Microsoft, kinasuhan ng video gamers

ni Angela Fernando @Technology | Oct. 16, 2024

Nai-close ng tech giant company na Microsoft ang $69 Billion Activision-Blizzard deal nitong taong 2023. Photo: Esports gaming image - Patrick T. Fallon / Bloomberg / Circulated - NYT

Nagsampa ng kaso ang ilang mga video gamers laban sa $69-bilyong pagbili ng Microsoft sa "Call of Duty" developer na Activision Blizzard dahil makakasama raw ito sa kompetisyon ng industriya at magtataas ng mga presyo.

Sa magkakasamang pahayag na isinampa sa federal court sa San Francisco kamakailan, iniulat ng mga gamer at Microsoft na isinasara na nila ang kaso "with prejudice," ibig sabihin, hindi na ito maaaring ihain ulit. Hindi naman idinetalye sa dokumento kung paano nalutas ang kaso, at hindi pa nagbibigay ng komento ang mga abogado ng mga nagsampa ng reklamo.

Nagpahayag naman ang Microsoft na nagkaroon ng kasunduan ang dalawang panig, ngunit tumangging magbigay ng karagdagang detalye. Sa nasabing demanda, ang kasunduan ng Microsoft sa pagbili ng Activision ay lumabag sa batas ng antitrust ng United States at dapat agad wakasan.

Matatandaang ang pribadong kaso ay isinampa nu'ng huling bahagi ng 2022, bago pa magsampa ng kaso ang Federal Trade Commission (FTC) na hindi nagtagumpay sa pagpigil sa kasunduan na matuturing na pinakamalaking acquisition sa kasaysayan ng industriya ng gaming.

US, balak buwagin ang paghahari ng Google sa search market

ni Angela Fernando @Technology | Oct. 10, 2024

Photo: Google / iStock

Pinag-iisipan ng gobyerno ng United States ang paghahati sa isa sa pinakamalalaking at pinakamahalagang monopolyo sa mundo: ang Google.

Sa isang dokumentong isinampa ng U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) kamakailan, sinabi nilang maaaring irekomenda ang pagbuwag sa pangunahing mga negosyo ng Google, kabilang ang paghihiwalay ng search business nito mula sa Android, Chrome, at Google Play app store.

“That would prevent Google from using products such as Chrome, Play, and Android to advantage Google search and Google search-related products and features — including emerging search access points and features, such as artificial intelligence — over rivals or new entrants,” saad ng kanilang pamahalaan sa isinampang dokumento sa hukuman.

Nagmula ang rekomendasyon ng DOJ matapos magdesisyon ang isang federal judge nu'ng Agosto na nilabag ng Google ang batas ng antitrust ng US sa pamamagitan ng kanyang search business.

Maynilad partners with DOST to develop waste-to-energy solutions through the DOST-Balik Scientist Program

by Info @Brand Zone | Sep. 21, 2024

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to explore waste-to-energy solutions, particularly in converting biosolids — an organic byproduct of Maynilad’s wastewater treatment process—into biogas.

This partnership, which emerged from Maynilad’s participation in the DOST’s “Balik Scientist Program,” involved tapping the expertise of returning Filipino scientist Dr. Mario Rebosura to help assess and pilot technologies that can transform biosolids into a source of renewable energy.

Maynilad is the first water utility to participate in the DOST-Balik Scientist Program, a government initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge and advancing technology in the country. The program encourages Filipino scientists to return to the Philippines and share their expertise, enhancing the development of various sectors, including health research and development.

During his six-month stint with Maynilad under the program, Dr. Rebosura shared innovative approaches in biosolids management to fine-tune Maynilad’s ongoing study of waste-to-energy technologies. This collaboration supported Maynilad’s goal of reducing the environmental impact of biosolid disposal while also providing opportunities for energy generation.

“As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, Maynilad constantly seeks ways to reduce waste and promote circular economy principles. This partnership with the DOST allowed us to address the challenge of biosolid disposal while tapping into renewable energy solutions, which can benefit both our operations and the environment,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

The DOST’s Balik Scientist Program played a pivotal role by linking Maynilad with Filipino scientists who have gained specialized expertise abroad. “We are excited about the potential of this project to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals. This collaboration with Maynilad underscores the critical role of science in overcoming key challenges in the water sector.  Indeed, through science and technology, we can provide solutions and open opportunities for the Filipino people,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.