Core Insights - Meta has invested over $70 billion in its VR and metaverse initiatives since 2020, but the growth of the industry has been slower than anticipated, leading to recent cuts in its Reality Labs division [1][2] - The company has acknowledged that its vision for Horizon and VR was overly ambitious, resulting in a need to scale back on several VR products, including virtual workplace and fitness applications [2][3] - Despite the setbacks, Meta remains optimistic about the future of VR, claiming to invest more in content than any competitor [2][3] Investment Strategy - Meta's CTO stated that the current investment exceeds the growth potential of the VR ecosystem, indicating a significant loss and a need for emotional acknowledgment of the situation [2][5] - The company continues to view itself as a net positive investor in the VR ecosystem, even after scaling back its ambitions [3][4] - There is a belief that the challenges faced in VR do not necessarily detract from the potential growth in wearables, as both can be pursued simultaneously [3][4] Future Outlook - The CTO has previously indicated that 2025 will be a critical year for the metaverse, determining whether Meta's efforts will be seen as visionary or a misadventure [4] - There is a cautious tone regarding future investments, with the company emphasizing the need for its investment levels to align with actual growth [5]

Hims & Hers unveiled a once-a-day weight-loss pill this week, calling it an alternative for needle-averse customers and those looking for smaller doses. It was essentially a cheaper copy of the Wegovy pill that the pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, released earlier this year.About 48 hours later, the telehealth company said it would stop selling it. "Since launching the compounded semaglutide pill on our platform, we've had constructive conversations with stakeholders across the industry," Hims & Hers ...

After the chaos of a software-led sell-off that bled into techs stocks at large and dragged the broader market, here are a few strategies from Wall Street pros that might help you navigate the next meltdown. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was down 2% for the week, despite Friday's comeback. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF is down more the 12% in the same period.But the market rotation is on, and analysts say this week's plunge isn't the end of the bear market. Instead, it is a moment to asse ...

The outlook quickly became dire for software stocks this week as investors envisioned a world where Anthropic's Claude AI assistant rendered entire companies and IT departments useless. The bottom fell out of the sector as the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) fell 19% from January 26 to February 5.But Morningstar says fears are largely overdone, and the chaotic burst of selling represents a prime dip-buying opportunity. "We see little evidence that the bear case is unfolding — retention ra ...

Swedish defense prime Saab is exploring the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System as a cheaper armament option for its JAS 39 Gripen fighters, firm executives told Business Insider this week. "The APKWS is in interest because other platforms are now integrating 70mm guided rockets. So we are, of course, eyeing that capability now," Jussi Halmetoja, operations advisor for Saab's air domain, said at the Singapore Airshow.Halmetoja said the company was looking at ways to integrate the weapons system, which us ...

I've been covering TVs for over a decade, and in that time, I've seen various brands rise and fall. In recent years, Hisense has jumped toward the top of the pack, cementing itself as a major player in the TV market. The best Hisense TVs hold their own against more expensive options from other brands, delivering an impressive balance between price and performance.My top Hisense recommendation is the U8QG QLED TV. This set offers one of the brightest pictures available, and it maintains excellent contrast th ...

Core Viewpoint - Amazon's investment in Anthropic has significantly increased in value, indicating a potentially lucrative strategic technology investment for the company [1][2]. Investment Details - Amazon holds $45.8 billion in convertible notes and $14.8 billion in nonvoting preferred stock in Anthropic, totaling a stake worth $60.6 billion [1][8]. - The company has invested $8 billion in Anthropic since late 2023, resulting in a seven-fold increase in value [2]. - Anthropic's recent funding rounds have raised its valuation from $61.5 billion in March to $183 billion in September, with discussions for a new round potentially pushing it to $350 billion [3]. Financial Impact - Amazon's convertible notes convert to preferred stock as Anthropic raises additional capital, allowing Amazon to gain valuable stock with each funding round [7]. - In 2025, conversions generated approximately $5.6 billion in recognized gains for Amazon, with an additional $7.2 billion upward adjustment to "other income" in Q3 due to Anthropic's valuation increase [7]. - The value of Amazon's Anthropic stake rose from $38.5 billion in Q3 to $60.6 billion in Q4, with expectations of a further $15 billion gain in Q1 as some notes convert to nonvoting preferred stock [8]. Valuation Methodology - Amazon's valuations of its Anthropic stake are based on "significant judgment" and classified as "Level 3" assets, relying on unobservable inputs rather than market prices [9]. - This classification is typical for startup investments, which lack regularly traded securities on liquid public markets [9].

After days of heavy selling, investors look like they're in buy-the-dip mode. US stocks rallied hard on Friday, with traders trying to cap off a week of heavy losses in the tech sector and in software stocks on a high note.The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF — which entered a bear market earlier this month as investors panicked over high valuations and AI's potential threat to software companies — surged 3%. The ETF is still down around 30% from its peak late last year. Major indexes soared. The ...

Another Detroit automaker is paying a steep price as it pulls back from electric vehicles. Stellantis — the global auto giant behind brands like Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler — said Friday that it would take a €22 billion ($26 billion) charge tied to a sweeping reset of its electric-vehicle strategy.It's the largest in a wave of recent EV-related write-downs by major global automakers, bringing the total in charges across the industry to $55 billion. In September, Volkswagen recorded a $3.5 billion charg ...

Core Insights - Ford is undergoing a significant overhaul of its manufacturing processes to better compete with Chinese automakers, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) market [1][2] - The Universal Electric Vehicle project is described as one of the most important initiatives in Ford's history, focusing on innovation to maintain competitiveness against global rivals [1][6] Manufacturing Innovations - The new manufacturing system employs a three-pronged "assembly tree" approach, which allows for parallel construction of vehicle components, reducing the number of fasteners by 25% and halving the number of cooling hoses and connections [9] - A unicasting system is being implemented to decrease the number of vehicle parts, potentially leading to lower car prices [10] Product Development - The first vehicle on the new platform is a midsize electric pickup truck expected to launch in the US in 2027, with a starting price of $30,000 [6][7] - Engineers are dedicating extensive time to refining the truck's aerodynamics and design [7] Strategic Shift - Ford is shifting its focus towards smaller, more affordable electric vehicles and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) after incurring a $19.5 billion write-down due to canceled EV programs [11] - The company is responding to competitive pressures from the Chinese EV market, where BYD has become the world's largest EV seller, and is exploring potential manufacturing cooperation with China's Geely [12]