Technology - Google News

Apple forced to offer Russian iPhone users local apps at setup thanks to new law - The Verge

Posted: 01 Apr 2021 04:59 AM PDT

iPhones purchased in Russia now show a list of Russian-made apps at startup, thanks to a new law which comes into effect today, MacRumors reports. The prompt is part of the standard iPhone setup process, appearing after the user has selected other options like whether to allow Location Services or App Analytics.

"In compliance with Russian legal requirements, continue to view available apps to download," the dry text reads, before showing a short list of just shy of a dozen apps. These include various Yandex apps, an email app from Mail.ru, a video live streaming service called OK Live, and popular Russian social network VK. A "Get" icon appears next to each app, giving the user a shortcut to install them.

The prompt comes in response to a Russian law that originally passed back in 2019 requiring manufacturers to pre-install Russian-made software on devices sold in the country. It covers smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops, and desktop computers. According to Reuters, the law is part of a broader attempt by Moscow to reduce its dependence on foreign companies as well as gain more control over the internet.

Last month, Apple agreed to comply with the law by giving users the option to install Russian-made apps at startup. It's a notable concession from the company, which typically maintains tight control over the setup process of its devices. However, Apple has been willing to make changes in apparent attempts to comply with Russia's local laws in the past, including changing maps to show Crimea as Russian territory and removing a gay pride watch face.

Reuters notes that the big beneficiaries of the new law look set to be Yandex and Mail.ru. But in a statement last month a Russian official said that alternative apps will be included if they prove popular with users.

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Casio unveils its first G-Shock smartwatch with Wear OS - Engadget

Posted: 01 Apr 2021 03:37 AM PDT

Just as rumors have been floating about a possible rugged Apple Watch, Casio has unveiled its first G-Shock rugged smartwatch using Google's Wear OS platform. The GSW-H1000, part of Casio's rugged G-Squad Pro lineup, has a host of sports features and is also the first G-Shock watch with a color display.

As you'd expect in a G-Shock watch, the GSW-H1000 has a brawny look with a titanium back for extra durability. That's backed by actual toughness, including shock- and water-resistance down to 200 meters of depth. What's new is the Android Wear OS plus the dual-layer display with an always-on LCD screen for time display combined with a color LCD screen that can show maps, notifications, sensor data and other information. That's a first for G-Shock watches, though Casio already uses Wear OS on its Pro Trek smartwatch lineup.

Casio unveils its first G-Shock smartwatch with Wear OS

The watch is also laden with sensors, including a built-in GPS, optical heart rate sensor, compass bearing, altitude, barometric pressure and more. It also includes Casio's app for 24 indoor workout options and 15 activities including running, road biking, and swimming, or more extreme sports like surfing and snowboarding. Meanwhile, the Wear OS platform gives you access to smartphone notifications, numerous apps and Google Assistant access. One big negative is the 1.5-day battery life with the color display, though that stretches out to a month in "multi timepiece mode."

The Casio G-Squad Pro GSW-H1000 comes in red, black and blue colors and will cost $700 in the US and £600 in the UK. It's set to arrive in mid-May, though it's yet to appear on the US G-Shock website. However, you can find it on the UK site and request to be notified when it arrives.

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