US judge rules that Google is a ‘monopolist’ in search

A federal judge has ruled that Google illegally abused its independence in the search industry. The decision follows a 10-week trial in 2023, which followed a 2020 trial.

Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia wrote in the decision that the company acted “to preserve its independence.”

The lawsuit said Google illegally maintains its top position in search through behaviors such as paying Apple, Samsung and Mozilla billions of dollars a year to be the default search engine on smartphones, browsers and elsewhere. The DOJ argued that Google is responsible for about 90 percent of web searches.

Mehta has yet to impose remedies on Google, but he could demand that it change the way it operates or sell off parts of the business. Google plans to appeal.

— Matt Smith

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It also brings back a redesign of its main graphics system.

Apple has released the fifth developer beta, and it brings a few changes to Safari and graphics. Specifically, Apple’s browser gets Interruption Control. It’s not really an ad blocker, but it can be even more useful for sites with embedded videos, animations and other clutter. Press the Page Menu button in the Search field (where the Read and Viewer buttons are) and then press Hide Obstructions to select which parts of the page you want to filter. If something you chose to block, such as a headline or ad, changes in any way, it will appear again on your next visit.

Apple also implemented an update to something I wasn’t too keen on in my first preview of the iOS beta.

Keep reading.

Joel is dealing with the consequences of his past.

HBO released the first theatrical release of The Last of Us second season. It begins with Joel (Pedro Pascal) in conversation with a new character played by Catherine O’Hara (who appears to be his therapist), considering his past actions. It is scheduled to air in 2025.

Watch here.

And a cartoon horse to ride.

I will not answer questions at this time.

Keep reading.