Today's tech digest covers Apple's expansion into business services with new ad integrations, significant layoffs at Epic Games, and legal action against a ransomware broker. Further stories include Amazon's Zoox robotaxi expansion, a new smart ring launch, a Crunchyroll data breach investigation, and a major U.S. government payment to halt offshore wind development.
Apple Launches Business Service, Integrates Maps Ads
Bloomberg Technology reports that Apple is introducing a new business service. This service is expected to integrate advertisements directly into the Apple Maps application, marking an expansion of the company's advertising operations. The move signifies Apple's efforts to diversify its revenue streams, according to Bloomberg Technology.
Epic Games Cuts 1,000 Jobs Amid Fortnite Engagement Drop
Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has initiated significant layoffs, impacting approximately 1,000 employees. This decision comes as the company experiences a reported decline in player engagement with its flagship online game, as stated by Bloomberg Technology. The job cuts reflect challenges within the live-service gaming market.
Yanluowang Ransomware Broker Sentenced to 81 Months
Aleksey Olegovich Volkov, a 26-year-old Russian national, has been sentenced to 81 months in prison for his role as an initial access broker for the Yanluowang ransomware group. Volkov, operating from Russia, engaged in breaching corporate networks to sell access to the ransomware gang. According to the Justice Department, he is also mandated to pay over $9 million in restitution to the victims affected by his criminal activities. This sentencing underscores ongoing efforts to prosecute individuals involved in ransomware infrastructure.
Amazon's Zoox Robotaxis Expand to Austin and Miami
Amazon's self-driving vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, has announced plans to expand its robotaxi service to Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida, later this year. The company is already providing free, driverless rides in specific areas of Las Vegas and San Francisco. In addition to launching in new cities, Zoox is also broadening its existing service zones in Las Vegas and San Francisco. The company is currently awaiting regulatory approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to begin charging passengers for its autonomous rides.
Ultrahuman Ring Pro Launches in US Amid Oura Competition
Health tech startup Ultrahuman is re-entering the U.S. market with the introduction of its new Ring Pro smart ring. This launch follows a period where a patent dispute with competitor Oura significantly curtailed Ultrahuman's ability to import its previous smart ring model into the United States. According to TechCrunch, the company is now accepting preorders for the new Ring Pro, priced at $399, with shipping anticipated to commence on May 15. The re-entry intensifies competition in the wearable health technology sector.
Crunchyroll Investigates Data Breach Claiming 6.8M Users Affected
Anime streaming service Crunchyroll is actively investigating claims of a significant data breach after a hacker alleged to have stolen personal information belonging to approximately 6.8 million users. BleepingComputer reports that the breach purportedly originated from a compromised account at a third-party vendor, which subsequently exposed customer service ticket data. Crunchyroll has stated that the exposed data is primarily limited to customer service interactions.
US to Pay TotalEnergies $1B to Halt Offshore Wind Development
The U.S. government has reportedly reached an agreement to pay French energy firm TotalEnergies approximately one billion dollars. This payment is intended to prompt TotalEnergies to abandon its existing offshore wind development leases within the United States. According to Ars Technica, the deal specifically covers two lease sites, including a major 3-gigawatt project known as Attentive Energy, located off the coast of New Jersey. TotalEnergies has committed to investing the received funds into U.S.-based fossil fuel projects and ceasing any future offshore wind development in the country.