Tech Roundup: Facebook Australia Reversal, Spotify HiFi & More

[A recurring feature on the latest in Science & Technology.]

• Apple's enforcement of "Sign In with Apple" comes under regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. over concerns that it locks users to its ecosystem and makes it difficult for a user to switch to a rival device maker; to also be examined for its alleged control over the App Store, the fees that it charges developers, and complaints on restrictions on location tracking and other forms of tracking that Apple's own apps are not subject to.
• Mozilla releases Firefox 86 with support for multiple picture-in-picture windows and "Total Cookie Protection" to prevent the use of cookies to track users across sites.
• Twitter takes down 373 accounts run from Russia, Iran and Armenia for carrying out state-linked influence operations as part of its continued efforts to tackle disinformation and propaganda on the platform.
• Facebook to reverse its unilateral ban on Australian news sources from its platform in the coming days; says "the Australian government has agreed to a number of changes and guarantees that address our core concerns about allowing commercial deals that recognise the value our platform provides to publishers relative to the value we receive from them."
• The amendments mean the code now includes a two-month mediation period to allow digital platforms like Facebook and publishers to agree on deals before they are forced to enter into arbitration, a contentious clause that's been the key to Australia's proposed new law.
• The fact that the Australian government backtracked from its original stance within a week after Facebook took an all-or-nothing approach is emblematic of the control wielded by platforms today, and of their power to do whatever it takes to maintain their competitive advantage in the market.
• Google is reportedly negotiating individual licensing deals with media outlets in Spain that may allow Google News to resume operations in the country after shutting down in 2014.
• On-demand video streaming platform Netflix launches Downloads For You, a new feature that "automatically downloads recommended shows or movies to your mobile device based on your tastes."
• Music streaming service Spotify to launch in over 80 new markets in the coming days, expanding from 93 markets; to test paid podcast subscriptions later this year, as it announces plans for a new subscription tier called "HiFi" that will offer "CD-quality, lossless audio."

• Samsung extends security updates for Galaxy phones and tablets released in 2019 or later to a "minimum of four" years; to be delivered on a monthly or quarterly basis for compatible devices.
• Microsoft joins forces with Europe's four largest news publishing lobbying groups to "mandate payments" for content used by "gatekeepers" such as Facebook and Google.
• Apple claims global smartphone market lead ahead of Samsung for first time since 2016, shipping nearly 80 million units in the period October to December, surpassing all other smartphone makers.
• Twitter recently held talks to acquire Indian social media startup ShareChat as the company continues to explore ways to expand its presence in the world's second largest internet market and build a global rival to TikTok; reportedly offered to buy the five-year-old Indian startup for US$ 1.1 billion and had committed an additional investment of US$ 900 million, although the buyout offer did not materialise into a deal.
• Apple says the company bought almost 100 smaller companies over the past six years and that it makes a deal about every three to four weeks; formally launches Apple Pay in Mexico, offering users the ability to easily pay with their iPhone, Apple Watch, and online on their Macs with supporting banks.
• Google begins rolling out next set of features for Android, including dark mode for Maps, a new password checkup tool on devices running Android 9 and above to alert users of passwords that have been exposed in data breaches, a way to schedule texts on Google Messages, along with other improvements to products like its screen reader TalkBack, Assistant and Android Auto; launches new Assistant capability on Android devices that makes it easier to read out loud any webpage or Google News article in a British, Australian, or Indian accent.
• Bitcoin uses more electricity annually than the whole of Argentina, according to an analysis by Cambridge University, consuming around 121.36 terawatt-hours (TWh) a year.
• Sony confirms it's working on a next-generation VR headset for the PS5 with an improved field of view, resolution, and capabilities to "connect to PS5 with a single cord to simplify setup and improve ease-of-use, while enabling a high-fidelity visual experience."
• Disney+ debuts its adult-friendly Star channel for existing subscribers in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, making it the sixth brand catalogue to launch on the streaming platform, alongside Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Disney.