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Tag: Legal Battle
Apple’s Shiny Watches Lose a Feature in the US: What You Need to Know (Without the Tech Jargon)
Remember those fancy Apple Watches with the cool Blood Oxygen feature? Well, hold on to your hats, folks, because things just got a bit tangled. In the great land of the USA, two of those watches – the Series 9 and the Ultra 2 – are no longer allowed to be sold, at least not with that nifty oxygen measuring trick. Let’s break down why this happened in a way that won’t make your brain spin like a washing machine.
The Big Fight: Picture two companies, Apple (the one with the bitten apple logo) and Masimo (a name you might not know, but they make fancy medical gadgets). Masimo says they invented a special way to measure blood oxygen using light, and they have a fancy piece of paper called a “patent” to prove it. Now, Apple’s watches use a similar way to measure oxygen, and Masimo got grumpy, claiming Apple stole their idea. They went to court, like kids fighting over toys in a sandbox, and a judge said, “Hey Apple, you gotta stop using Masimo’s idea, at least for now.”
The Watch Dilemma: So, what does this mean for you, the Apple Watch fan? Well, if you live in the US and were hoping to score one of those Series 9 or Ultra 2 watches, you’re out of luck for now. Apple can’t sell them with the Blood Oxygen feature turned on because of the court order. It’s like taking the batteries out of a remote control – the watch is still there, but the cool oxygen measuring party is on hold.
What About My Existing Watch?: Don’t fret if you already have one of these watches with the Blood Oxygen feature. For now, you can still use it, and Apple says they’ll try to fix things and get the feature back soon. Think of it like a doctor temporarily putting a cast on your arm – it might be annoying, but it’s to help in the long run.
What’s Next?: The whole situation is like a game of tug-of-war between Apple and Masimo. Apple is appealing the court decision, hoping to get permission to use the Blood Oxygen feature again. It’s like asking the playground teacher to say Masimo started the fight first. Meanwhile, Masimo is cheering for the judge’s decision and hoping it sticks. It’s all a bit messy, but hopefully, things will get sorted out soon.
The Bottom Line: In short, some fancy Apple Watches lost a cool feature in the US due to a legal battle. Don’t panic if you already have one, and keep an eye out for updates. And remember, even without the Blood Oxygen feature, those watches are still pretty darn cool!
Bonus Tip: If you’re curious about measuring your blood oxygen, there are other ways to do it, like with a fancy finger clip thingy at the doctor’s office. Just remember, these watches aren’t medical devices, so don’t rely on them for all your health needs.
Black Widow’s Bite: Scarlett Johansson’s Staggering 4900% Salary Increase
Scarlett Johansson, the renowned actress who captivated audiences worldwide as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has witnessed a remarkable career trajectory marked by exceptional salary growth. Her journey began with a modest sum for her debut in Iron Man 2, culminating in a groundbreaking paycheck for her solo film, Black Widow, showcasing a staggering 4900% increase.
Early Days and Iron Man 2
Johansson’s introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe came in 2010 with Iron Man 2. Despite her captivating portrayal of Black Widow, her initial remuneration was relatively modest, reportedly amounting to $400,000. However, this marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would transform her into one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses.
The Rise to Stardom and Salary Growth
Johansson’s consistent presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in multiple films, including The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Avengers: Age of Ultron, bolstered her popularity and box office appeal. This growing recognition translated into significant salary increases. Her paychecks for subsequent Marvel films were reported to be in the range of $2-3 million, a substantial leap from her Iron Man 2 earnings.
Black Widow Still ( Photo Credit – IMDb ) Black Widow and the Peak of Salary Growth
Johansson’s pinnacle in terms of salary growth arrived with her solo film, Black Widow, released in 2021. For her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff in this highly anticipated project, she reportedly received an earth-shattering sum of $15 million. This remarkable figure was comparable to the salaries of her male Marvel co-stars, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth, who earned $15 million each for their respective solo films, Captain America and Thor.
Executive Producer Role and Additional Compensation
Johansson’s involvement in Black Widow extended beyond her acting role. She also served as an executive producer on the film, further contributing to her overall compensation. The Walt Disney Company confirmed that her total earnings from Black Widow, including her acting and producing roles, amounted to a staggering $20 million.
Iron Man 2 Still ( Photo Credit – IMDb ) Comparison to Iron Man 2 and Historic Salary Growth
When comparing Johansson’s salary for Iron Man 2 ($400,000) to her Black Widow paycheck ($20 million), the percentage increase in her earnings is a staggering 4900%. This remarkable growth represents one of the most significant salary increases in Hollywood history, highlighting Johansson’s immense talent, star power, and contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Disney Lawsuit and Additional Earnings
In 2021, Johansson became embroiled in a legal battle with Disney regarding the simultaneous release of Black Widow in theaters and on Disney+. She claimed that this dual release strategy breached her contract, as she was promised bonuses based on certain box office milestones. The lawsuit was settled in September 2021, with Johansson reportedly receiving over $40 million from Disney, further augmenting her overall earnings from the Black Widow project.
Conclusion
Scarlett Johansson’s salary growth from Iron Man 2 to Black Widow stands as a testament to her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and immense contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her journey is a remarkable example of how perseverance, hard work, and star power can translate into extraordinary success.