Latest Technology News: Microsoft-Activision deal back in UK regulator’s hands after

Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal is back in the hands of Britain’s antitrust regulator after an appeals court granted an adjournment, and reasons why the UK should reconsider its block on the US software giant’s takeover have been released.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) presented Microsoft’s case for the review on Friday, as the US battles to secure UK approval to buy “Call of Duty” maker Activision.

After initially blocking the $69 billion deal in April over concerns about its impact on competition in the cloud gaming market, the CMA has since reopened the case, after becoming increasingly isolated among global regulators in its opposition.

The CMA said it would likely be able to reach a new tentative view on the restructured deal the week of August 7.

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Explaining why the deal should now be given the green light, Microsoft argued that binding commitments accepted by the European Union shortly after Britain blocked the deal had changed things, released court documents showed.

The software maker has legally committed to European authorities that Activision games can be streamed for a decade after the merger, and has struck deals with NVIDIA, Boosteroid and Ubitus.

As part of this, a monitoring and enforcement regime will be established, which Microsoft says should allay some of the CMA’s concerns.

Microsoft also argued that the terms of the CMA’s proposed block went further than necessary to address its cloud gaming issues, such as covering Activision Blizzard’s King unit, which makes games for mobile devices like Candy Crush Saga.

The CMA said it understands that Microsoft considers the recent licensing agreement with Sony to be another material change in circumstances or a special reason.

For its part, the CMA dismissed as “irrelevant and unimportant” to its decision to review the deal, the failure of US authorities to block it in courts there.

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal provisionally approved the adjournment on Monday subject to further submissions from the parties. He officially granted it on Friday.

  • Posted July 22, 2023 12:16 PM IST

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An Overview of Global Events in 2023

In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.

Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.

Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.

Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.

Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.

Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.

Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.

In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.