Sony and Tencent Settle Horizon Game Lawsuit, OpenAI App Store, and Apple's Japan App Store Changes

Sony and Tencent Settle Horizon Lawsuit

• ⚖️ Sony and Tencent have reached a confidential settlement in the copyright and trademark infringement case where Sony accused Tencent's game "Light of Motor" of being a "slavish clone" of "Horizon Zero Dawn."
• 🚫 "Light of Motor" is no longer available on Steam or Epic's game stores, and the case has been dismissed with prejudice, preventing it from being brought back to court.
• 🤔 Speculation surrounds the settlement, with theories including Sony's uncertainty about winning, a potential licensing agreement for Tencent to re-release the game as an official "Horizon" title, or Tencent cutting Sony in on revenue from a reskinned version.
• 💡 The striking similarity between the games' settings, characters, and marketing materials was noted, with comparisons drawn to other game cloning controversies like "Palworld."

OpenAI Launches App Store for ChatGPT

• 🚀 OpenAI is introducing an app directory for ChatGPT, allowing developers to submit apps that will be featured in a dedicated section.
• 🧩 The directory launches with lifestyle and productivity categories, featuring integrations like Canva, Spotify, Photoshop, Target, Apple Music, and Door Dash.
• 🔗 Users can connect apps to ChatGPT, authorize access, and then use commands like "@Apple Music create a new playlist" to interact with them, though initial attempts may not always work as expected.
• 💰 Monetization for developers currently involves linking out to their app's website, with OpenAI considering internal monetization options for the future.

Apple's App Store Adjustments in Japan

• 🇯🇵 Following Japan's mobile software competition act, Apple has announced changes to its App Store policies in Japan.
• ⚙️ Japanese users will be able to set default browsers and search engines, use third-party payment systems within apps, and direct users to pay on the web.
• 🏪 Third-party app marketplaces will be allowed, enabling users to set alternative app stores as default, though direct web installation (sideloading) is not permitted.
• 💰 Fees for third-party app makers will be reduced but still apply, ranging from 5% for marketplace operators to 26% for those using third-party payments within the Apple App Store, who must still offer Apple's payment system.
• 🎮 Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized the new Japanese App Store rules, stating Fortnite will not return to iOS in Japan due to the required 21% fee on third-party in-app purchases.

Other Tech News Briefs

• 🔊 LG announced its LG Sound Suite, featuring speakers with Dolby Atmos Flex Connect, allowing for flexible speaker placement and calibration, with the soundbar acting as a lead device for any TV.
• 🔬 Scientists in China have developed a prototype extreme ultraviolet lithography machine for semiconductor chips, with former ASML engineers reportedly involved, aiming for chip production by 2028.
• 📺 YouTube will stop sharing data with Billboard for US charts starting January 16th due to dissatisfaction with how free ad-supported music streams are weighted.
• 🏆 In a significant move, YouTube has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the Oscars from 2029 to 2033.
• 🚗 Honda will pause production at Japanese and Chinese plants due to supply chain disruptions, particularly from Nexperia parts.
• 📱 Android 16 QPR beta 1 includes a new driver for the Tensor G5's Power VR GPU to address performance complaints.
• 💻 Apple is reportedly requesting information from Samsung Display and LG Display for a 24-inch OLED panel for a future iMac.
• 🗣️ Amazon launched alexa.com, a website for its voice assistant that remembers chats from other devices.
• 🎮 The Game Awards set a new record with 171 million streams worldwide.
• 📈 Apple plans to add more ads to search results on the App Store starting next year.
• 💹 Coinbase will add stock trading and prediction markets to its services.
• ⚡ AI-related data processing power usage could reach 23 GW, potentially surpassing cryptocurrency mining.
• 🛣️ Rivian's second-generation R1 EVs are receiving a software update for universal hands-free driving.
• ⏸️ Meta has paused its program to bring Meta Horizon OS to third-party VR headsets, with plans to revisit it later.

User Perspective on Phone Cameras

• 📸 A listener named Stim argues that even non-expert photographers benefit from the latest and greatest camera technology in their phones to compensate for skill limitations and future-proof their photos.
• 💡 The speaker agrees, noting that advanced phone cameras provide helpful assistance and that the best camera is often the one you have with you.