Google rivals join forces in online maps

13 Sept 21:47 Key points summarised by AI

Google's rivals, including Meta, Microsoft, TomTom, and Amazon Web Services, have launched the Overture Maps Foundation.
The foundation aims to create and make comprehensive, open-source mapping data freely available to challenge Google's dominance in online mapping.
This collaborative effort seeks to democratize access to mapping data, fostering an open ecosystem for applications like navigation, autonomous driving, and future immersive experiences, including an open metaverse.
Google, the current leader in online mapping, is notably absent from this new coalition, which expects to release its first datasets by mid-next year.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.