Since Steve and I can’t cover everything, we’ll frequently offer a wrap-up of news items you should check out. First up: AppleInsider reports that Apple has agreed to a settlement and licensing deal in a patent infringement case concerning the use of navigation technology in Apple Maps.
° Speaking of Apple Maps, its vehicles will be surveying regions of Finland, Norway, and Sweden through August, collecting street-level imagery and data, according to a list of locations maintained on Apple’s website.
° Verizon has begun offering a free six-month Apple News+ subscription with the purchase and activation of a cellular iPad with a data plan.
° Reuters reports that EU competition regulators are seeking information from 400 companies to establish if there are problems in the market for voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa and other internet-connected devices that could lead to antitrust cases.
° Reuters also notes that U.S. Attorney General William Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet’s Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China.
° Apple has shared a preview of upcoming 2020 emojis that will be added to iPhones, iPads, and Macs with Emojipedia.
° Here we go again: AppleInsider reports that Maxell has filed a new lawsuit accusing Apple of infringing on at five of its patents with products and features like Wi-Fi Assist and passcodes.
° Apple accessory maker Belkin has announced a donation of 50,000 masks to help battle COVID-19. It’s also making new made-in-USA masks for sale online as the public’s need for personal protective equipment continues.
