UK regulators are once again scrutinizing Apple and Google for alleged monopolistic practices in mobile browsing. The fallout is sparking debates about innovation in the tech industry. Meanwhile, Revolut is making strides by introducing mortgages and smart ATMs, alongside a UX redesign. There's also a look at significant funding updates in the startup world and the ripple effects of a Swedish battery manufacturer's bankruptcy on Europe's energy ambitions.
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Quick takeaways
Revolut's planned AI-enabled assistant aims to transform user navigation and financial management for its substantial customer base in 2025.
UK regulators are investigating Apple's browser policies and a revenue-sharing agreement with Google that may stifle competition within the mobile ecosystem.
Deep dives
Revolut's Innovations in Fintech
Revolut is focusing on introducing an AI-enabled assistant in 2025 to enhance user experience for its 50 million customers. This development aims to help users navigate the financial app more effectively, manage their finances, and customize the software according to their needs. The company's initiatives, including real-time payment notifications and the ability to freeze cards via the app, have already set it apart from traditional banking services. Future plans also include incorporating facial recognition technology at ATMs, which will require careful consideration of data protection regulations in the European Union.
Antitrust Concerns Surrounding Apple and Google
A provisional inquiry by the UK's Antitrust Authority has found that Apple's mobile browser policies may inhibit innovation in web access on smartphones. The report not only scrutinizes Apple's practices but also highlights a revenue-sharing agreement with Google, which diminishes the motivation for both companies to enhance competition. This revelation coincides with ongoing antitrust scrutiny in the U.S., where the Department of Justice has suggested that Google divest its Chrome browser due to monopoly concerns. The investigation into the mobile ecosystem has been ongoing since 2021, focusing on the potential restrictions imposed by the Apple-Google duopoly on consumers and competitors alike.