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AltStore for iPhone in EU Will Have Apps Backed By Patreon

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With iOS 17.4, Apple began supporting alternative app marketplaces in the European Union, and the first of these stores will be launching soon to give consumers new ways to install apps without having to use the App Store.

App Store vs EU Feature 2
Developer Riley Testut, known for Game Boy Advance emulator GBA4iOS, is working on AltStore, one of several alternative app marketplaces. As noted by TechCrunch, app marketplaces like AltStore will be able to monetize in ways that aren’t currently possible. AltStore will accept payment through Patreon rather than making money through paid apps or ads.

To use the first AltStore apps developed by Testut, customers will need to pledge $1 to $3 per month through Patreon. Video game emulator Delta will initially be free, and clipboard manager Clip will require a pledge of $1. Later, beta versions of Delta and Clip will require $3 per month to download and use.

With Patreon, Testut is able to offer subscription-based pricing that does not provide a 15 to 30 cut to Apple. Patreon collects between five and eight percent of income earned, depending on Patreon join date, plus a payment processing fee that ranges from three to five percent.

Patreon’s fees come in below Apple’s fees, but should an AltStore app see more than one million first annual installs in a year, Apple will charge a 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee for each additional app install. The Core Technology Fee (CTF) makes it risky for free apps to be distributed through alternative app marketplaces, but Apple recently said that it is working on a solution to avoid bankrupting free apps that go viral and rack up too much in fees.

After AltStore launches and Testut has it working properly, other developers will be able to distribute their apps through it as well. They’ll have the option of using Patreon like Testut does for his apps, or another alternative. Patreon has the benefit of providing reward tiers, exclusive blog posts for subscribers, and other alternative content, plus subscriber numbers can be capped to avoid Apple’s CTF.

Testut plans to launch the AltStore as soon as he gets final approval from Apple, and as with all alternative app marketplaces, it will be limited to the European Union. Apps can only be installed through alternative means on the iPhone, not the iPad, and only in eligible European countries. There are no ‌App Store‌ changes for the rest of the world to allow for alternative app installation.

Last week, the European Commission (EC) opened a non-compliance investigation into Apple to determine if the changes that it made are sufficient to meet the demands of the Digital Markets Act. Apple could be forced to change some of its rules or change the Core Technology Fee if the EC decides that Apple’s updates do not go far enough.

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OpenAI backed 1X EVE humanoid robots demonstration

OpenAI backed 1X EVE humanoid robotics demonstrated 2024

1X, an AI and robotics company which is backed with investment from OpenAI, has demonstrated androids designed to safely and intelligently augment the global labor force. Their mission is to create androids that can work alongside humans, addressing labor demands and contributing to an abundant society. The androids are designed with human-like form factors to operate effectively in human-centric environments. The company has implemented a system that learns motor behaviors from visual inputs using neural networks, which has been deployed on their EVE robots for tasks such as patrolling.

These robots are not just any ordinary machines; they are designed to work in harmony with humans, to take on tasks that could reshape the way we think about labor and productivity. The event put a spotlight on the EVE robots, a fleet of machines that can autonomously carry out intricate tasks, such as security patrols, suggesting they are ready to join humans in a variety of work environments.

At the heart of these robots’ capabilities is a sophisticated vision-based neural network technology. This innovation allows the robots to process visual data and respond with movements that are strikingly similar to those of humans. The EVE robots can drive, manipulate objects, and interact with their surroundings in ways that were once thought to be the exclusive domain of humans. This advancement in robotics points to a not-so-distant future where machines could take on specific roles, operating with minimal human intervention.

EVE humanoid robots in action

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The training process for these robots is quite extensive. It involves a large dataset from 30 EVE units, which forms a base model that understands a wide range of physical actions. This model is not static; it’s constantly being improved, enabling the robots to acquire specialized skills for various tasks. The training is overseen by a new breed of engineers, known as “Software 2.0 Engineers,” who rely on data analysis rather than traditional programming methods to enhance the robots’ learning process.

The company behind these robots, 1X, is on a mission to expand its technological footprint. It’s actively seeking the brightest minds in AI from the San Francisco Bay Area, a region synonymous with tech breakthroughs. The company’s approach hinges on imitation and reinforcement learning, which are crucial for the robots’ ability to adapt and improve over time. Moreover, 1X is making strides in the field of autonomous vehicles, signaling its commitment to integrating robotics into our daily lives.

The culture at 1X is dynamic and fast-paced. The company operates on a 24-hour release cycle, which means it’s constantly pushing the envelope of technological progress. This relentless drive ensures that the EVE robots remain at the forefront of the industry. The recent demonstration of these robots provides a glimpse into a future where androids work side by side with humans, potentially boosting productivity and efficiency across various sectors. As 1X continues to refine its robotic technology, the possibilities for its application and the benefits it could bring to society seem to expand by the day.

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