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Home Blog Page 4629

Elon Musk Is Offset About Apple’s App Store Exorbitant Fees, Charges Higher Subscription Fees For iOS Users

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Twitter CEO Elon Musk has made a move to offset Apple App Store’s outrageous fees by charging iOS users $11 per month for Twitter blue plan subscription.

The blue premium subscription is a service that elevates quality conversations on Twitter, with the plan fee set at $7 per month.

Following the recent increase in price for iOS users, Twitter has mandated existing Twitter Blue subscribers who initially subscribed on iOS to upgrade to the higher price to receive a blue checkmark. These users will also receive a prorated refund for the remaining days of their previous subscription. 

Apple on the other hand is known to charge a 30% tax on app developers who make over $1 million through the app store on an annual basis.

This has never sat well with Musk who has on several occasions called out the company, which he last month described their fee as a “secret tax”.

Also, last year, he stated that Apple’s app store fees are a “De facto global tax” on the Internet.

Recall that Musk last month alleged that Apple threatened to remove Twitter from its App Store, which he stated that if the microblogging platform is removed, he will go ahead to make an alternative phone that can work with the platform.

However, he has recently come out to backtrack on his allegations by disclosing that Apple never considered pulling down Twitter from its app store after he had a meeting with the company’s CEO Tim Cook.

In his words, “Tim was clear that Apple never considered doing so”.

However, Musk isn’t the only one disgruntled by Apple’s app store fees, as many developers have taken issue with the company’s 30% cut, claiming that it is too expensive.

In 2018, Video streaming company Netflix considered disabling its users to subscribe to services from their iPhones because it didn’t want to pay the 30% cut that goes to Apple for in-app purchases.

Amid increased regulatory scrutiny over how it runs its App Store, Apple in 2020 announced the reduction of App Store commissions for smaller businesses.

Under the new guidelines of the “App Store Small Business Program,” developers earning up to $1 million per year will only have to pay a 15%.

Once developers’ apps surpass the $1 million threshold, they’ll be moved to the standard commission rate, generally 30%.

However, in defense of its presumed high App store fees, Apple has stated that such fees could be defended on the grounds of its great innovation in the market.

On its restrictive rules, Apple says its restrictions are crucial to iPhone’s safe hassle-free appeal while noting that it vets all the apps in its app store for security, privacy, and suitability.

In addition to the App Store, Apple’s Services business includes other subscription offerings, including AppleCare, Apple Music, Apple Pay, Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and more. 

Words for Binance CZ As He Plots to become Warren Buffett of Crypto Winter

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“Binance CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), said in an interview with Bloomberg that the leading global crypto exchange has over $1 billion to deploy on acquisitions and investments amid the bear market. CZ disclosed that the funds would be committed to supporting decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and non-fungible token (NFTs) projects to help accelerate the adoption of crypto assets.”

I had noted in the past how Warren Buffett calmed the market during the great recession: “Warren Buffett lent money to Goldman Sachs in the valley of the 2007-2008 great recession and calmed markets. Lehman Brothers was gone and many people were troubled. Buffett came out and said that he was still investing. That was a turning point for many.”

As CZ pushes to become Warren Buffett during this Crypto Winter, I want to leave these words with him: ‘Warren Buffett did not save the banks during the great recession; it was the government which did. But Buffett provided a quasi-bridge which supported the government’s playbook. Indeed, besides this Industry Recovery Fund, Binance and its peers should march to the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and say: “Please regulate the cryptocurrency industry. We need help”’. 

Indeed, the most important pending innovation in the crypto industry is US government regulation. If that happens, many good things will take shape and that will make this Binance $1 billion war chest to go further. Otherwise, it is filling a leaking bucket on a long-term viewport.

Comment on Feed:

Comment 1: You’re still playing by the old rules sir. Like I said with banks, crypto is changing amd would change a lot of things, regulations are not what crypto needs. Also, crypto does not need a Warren Buffett style quasi bridge. That is s the old way of thinking. Government Regulations in the markets have failed us. Allowing a few to control the majority.

So, NO TO YOUR GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS!

My ResponseToday in crypto, there is a regulation but that is done by few men. The top 5 miners control more than 80% of all new bitcoins. In other words, 5 people print more than 80% of all new bitcoins. In exchange, the top 5 control more than 60% of all funds. Again, 5 men dominate that. When FTX collapsed, it took down at least 1 million users; many companies in Nigeria like Nextcoin, etc have fired workers because of FTX exposure. 

FTX wiped more than $200 billion on crypto in days. But who regulates FTX? SBF who said he was not even aware that the $$billions were not there.  Do not be deceived: crypto is regulated today but my few men. You better wish the power is moved from them to the government which will have the interests of everyone!

I am not sure you will keep USD or Naira if 5 men in US or Lagos control 80% of things which affect it. As we write, there is massive “regulation” in BTC and crypto but by 5-6 men, not government. 

Comment 2: Proff. Before Tekedia started accepting crypto, you had a refuting/negative PoV on bitcoin. You literally won’t accept it even if it was used in exchange from the crumbs that fell from your table.

My Response: You did not read me well. I have always supported Bitcoin as a means of exchange, not a store of value. Visit tekedia.com and all my articles are there. As I noted, nothing stops you collecting BTC from that customer in Zimbabwe and changing it to Naira (alternative is to lose that market). I am against hodling but I am bullish that it can be used to exchange value as a currency, not as an appreciating asset. We have invested in startups which built products to make it easier to accept and pay with BTC (Bitmama, etc) but will never invest in hodling companies.

Comment 3: Decentralised, but regulated…Nothing makes more sense than this.

Anything that has an idea of complete borderlessness has the potential to attract more bad than good (on the long run). Regulation creates more checks and creates balance.

Binance to Spend $1 billion on Acquisitions and Investments Amid Bear Market

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Binance CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), said in an interview with Bloomberg that the leading global crypto exchange has over $1 billion to deploy on acquisitions and investments amid the bear market.

CZ disclosed that the funds would be committed to supporting decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and non-fungible token (NFTs) projects to help accelerate the adoption of crypto assets.

Binance Has Invested $325M This Year

As a market leader, Binance has invested $325 million in 67 projects this year, excluding the $500 million the exchange used to support Elon Musk in his $44 million Twitter acquisition. In contrast, the company only invested $140 million in 73 projects last year.

In June, Binance Labs, the investment arm of the exchange, launched a $500 million fund to support promising Web 3 projects and start-up firms with great potential.

Binance to Invest in Real Products

Despite the $325 million investment, CZ said the company plans to spend another $1 billion on “real products that people use.” He noted that the exchange would not consider financially distressed firms, referring to crypto lenders such as Voyager Digital and Celsius Network that have experienced severe setbacks since the market crash in May. Changpeng Zhao said;

We did look at a lot of lenders in recent months because that’s where all the issues are. Many of them just take a user’s money and give it to somebody else. There’s not a lot of intrinsic value. In that case, what’s to acquire? We want to see real products that people use.

The Binance CEO also revealed that the exchange might be interested in investing in traditional e-commerce and gaming companies. The exchange revealed earlier this year that it is looking to expand its business offerings outside the crypto space by investing in different projects in every economic sector.

Meanwhile, unlike Binance, which is focused on investing in real products, its major rival, Sam Bankman Fried’s FTX, has been bailing out plagued firms since the market turbulence.

During the peak of the Crypto winter, FTX CEO disclosed that the company still had around $1 billion to buy out these firms and has since become crypto’s white knight in time of need, in November FTX and Alameda Research filed for Chapter 12 Bankruptcy with over $8B of Customers Assets stacked on the platform.

“SBF vs CZ: The Epic Showdown”; CZ wrote:

We don’t focus on competitors because it’s a waste of time and resources when the industry has only touched 6% of the population. We want multiple exchanges, multiple blockchains, multiple wallets, etc, to co-exist in the ecosystem.

CZ wants to be the savior of crypto.”

Crypto doesn’t need saving. Crypto is fine. It’s the beauty of decentralization. We are just part of it. We want to help other good projects that may be in a cash crunch because of recent events. It’s in our collective best interest.

All About Delta 9 Gummies: What Do Delta 9 Gummies Do?

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Many people across the country are surprised to learn that delta 9 gummies are legal. In retail shops and online stores throughout the United States, consumers can purchase these once-forbidden delicacies and experience the pleasure and benefits they offer. Thanks to the federal legalization of hemp, delta 9 gummies are now one of the most requested products in the cannabis market, with more and more people jumping in headfirst and trying them. But for those still a bit apprehensive, we’re here to tell you about delta 9 gummies. What do delta 9 gummies do, you might wonder?

Your first thoughts about this wonderful, buzz-inducing cannabinoid may bring you back to the days of hippies, folk music, and tie-dye clothing. But nothing could be further from the truth (not that modern-day hippies don’t have a place in the contemporary cannabis world — in fact, they’re celebrated here!). Today, delta 9 gummies are for everyone, from the busy professional to the on-the-go parent.

So let’s learn a little more about these sweet, juicy cannabinoid treats.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC, as many of you may know, is the central psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Known to scientists as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and commonly referred to as THC, it’s the compound most people associate with being high or buzzed. Users can ingest delta 9 in many different ways, including all of the following:

  • Smoking
  • Vaping
  • Dabbing
  • Edibles
  • Capsules
  • Topicals & Creams

Many consumers may not know that delta 9 THC isn’t the only psychotropic cannabinoid. Moreover, the compound is also found in hemp plants and cannabis. Over the past few years, since Congress legalized hemp with the Farm Bill in 2018, psychotropic cannabinoids derived from hemp have grown in popularity due to their new legal status throughout the country.

One of those cannabinoids growing in popularity is hemp-derived delta 9, with no more than 0.3% THC.

What Are Delta 9 Gummies?

The Farm Bill legalized all hemp derivatives so long as they have no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. Now, delta 9 gummies — sweet, delicious gummies infused with delta 9 — are federally legal across the United States. Many retailers will combine cannabinoids in their gummy products, using compounds like HHC or THCO to strengthen the high or CBD and CBG to balance it. But, wherever you go in the United States, you can now legally find delta 9 gummies in various flavors and, depending on the different blends, multiple strengths.

What Do Delta 9 Gummies Do? Delta 9 Gummies Benefits

Delta 9 gummies are well-liked by people because of the high. The smooth, steady buzz THC offers are its most famous attribute. Moreover, most users prefer edible products like gummies. They’re easy to use, not intimidating as vapes may be, and delicious to boot! But studies and anecdotal evidence show that delta 9 has many other benefits.

While the research into this area is sparse, as federal studies looking at cannabis have been difficult to run due to prohibition, we have strong evidence showing how the compound can be used as a wellness product.

What do delta 9 gummies do? According to several studies, some of the benefits of delta-9 gummies include the following:

  • Feelings of euphoria
  • Feelings of calm
  • Stress relief
  • Anxiety relief
  • Pain relief
  • Sleep (they induce sleep)
  • Anti-nausea effects
  • Appetite stimulation

More and more information continues to come forward about delta 9 every year. As we learn more about the benefits of these delta 9 products, their status in the zeitgeist continues to grow.

What Are the Side Effects of Delta 9 Gummies?

Even with legalized delta 9 gummies derived from hemp, the kind with no more than 0.3% THC, users may experience minor side effects if they use the products to excess. The best retailers, like well-known cannabinoid manufacturer Diamond CBD, always give consumers proper dosing instructions on the packaging label. Still, if you take too many gummies, you may experience the following:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Light-headedness
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Racing Heartbeat

Consumers are advised to stop the use of any product that exhibits adverse effects and seek medical assistance.

Delta 9 Gummies: Some Final Thoughts

Online retailers like Diamond CBD have various options if you’re interested in trying delta 9 gummies, especially for their wellness benefits. You can try gummies in many different flavors and find one that suits your tastes. But, be advised that delta 9 dosing can affect individuals differently based on height, weight, eating habits, tolerance, and other variables. As always, follow the dosing instructions as seen on the label. Start slow, and work your way up until you find a dose that best suits your needs.

The Role Michigan Is Playing in the Growth of the US Tech Industry

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The great about the tech industry is that it’s always looking to expand its horizons. The life we know today wouldn’t be possible without technological rise. Some of the global changes were made thanks to tech giants in the US.

There are many states across the USA that have helped drive the tech industry forward, and one such state is Michigan. Usually, it doesn’t come to mind when you mention the word technology, but Michigan is one of those states that has several tech sectors covered.

The iGaming Sector

Although iGaming didn’t come into Michigan until 2021, this is one of the tech sectors that’s expanding fast. The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported a rise in revenue in October, which goes to show how popular iGaming is. The market is expanding, and none of this would be possible without the proper technology. Heaps of developers have crafted the many online casinos available in the state, and most of them are locals, as operators are relying on them to keep their sites running.

Developers work hand in hand with designers to craft the next best sites. The user interface is made to be friendly and appealing to each visitor to the site. When it comes to following trends, Michigan providers and casino operators made sure to keep an eye on them and implement them, which is why these sites are mobile-friendly. Some casino fans like playing games on the go, and companies need to oblige.

Michigan techies also help iGaming operators find a new home in the state and adapt their offers to Michigan players. They also contribute to the production of new casino games that fit the needs of Michigan players. They focus on slots, table games, as well as any other game each operator is looking to add to its portfolio. Developers also make sure HD streams go hand in hand with live titles. That’s why the iGaming sector needs software engineers as well as additional professionals from the state of Michigan. Hence the state’s rapid advance in the sector.

The Engineering Sector

Innovation is synonymous with technology, and Michigan is pretty good at both, which is why it has produced loads of engineers. The University of Michigan has a state-of-the-art IT department that helps students get their hands on current technologies and become successful software engineers and help drive Michigan forward in the engineering sector with their inventive solutions. Robotics is another area where Michigan exceeds as it has more teams compared to other states. These are reasons why Michigan plays an important role in the rise of technology in the USA.

With these areas covered, Michigan is putting itself on the map. By giving students the know-how of crafting the solutions of the future, they keep at the very top of the tech food chain in the states. Whether it’s robotics, engineering, or any other tech field Michigan is a state that contributes quality to a world used to quantity. Students go for the University of Michigan as their base and later use their knowledge to create the next best thing when it comes to engineering.f

The Cybersecurity Sector

As we slowly move everything online, cybersecurity is becoming more and more important. Michigan is a beacon of cybersecurity as it covers the most dangerous kinds of cyber threats and equips professionals with the knowledge on how to defend from them. Cyber Range is the hub in question, and it has exercises, workshops, and more to help nurture cybersecurity talent.

Michigan’s cybersecurity community is also looking to link cybersecurity with the automotive, airline, defense, and aerospace industries to keep the citizens of the future safe. That’s why it’s ranked at the ninth spot when it comes to picking cybersecurity leaders and creating jobs in the field.

Cybersecurity is an issue that everyone, individuals, and companies, are dealing with. It’s an issue that’s going to grow as it’s fueled by creativity and finding new ways to exploit weak networks and platforms. That’s why you’ll need experts behind the wheel when it comes to keeping your company’s data safe. As Michigan is among the top 10 states for producing cybersecurity talent, you’ll find that the state already has numerous experts in the field that will gladly help you stay safe. This is critical as we move into a more digitalized society, a society where Michigan-based companies will leave their mark.

Conclusion

These three sectors are the ones that put Michigan on the map when it comes to helping technology grow in the States. All of them are vital to the technological growth of the US and the world, which is why Michigan will continue to play the important role of a nurturer of technology in the United States.