Fortnite Will Return to iOS in EU Soon, Exits Samsung Galaxy Store
- Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Epic Games announced plans to relaunch Fortnite on Apple’s iOS devices in the European Union (EU). In a July 25th, 2024 blog post , the company shared updates on its mobile store strategy, including launching games via third-party iOS App Stores and ending distribution partnerships with stores following anticompetitive policies, such as the Samsung Galaxy Store.
We’ve announced our new strategy for bringing Epic’s games to mobile stores: not only the soon-to-launch Epic Games Store for mobile, but also other independent mobile stores that give all developers a fair deal, including https://t.co/wX14FI47KZ . https://t.co/mp3lq3fFbc — Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 25, 2024
In the blog post, Epic revealed plans to launch in the EU via AltStore PAL, an iOS app store, and expects to support “at least two other third-party stores soon.” Additionally, Epic disclosed its plans to bring the Epic Games Store app to Android globally and to iOS in the EU.
Although the company did not provide specific timelines for the third-party mobile store launch, it stated that the strategy aims to bring its mobile games to “other mobile stores that give all developers a great deal.” Epic also revealed its planned fee structure, charging developers a 12% store fee for payments processed by Epic and 0% for third-party payments.
This announcement is significant, given the ongoing feud between Epic and major mobile storefronts like Apple and Google over app store fees and commission policies.
In addition to the iOS relaunch, Epic announced plans to end distribution partnerships with mobile stores it described as “rent collectors” that engage in anticompetitive practices and unfair treatment of developers, even if these stores offer special deals to Epic for its games.
Consequently, Epic revealed that it will pull Fortnite and its other games from the Samsung Galaxy Store. According to the company, the decision was based on two factors: Samsung’s anticompetitive move to block side-loading by default on Samsung Android devices, and revelations from the US Epic v. Google lawsuit about Google’s proposals to Samsung to limit competition in the Android app distribution market.
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
OpenAI Tests New AI-Powered Search Engine
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Open AI launched a new prototype of an AI-powered search engine called SearchGPT. The company made an official announcement yesterday and invited people to join the test period they have started to get feedback.
The AI-powered search engine will provide users with conversational results and real-time information. As an example, OpenAI showed through videos how SearchGPT will show users results when being asked about music festivals in the city of Boone in North Carolina this year and the new search engine provided a list with images and a short description of upcoming events in August including links to websites with more information.
SearchGPT will also answer follow-up questions, and OpenAI assures an experience “like you would in a conversation with a person.” OpenAI showed different scenarios of how the engine works on its website and social media.
We’re testing SearchGPT, a temporary prototype of new AI search features that give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources. We’re launching with a small group of users for feedback and plan to integrate the experience into ChatGPT. https://t.co/dRRnxXVlGh pic.twitter.com/iQpADXmllH — OpenAI (@OpenAI) July 25, 2024
OpenAI also highlighted the collaborations with other publications to feature relevant content. “AI search is going to become one of the key ways that people navigate the internet, and it’s crucial, in these early days, that the technology is built in a way that values, respects, and protects journalism and publishers,” said Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, one of OpenAI’s partners.
This year, OpenAI has announced partnerships with American mass media News Corp , TIME , and other organizations. And just a few days ago, Reuters reported that OpenAI is secretly working on an advanced reasoning technology called Strawberry .
OpenAI has been making significant updates and launching new products, staying ahead of the AI race .
