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Apple will let users install other app stores this year

Only in Europe, though

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Apple Store Awards 2023

Europe once again earned a massive win for smartphone accessibility. After pursuing such a change back in 2022, the European Union is finally forcing Apple to allow sideloading. Starting in March, Apple users will be able to install other app stores on their iPhone.

For years, the European Union fought for anti-competitive practices in the technology industry. Naturally, because of Apple’s exclusive ecosystem, the iPhone maker experience a lot more changes than its rivals. For example, the company started adopting USB-C and RCS for its users. Now, it’s time for another change.

Starting with iOS 17.4 dropping in March, users can install “alternative app marketplaces” right on their iPhones. Of course, Apple is still exercising some form of control over what gets installed. The company must still approve a marketplace before it can exist on the iOS ecosystem. However, once approved, users can install anything from those marketplaces — even those unapproved on the iOS store.

On the flip side, developers now have the option to use either Apple’s payment system or another one instead. The change isn’t much for users, but it’s a good option for developers.

Arguably, the policy change is the biggest one for the App Store, especially since the Apple was vehemently against sideloading in the past. For the first time, users can legally use other app stores without downloading illegal software. While support for non-native apps might still be over the place, it’s a big win for accessibility, nonetheless.

Unfortunately, the change is coming only to European users in March. One can hope that the company will eventually ship the same update to users in other countries.

SEE ALSO: Apple explains why sideloading is harmful for you

Apps

Firefox ad reunites all your favorite memes from decades ago

The Numa Numa Guy, Annoying Orange, and Chocolate Rain are back!

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Before Tung Tung Tung Sahur and Skibidi Toilet, the early internet was populated by charismatic personalities looking to make their presences felt in a land that didn’t have a lot of rules yet. As early users, we danced to “Dragostea din tei,” belted out “Chocolate Rain,” and copied “Shoes” word-for-word. Today, Firefox is bringing all those good memories back for a grand reunion.

In a new ad, the web browser featured ten of the biggest stars of the early internet including the aforementioned Numa Numa Guy, Tay Zonday, and Shoes’ Kelly. You can also see Annoying Orange, Chuck Testa, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Bad Luck Brian, Where the Hell is Matt?, the Apparently Kid, and the Success Kid.

Now, this isn’t just a reunion. The ad has a clear message about today’s most concerning issue: AI. Everything has “built-in AI, always asking, asking, asking,” as the Annoying Orange said.

“They make money by following us, and somehow, I’m the creepy one?” the Overly Attached Girlfriend asked.

All these famous personalities are asking what happened to the internet today. Obviously, the big takeaway is that we should all go back to Firefox.

Compared to other browsers, Firefox has a lot of built-in features that offer a lot of control for users. For one, it has its own VPN for privacy. Secondly, reflecting the ad’s message against AI, the browser has a toggle to minimize AI features.

SEE ALSO: Google illegally destroys 250,000 trees for a single AI data center

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Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

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Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on

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Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

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Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.

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