Apple faces legal backlash over ‘Error 53’
Apple is facing legal challenges over its ‘Error 53’ code, which permanently disables users' iPhones repaired using third-party components.
According to a report in The Guardian, at least one firm of lawyers in the US is hoping to mount a class action against the tech giant on behalf of clients whose iPhones have been rendered useless by a software upgrade.
The iOS 9 software update permanently disables iPhones if it detects that the ID fingerprint recognition home button has been replaced with a third-party part.
Many users whose iPhones need repairing take them to third-party repairers to avoid Apple’s £236 standard repair charge.
The Guardian reported last Friday that thousands of iPhone 6 users had found that an iOS software upgrade permanently disabled their phone, leaving it displaying an ‘Error 53’ code that is completely irreversible.
A UK law firm told the paper that Apple’s "reckless" policy of making inoperative people’s phones could potentially be viewed as an offence under the Criminal Damages Act, which makes it an offence to deliberately destroy someone’s property.
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Star Wars: The Force Awakens boosts Hasbro revenues
Hasbro has reported its biggest boost in quarterly revenue in nearly five years thanks to demand for its Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Jurassic World merchandise.
The toymaker saw sales of toys aimed at boys, which accounts for around 40% of its total revenues and includes action figures from both films, grow 35%.
The company, which is in merger talks with rival Mattel, expects strong Star Wars-licensed merchandise sales to continue throughout 2016, thanks to the release of The Force Awakens on DVD and other home entertainment formats and the upcoming cinema release of Star Wars offshoot Rogue One in May.
Mattel reported growth in quarterly sales last month, thanks to demand for its Star Wars-themed Hot Wheels line.
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Npower to cut gas price by 5.2% from end of March
Npower has become the UK’s fourth major energy firm to announce a reduction in prices, with gas prices to be cut 5.2% from 28 March.
But the timing of the price change is likely to attract criticism because it comes at the end of the coldest months of year, when consumers start to use less energy to heat their houses.
The reduced price will amount to an average £32-a-year lower gas bill for customers on a domestic gas tariff.
E.On cut its gas prices by 5.1% on 1 February, while Scottish Power is reducing its tariff by 5.4% on 15 March and SSE is decreasing prices by 5.3% from 29 March.
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In case you missed it...two longer reads
The digital revolution is over. We are now fully ensconced in a tech-led world and 2016 signals a post-revolutionary transition. Rebecca Coleman identifies the trends that are set to define the post-everything era.
Was it Mog, cat, budgie or meerkats who won consumers over this year? Or was it the man on the moon who achieved the most cut-through? Find out consumers' most recalled ad of the year.
If you watch one video today...
Rather than a video, this week we're pointing you towards our new podcast. Listen to the fifth episode below and.
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