions in services and access for American consumers, as companies navigate legal challenges and potential fines.
Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke addresses controversy over AI use, emphasizing that the studio is not replacing teams with AI. The clarification sheds light on how AI is being utilized for concept art and placeholder text, showcasing the practical implications for the gaming industry.
