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China launches an antitrust probe into Google. Here's what it means
TechXplore· 2025-02-04 14:30
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Google logos are shown when searched on Google in New York, Sept. 11, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew, File China on Tuesday announced a flurry of retaliatory measures against the U.S., including tariffs on imports of products such as coal, liquefied natural gas products and crude oil, as well as an antitrust probe into Goog ...
Apple blasts porn app for iPhones in Europe
TechXplore· 2025-02-04 10:05
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Apple long fought allowing 'side loading' of iPhone apps from online shops others than the App Store, but made a concession in Europe due to landmark digital law there. Apple on Monday called a pornography app available for iPhones in the European Union a danger to children, saying landmark digital rules there allowed it to get ...
China says to probe Google over anti-monopoly violations
TechXplore· 2025-02-04 10:03
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Beijing's State Administration for Market Regulation said the US tech giant was 'suspected of violating the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China' China on Tuesday said it would probe US tech giant Google over violations of anti-monopoly laws after Washington slapped 10 percent levies on Chinese goods. Beijing's ...
Microsoft founder Bill Gates explores the making of his internal operating system in new memoir
TechXplore· 2025-02-03 17:02
Core Insights - Bill Gates' new memoir, "Source Code: My Beginnings," reflects on his journey from a misunderstood child to a technology leader and philanthropist, exploring his unique cognitive traits and formative experiences [2][5][17] Company Development - Gates co-founded Traf-O-Data, which later evolved into Microsoft in 1975, generating $16,005 in revenue during its first year while Gates and co-founder Paul Allen earned $9 per hour [3] - By 1977, Microsoft had gained enough success for Gates to leave Harvard University, and by 2023, the company reported annual revenues of $212 billion and a market value of $3.1 trillion [4] Personal Background - Gates describes his childhood as marked by social challenges and emotional trauma, particularly the death of his best friend, which significantly influenced his life and career trajectory [10][12] - The memoir highlights Gates' neurodivergent traits, which he believes contributed to his programming skills and success in the tech industry [8][9] Reflections on Technology - Gates expresses amazement at recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI, viewing AI as both an incredible opportunity and a potential risk [16][17] - He emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of AI development, advocating for collaboration between politicians and technologists to manage its impact [17]
Meta mulling incorporation shift to Texas: report
TechXplore· 2025-02-01 10:20
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg attended the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, who has been a critic of the Silicon Valley company. Meta is considering whether to move its incorporation to Texas, a US state seen as amenable to companies run by big shareholders like Mark Zuckerberg, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Th ...
Chipmaker Intel beats revenue expectations amidst Q4 loss
TechXplore· 2025-01-31 08:20
Core Insights - Intel reported a net loss of $126 million for Q4 2024, a significant decline from a profit of $2.67 billion in the same quarter last year, with revenue down 7% to $14.3 billion, although this was slightly better than analysts' expectations [2][3] - For the full year 2024, Intel's net loss reached $18.8 billion, compared to a profit of $1.7 billion in 2023, primarily due to restructuring charges and challenging market conditions [3] - The company's share price increased by 2% in after-hours trading following the earnings release, indicating a positive market reaction despite the losses [2] Company Performance - Intel's Client Computing Group, which includes PC chips, experienced a 9% revenue decline to $8 billion in Q4, but there was strong momentum in AI components for personal computers, with plans to ship over 100 million AI PCs by the end of 2025 [10] - Interim co-CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus emphasized that the fourth quarter showed positive developments, with revenue, gross margin, and EPS exceeding guidance [6] - The company is exploring opportunities to leverage its existing chips and assets to compete against premium Nvidia GPUs, particularly in the AI sector [9] Leadership and Strategic Changes - Intel's CEO Pat Gelsinger was ousted due to a loss of confidence from the board regarding his turnaround plans, coinciding with a significant job cut plan affecting over 15,000 positions [4][5] - The company is currently in search of a permanent CEO following Gelsinger's departure [11] - Intel's market valuation has dropped significantly, with shares falling 60% last year, now valued at approximately $90 billion, a stark contrast to Nvidia's market position [5] Market Context - Intel faces intense competition from Asian semiconductor giants like TSMC and Samsung, as well as from Nvidia, which has emerged as a leader in AI chip production [4] - The company is optimistic about potential collaborations with the new U.S. presidential administration to promote domestic chipmaking [10]
Apple's iPhone sales during the holiday season slipped despite a highly anticipated AI rollout
TechXplore· 2025-01-31 08:12
Core Insights - Apple's iPhone sales experienced a slight decline during the holiday season, indicating challenges in the company's efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its products [1][8][9] Sales Performance - iPhone revenue saw a roughly 1% drop compared to the previous year's October-December period, attributed to the late arrival of AI features and limited availability in markets outside the U.S. [2][5] - Overall revenue for Apple increased by 4% year-over-year to $124.3 billion, with net earnings of $36.3 billion, or $2.40 per share, marking a 7% increase from the previous year [4][10] Market Dynamics - In China, Apple's total revenue fell to $18.5 billion, an 11% decrease from the previous year, reflecting a decline in market share as local competitors like Huawei and Xiaomi gained traction [5][6] - iPhone shipments in China dropped nearly 10% year-over-year, while local brands reported increases of over 20% [6] AI Integration Challenges - The anticipated boost from AI features has not yet materialized, leading to a reassessment of growth expectations for Apple [8][11] - Apple's stock price surged by 30% last year on hopes of AI-driven demand, but has since retreated by 5% as realization set in that demand may take longer to increase [9] Future Outlook - CEO Tim Cook expressed optimism about the product pipeline and forecasted revenue for the upcoming quarter to meet or exceed analyst projections, which may bolster investor confidence [10] - Apple's services division remains a strong revenue generator, with $26.3 billion in revenue, a 14% increase from the previous year, although its reliance on Google as the default search engine is under scrutiny [13]
Amazon lays off dozens of corporate workers in latest round of job cuts
TechXplore· 2025-01-30 14:17
Core Points - Amazon has initiated a series of layoffs across various departments as part of its strategy to streamline operations and reduce workforce [1][2] - The latest cuts include dozens of employees from the communications and corporate responsibility department, following a previous layoff of 200 employees from the stores division and the closure of seven warehouses in Quebec, affecting 1,700 employees [2][4] - CEO Andy Jassy has emphasized the need to reduce bureaucracy and unnecessary management layers to enhance innovation and efficiency within the company [5][7] Layoff Details - The recent layoffs are part of a broader effort by Amazon to optimize its organizational structure, with no specific numbers disclosed regarding the total layoffs in the communications and corporate responsibility teams [3][9] - Employees affected by the layoffs will receive 60 days of pay and benefits, along with severance packages [9] Management Strategy - Jassy's management approach includes a directive for teams to minimize the number of managers relative to individual contributors, aiming to eliminate layers that hinder productivity [5][7] - The company has also mandated a return to the office five days a week, which some employees speculate may lead to further voluntary departures [8]
Apple and Comcast partner to make Major League Soccer matches easier to watch
TechXplore· 2025-01-30 13:30
Core Points - Major League Soccer (MLS) and Apple have expanded the availability of the MLS Season Pass to traditional cable and satellite TV subscribers, including Comcast Xfinity and DirecTV, allowing for easier access to games [2][6] - The pricing for the MLS Season Pass remains unchanged from the previous year, with options of $99 annually or $14.99 monthly, and discounted rates for existing Apple TV+ subscribers [8] - T-Mobile customers can access the MLS Season Pass for free for the entire year starting February 18, 2025, through a coupon in the T-Life app [9] Distribution and Access - Comcast subscribers can sign up for the MLS package directly through X1 boxes, integrating games into their existing sports schedules and channel guides [3][4] - DirecTV subscribers will see MLS games on specific TV channels (480-495) and can also connect to the Apple TV app for additional viewing options [6] - A free trial of the MLS Season Pass will be available for Comcast and DirecTV subscribers from February 22 to March 1, covering the first two weekends of the season [4][6] Production Changes - Some games will be called remotely from studios rather than on-site, although the majority will still be produced on-site [13][15] - The production facilities have moved to Stamford, Connecticut, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with remote broadcasting capabilities [14] - Executives from MLS and Apple expressed optimism about audience growth and the effectiveness of new distribution partnerships, despite not providing specific audience numbers [11][12] Game Scheduling - MLS has expanded its scheduling of Sunday games in exclusive windows to enhance promotion, with these games available on Apple TV+ as well [10]
Meta agrees to pay Trump $25 mn to settle account ban lawsuit
TechXplore· 2025-01-30 10:10
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed support for US President Donald Trump. Meta has agreed to pay President Donald Trump $25 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit he filed claiming he was wrongfully censored by Facebook and Instagram after the US Capitol riot, the company said Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal first reported th ...