Apple CEO defends pulling Hong Kong mapping app

Meta, Microsoft and other tech giants racing to build the emerging metaverse concept have formed a group to foster the development of industry standards that would make the companies' nascent digital worlds compatible with each other.

It's the first time Xi has made a trip outside mainland China since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The visit is expected to showcase Beijing's control over Hong Kong after a political crackdown crushed dissent.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Hong Kong to celebrate 25 years of the former British colony's handover to Beijing amid heightened security and a clampdown on pro-democracy protests.

After consolidating its power over Hong Kong, Beijing has used the festivities marking the 25th handover anniversary from British rule to laud the city's "rebirth." Many Hong Kongers do not feel like celebrating.

Action thriller "Raging Fire" won best film at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards on Sunday (July 17), taking home three other trophies for best director, best editing and best action choreography.

Giant panda An An was euthanized at the age of 35 at a Hong Kong theme park, with park officials saying they were "deeply saddened" by the loss.

Courts in Hong Kong have recently imprisoned at least two activists under protest-related charges. New regional leader John Lee has vowed to focus on national security, and critics are wary of what that could mean.

China should also release people detained during Hong Kong's protests in 2019, the UN Human Rights Committee has said. It marks the panel's first recommendation since 2020.

Footage from the concert appears to show a giant screen hitting a performer from boyband Mirror directly on the head and crushing his body. Two dancers were rushed to hospital.

In the past 25 years since Hong Kong was handed over to China from British rule, the self-government and freedoms it was originally promised have gradually been eroded.

Most of Hong Kong's free press has been dismantled, and many leading journalists have been arrested. Jacky has decided to keep reporting anyway, and now works alone. Former journalist Kris hopes to foster media literacy through a bookstore.

California tech giant Apple launched its new iPhone 14 model on Wednesday, featuring emergency satellite communication and improved cameras. It's Apple's latest push to increase its share of the global smartphone market. Plus, we look ahead to the European Central Bank's announced rate hike and British PM Liz Truss's much-awaited plan to deal with soaring energy bills.