Hi everyone!

Every week, we discover and share the most interesting information from the world of business and new technologies. Last week, Apple released their credit card, Viber made several announcements about their cryptocurrency, declining iPhone sales were reported, and Microsoft joined the list of tech giants collecting user data.

Apple presents own credit card

In March 2019, Apple introduced their Apple Card, and this August, people living in the United States will get a chance to use this innovative virtual card.

The card is available for all iPhone owners with the latest iOS 12.4 update: the subscription can be made through the Wallet app, which supports Apple Card.

Apple promises many benefits for its users: security, lack of commission and a daily 3% cashback. Apple Card will also offer users the option of controlling their spending, by showing detailed information on money spent and specific products and services purchased.

First 5G smartphone from Huawei

Huawei is actively growing despite international sanctions: in late July, the company unveiled their first smartphone for 5G networks.

According to Speedtest results, the aerage download speed on the new model is 1800 Mbps, while the average upload speed is 200 Mbps.

The Mate 20X smartphone will be available for purchase in mid-August, with a starting price of $900. Outside China, the phone will be sold in Germany, Switzerland, Poland, UAE and several other countries.

Google will delete Chrome extensions threatening user data confidentiality

Google announced their intention to start deleting extensions actively collecting user data from the Chrome Web Store, beginning in October 2019.

According to the new rules defined by Google, extension developers will be able to request access to a minimal volume of data required for the proper operation of their extension. Google will also require developers to submit a list of data they collect, including the purpose for collection and implemented security measures.

For example, developers will no longer be able to share client information with ad targeting companies.

Google will delete old extensions that are in breach of these rules, while also ensuring that all new extensions are compliant.

Viber will launch Rakuten Coin around the globe

Viber CEO Jamel Agaoua announced the launch of Rakuten Coin outside Japan. The company’s main goal is to facilitate the rapid spread of the cryptocurrency to all other countries.

The company is currently building the foundation for this move and trying to consolidate legal aspects that differ from country to country.

The coin might be launched in Russia in 2019, but there are some complications: a license from the Central Bank is required for its launch, however digital currencies are not regulated in Russia at the moment.

Microsoft collects user web browsing data

The new Windows 10 browser freely distributes its users’ personal data, a fact that was reported by security researcher Matt Weeks.

The new Smartscreen (Windows Defender) feature from Microsoft should protect users from viral content, by checking web pages opened in Edge and stopping any harmful downloads.

While Microsoft warns its clients about these features, Matt Weeks has revealed some things that the company has been hiding. According to him, when the Edge browser is open, it shares data from pages visited by the user, and also — shockingly — the unique security identifier (SID) of the user.

iPhone popularity at all-time low

Researchers from BankMyCell have shared that in 2019, iPhone users rarely traded up for newer Apple models, and often ended up switching to Android.

Today, Apple user loyalty is at 73%, which is an all-time low since 2011, when Tim Cook replaced Steve Jobs in the company. iPhone sales have also been declining: for example, in 2019, only 36% of all gadgets sold in the US market were Apple smartphones.

The main reasons behind users’ declining faith in the brand are the insignificant changes made in new iPhone models in terms of design and functionality, while prices are much higher than both older models and most Android competitors.

Decline in smartphone sales: people are fed up with them

Apple isn’t the only company struggling to sell smartphones. Gartner analysts report a widespread loss of interest in new smartphones: people believe that there is no point in buying new models, because they are no better than older versions. Smartphone sales have declined by 2.7% in the first quarter of 2019.

Manufacturers are working to save the situation by getting users interested in new 5G smartphones. But even covering major cities with 5G networks will take some time, so manufacturers should consider alternative ways to win back their customers’ trust.