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Apple has reversed its plans to restrict access to certain web apps in the EU
A few days after the EU announced it would investigate Apple’s plans to restrict access to certain web apps that circumvent its App Store, the tech company is now reversing that course of action. In an update to a developer support page, as reported by 9to5Mac, Apple says it will “continue to offer the existing Home Screen web apps capability in the EU” in iOS 17.4.
Apple maintains that home screen apps will still need to be used by its own Safari engine, WebKit. Any apps downloaded from third-party browsers will likely not appear on the home screen and may not be supported by their own engines. According to Apple, functionality should return when users update to iOS 17.4 in early March.
Apple claimed that the decision to restrict access to web apps (also known as PWAs) was in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). PWAs allow companies to develop apps accessible as webpages, appearing as an icon on a mobile user’s home screen. Therefore, These can be downloaded without accessing traditional app stores, which Apple reasoned that non-Safari browsers could pose unacceptable security and privacy risks under the DMA.
Apple vs the EU
This isn’t the first time that Apple has gone up against the EU. In the past, the company has resisted regulations such as universal chargers and other digital market regulations.
In this case, Apple has stated that it’s reversing the decision after it “received requests” to continue supporting the feature, reports the Verge. While it’s unclear where these requests came from, Apple’s statement that it would drop web apps drew criticism from developers and users alike. For example, the nonprofit organization Open Web Advocacy wrote an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook in regard to the move.
Featured image: Unsplash
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Spotify is journeying into mystical new areas with an in-app version of a Magic 8 Ball.
Spotify is well-known for its quirky features, whether that’s wrapping up your year in Spotify Wrapped or the rumored increasing use of AI in song recommendations. Spotify’s new feature, Song Psychic, can apparently answer your questions with a simple song response. Users can ask questions, either written themselves or via prompts within the app, and get an answer in song form.
The song itself, the artist, and the album cover appear on your screen, with the option to click through and listen to the song if you choose. If not, you can revert back to the home screen and get the answers to more of your most burning questions.
Image: Spotify
Spotify users are taking to X to share examples of some of Song Psychic’s answers. Check out a few clips of the new feature in action below, ranging from fairly predictable to pretty downright bizarre.
How to try out Spotify’s Song Psychic
Spotify Psychic
To try the new feature out for yourself — head to this webpage and scan the QR code. This will open Song Psychic in the Spotify app.
You’ll be presented with several categories, ranging from friends & family and love to career and style. Once you’ve picked the right topic for your question, you can either type in a question of your own or pick from one of the app’s many prompts.
After a few seconds of deliberating, where you’re left staring at a psychedelic screen, Song Psychic will return with a song that answers your question. It’s a fun little feature but does seem to be a bit repetitive. We tried out five questions and got Lorde’s Green Light three times. Of course, it’s an easy way to say ‘go ahead’ or ‘yes,’ but we don’t think it’s necessarily based on some sign from the greater powers that be out there.
Featured image: Spotify
The post Spotify’s Song Psychic offers spiritual insight via the power of music appeared first on ReadWrite.