distribution

Apps

Apple launches online distribution option for EU-targeted iOS developers

Apple is opening up web distribution for iOS apps targeting users in the European Union from today. Apple’s walled garden stance has enabled it to funnel essentially all iOS developer revenue through its own App Store in the past. An Apple rep described this as a baseline safety and security standard which they said iOS users expect to help ensure their device is protected from external risks. Given Apple has only just started implementing web distribution for iOS apps it remains to be seen whether the EU will step in for a closer look at this aspect of its DMA compliance too. It’s also unclear how much demand there will be among iOS developers for direct web distribution.

Zara Khan
April 16, 2024

CES, Robotics & AI

Robotic Forklifts to be Utilized by Walmart in Distribution Centers

As Walmart works to remain competitive, it’s taking a more piecemeal approach to automation, through partnerships with a range of different robotics firms. On Thursday, the mega-retailer announced a partnership with Fox Robotics, which brings 19 of the Austin-based startup’s robotic forklifts to its distribution centers. Today’s news follows a 16-month pilot, which found Walmart trialing the technology in Distribution Center 6020. DC 6020 is the place where Walmart began trials with Symbotic’s package sortation and retrieval technologies. Following that successful trial, Walmart announced plans to roll out the technology to all 42 of its Regional Distribution Centers — that was nearly double the original target of 25.

Zara Khan
April 11, 2024

Apps

Apple Adjusts DMA, Opens New Doors for iOS Web Distribution of Apps

Apple will allow iOS developers located in the European Union to distribute apps from the web, rather then via its App Store. “Web Distribution, available in a software update later this spring, will let authorized developers distribute their iOS apps to EU users directly from a website the developer owns and operates,” it writes. iOS users will also need to approve the developer installing apps from their site via their iPhone Settings. Apple’s initial proposal for DMA compliance did not allow web based distribution for apps. While its current attempt to force EU users to consent to tracking is being challenged via GDPR and consumer protection complaints.

Ava Patel
March 12, 2024
1 Comment

Apps

Spotify Reduces Audiobook Distribution Fees with Findaway Voices Partnership

Spotify-owned Findaway Voices eliminates distribution fee for audiobooks on the streaming service

Spotify is continuing its trend of rewarding its users for engaging with the service. By eliminating the distribution fee for audiobooks purchased on Spotify, Findaway Voices is providing independent authors…