Technologies

Microsoft Tells FTC That $69B Activision Deal Won’t Harm Competition

Response to lawsuit seeking to block the mega-deal argues acquisition is about making Xbox more competitive.

Microsoft on Thursday filed a response to a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit aiming to block its $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, arguing that it won’t hurt competition in the video game industry.

The FTC said earlier this month in its lawsuit challenging the acquisition that the software giant will «harm competition» among game console makers including Sony and Nintendo. Microsoft countered in its filing that the acquisition is about helping its Xbox unit to become more competitive.

«Xbox wants to grow its presence in mobile gaming, and three quarters of Activision’s gamers and more than a third of its revenues come from mobile offerings,» Microsoft said in its 37-page response. «Xbox also believes it is good business to make Activision’s limited portfolio of popular games more accessible to consumers, by putting them on more platforms and making them more affordable.»

The deal, announced earlier this year,is the largest ever for the software maker and also within the videogame industry. Microsoft, which also makes the Xbox video game console,has been speaking with regulators around the world in an effort to gainapproval for its acquisition. Microsoft earlier said it expects tocomplete the deal sometime around the summer of 2023.

The FTC’s move against Microsoft marks one of the US government’s biggest efforts to take on the tech industry, which has witnessed companies like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta becoming some of the most highly valued companies on the planet. Amid all that growth, competitors and regulators have been asking whether the tech industry has too much power and whether companies have been acting as monopolies.

The agency argued in its Dec. 8 lawsuit against the software giant’s acquisition of the Call of Duty maker, saying Microsofthad used earlier acquisitions to make several high-profile upcoming titles like the space exploration game Starfield and the vampire shooting game Redfall exclusive to devices powered by its software. Microsoft said it offered Sony the right to sell the military shooter as part of its PlayStation Plus service, but»Sony refuses to deal,» Microsoft said in its filing.

«The acquisition of a single game by the third-place consolemanufacturer cannot upend a highly competitive industry,» Microsoft saidin its response. «That is particularly so when the manufacturer hasmade clear it will not withhold the game. The fact that Xbox’s dominantcompetitor has thus far refused to accept Xbox’s proposal does notjustify blocking a transaction that will benefit consumers.»

Microsoft said it hopes an amicable resolution can be found that benefits all in the industry.

«Even with confidence in our case, we remain committed to creativesolutions with regulators that will protect competition, consumers, andworkers in the tech sector,» Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president and vicechair, said in a statement.

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also defended the deal in a separate statement Thursday, saying that»There is no sensible, legitimate reason for our transaction to beprevented from closing.»

The FTC didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Technologies

New Year’s Greeting!

Happy New Year, dear friends!

Dear citizens of Israel and kind-hearted people around the world,

From the bottom of our hearts, we wish you a Happy New Year! This holiday symbolizes hope, renewal, and faith in a better future. May the New Year bring peace, stability, and prosperity to Israel and all its residents.

We wish our beautiful country eternal prosperity, its citizens good health, and true, kind allies ready to support one another in any situation. May each of our hearts be filled with kindness and understanding.

We especially hope for the swift resolution of all suffering caused by conflicts and challenges. Let every person held captive return home as soon as possible—alive, healthy, and surrounded by the love of their family.

May this New Year be a year of unity, peace, and new achievements for Israel and the entire world. May each day be filled with light, joy, and success.

Happy New Year, dear friends!

Sincerely,
Verum World

Technologies

Verum Coin Now Available on Uniswap Wallet

The cryptocurrency Verum Coin (VERUM) has reached a new milestone — users can now buy and trade it through the popular decentralized Uniswap Wallet.

This integration brings new opportunities for users:

Ease of use: The Uniswap Wallet interface enables crypto transactions in just a few clicks.
Security: Users retain full control over their assets.
Global liquidity: The platform connects millions of users worldwide.

«We are committed to making Verum Coin as accessible as possible to everyone who values blockchain technology and believes in the future of decentralization. Integration with Uniswap Wallet is a significant step toward achieving this goal,» said representatives of the Verum team.

Uniswap Wallet is one of the leading decentralized wallets on the market, known for its flexibility and ability to trade tokens without intermediaries or hidden fees.

You can try Verum Coin on Uniswap Wallet today. Simply connect your wallet, find the $Verum token, and start trading.

Technologies

Verum Ecosystem: The Future of Digital Communication and Finance

In an era of rapid technological changes, where the world demands new approaches to communication, data security, and financial management, the Verum ecosystem emerges as a pivotal technological breakthrough. It’s not just a collection of standalone applications but a seamlessly integrated platform that unites cutting-edge innovations in one environment. At its core is Verum Messenger, transforming traditional communication and financial operations. However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg: behind the messenger lies an entire ecosystem of products, each uniquely designed to redefine the digital landscape.

This article dives deep into what the Verum ecosystem offers and how its products interact to create a unified digital space.

Verum Messenger: A Tool for Communication and Security

Verum Messenger is not just a messaging app. It’s a multifunctional platform prioritizing reliability, security, and user convenience. Unlike most messengers, Verum focuses on integrating various technologies to create the perfect communication environment:

Verum AI: Integrated directly into the messenger, this chatbot is a smart assistant capable of handling tasks like data searches, task planning, message responses, data analysis, and more complex operations.
Built-in VPN: A crucial feature for ensuring privacy. Unlike standard VPN services, users can activate protection with a single click without leaving the messenger. This is especially vital for those who value anonymity online and frequently use public Wi-Fi networks.
E-SIM Integration: Enables users to connect to mobile internet without needing a physical SIM card. This technology eliminates roaming issues and significantly simplifies mobile connectivity management, offering access to networks in over 150 countries worldwide.

Verum Coin: The Cryptocurrency Uniting the Ecosystem

Verum Coin is not just a cryptocurrency but the economic foundation of the entire ecosystem. This digital asset addresses key challenges related to fast and secure financial operations, both within and beyond the Verum ecosystem:

Low Fees and High Speed: Unlike traditional payment systems, Verum Coin facilitates instant transfers and payments with minimal fees, making it an ideal solution for international transactions.
Versatility: It is used not only within the ecosystem for service payments but also on cryptocurrency exchanges, serving as a bridge between various digital assets.

BitCoinPay Trade: A High-Security Cryptocurrency Exchange

BitCoinPay Trade is not just an exchange but a high-tech platform for cryptocurrency trading:

Secure Transactions: All transfers are protected by advanced encryption methods, eliminating the risk of asset loss or theft.
Accessibility: The platform offers access to a variety of cryptocurrencies and trading options, while also supporting integration with other Verum ecosystem products.

Crypto Bank: A Reliable Wallet for Cryptocurrencies

Crypto Bank offers users a secure storage solution for digital assets. It’s designed for those actively working with cryptocurrencies and valuing financial security.

Easy Buying and Selling: Purchase and sell various cryptocurrencies with just a few taps.
Cryptocurrency Wallets: Support for major cryptocurrencies allows users to choose the most convenient and secure storage options.
Verum Coin and Other Assets: The service fully supports Verum Coin and other major cryptocurrencies, ensuring reliability and simplicity when working within the ecosystem.

Verum Pay: Integrating Cryptocurrency into Business and the Ecosystem

Verum Pay is an innovative solution bridging cryptocurrency capabilities for businesses and Verum ecosystem applications.

Integration with Payment Systems: Its user-friendly interface allows businesses to quickly adopt cryptocurrency for sales and payment processes, offering a modern approach to financial operations.
Usage within Ecosystem Applications: Verum Pay is actively used within the Verum ecosystem, enabling users to pay for services and goods using Verum Coin directly through the messenger, E-SIM platforms, VPNs, and other products.

This makes Verum Pay a universal tool for ecosystem participants and businesses outside the ecosystem, focused on a digital future.

Verum Exchange: Conversion and Mining with High Security

Verum Exchange is a currency and cryptocurrency converter with an integrated Verum Coin mining function. It stands out with:

Simple and Convenient Interface: The platform caters to both beginners and experienced users, offering real-time access to currency and cryptocurrency rates.
Verum Coin Mining: The application includes mining capabilities, allowing users to earn cryptocurrency directly on their phone or tablet.

E-SIM Applications: A Revolution in Mobile Connectivity

Mobile E-SIM applications (Verum E-SIM, World E-SIM, Euro E-SIM, Canada E-SIM, London E-SIM, USA E-SIM, Ukraine E-SIM, Balkan E-SIM, Africa E-SIM) are among the ecosystem’s most ambitious and revolutionary products. This technology provides mobile internet access in over 150 countries without the need for a physical SIM card.

No Roaming or Overcharges: Say goodbye to high international roaming fees. E-SIM allows users to connect to mobile networks with fixed and transparent tariffs, ideal for travelers and business professionals.
Full Integration with Messenger: Mobile connectivity can be managed through a separate app or directly from Verum Messenger, allowing effortless balance control, tariff selection, and service activation.

Verum VPN: Advanced Data Protection

Verum VPN is an integral part of the ecosystem, guaranteeing a high level of security for users.

Complete Encryption: VPN ensures robust data encryption, making it ideal for protecting personal information online, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
Ease of Use: Activating VPN with a single click simplifies its use, requiring no additional user settings.

Verum AI: Artificial Intelligence at Your Fingertips

Verum AI is the heart of the ecosystem, utilizing powerful algorithms for communication, analysis, and creativity while adapting to each user’s needs. Its features include:

Information and Analysis: Quickly find answers to questions, explain complex topics, analyze data, and support informed decision-making.
Creativity and Idea Generation: Generate texts, create scenarios, develop creative concepts, write articles, posts, and assist with design and programming tasks.
Assistance and Learning: Verum AI helps users acquire new skills, solve problems, and enhance their experience.

Verum Runner: A Gaming Ecosystem with Real Earnings

Verum Runner is a crypto-game that allows users to earn Verum Coin in real time. This unique mobile application motivates players to not only have fun but also gain tangible benefits.

Crypto ATMs: Convenience and Accessibility Worldwide

The Verum network of crypto ATMs enables easy exchange of Verum Coin and other popular crypto assets for fiat currency and vice versa, providing users with transaction capabilities anywhere in the world.

Prospects and Development

Verum is not merely addressing current market needs — it is crafting innovative solutions that will shape the future of digital finance and communication. Upcoming plans include launching new services, expanding AI functionality, and integrating with emerging technologies.

Verum is not just creating an ecosystem of digital services; it’s redefining the very approach to communication, finance, and security in the modern world. All ecosystem products work in perfect synergy, delivering unparalleled user experience that ensures privacy, security, and convenience at every step.