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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In his second lawsuit targeting social media giants, Baltimore lawyer and real estate firm co-owner Barry Glazer is suing Meta and Google over social-media-based networks that sell unauthorized access to vacant properties. In the proposed class-action complaint filed last week in the U.S. Dist ...

Core Points - Microsoft is launching new cloud-computing products aimed at European governments and organizations to help them control their data and comply with EU regulations [1][2] - The new offerings emphasize "sovereignty," with a significant change being that only EU-based staff will manage remote access to cloud systems located in Europe [2][3] - The "Sovereign Public Cloud" product ensures that customer data remains in Europe, governed by European law, with operations controlled by European personnel [3][4] Group 1 - Microsoft will allow clients to operate localized versions of its office software in their own data centers, providing full control over security and compliance [4] - The new products are expected to be available by the end of the year, following Microsoft's commitment to expand data centers in 16 European countries [5] - American companies currently dominate the European cloud-computing market, accounting for 70% to 80% of it [5][6] Group 2 - France is particularly focused on enhancing European capabilities to keep data secure from US government access [6][8] - US laws permit the government to compel companies to provide access to data stored on their servers, even if located outside the US [8]

Core Insights - Meta has made a significant investment of over $10 billion in Scale AI, valuing the startup at more than $29 billion, and has acquired its CEO, Alexandr Wang, to enhance its artificial intelligence initiatives [3][4]. - The partnership aims to deepen collaboration in producing data for AI models, with Wang joining Meta to work on superintelligence efforts [4][5]. - Scale AI, founded in 2016, has grown to over 1,500 employees and focuses on leveraging AI for businesses, governments, and labs [5][6]. Investment Details - Meta's investment is part of a strategic partnership to enhance AI capabilities amid competition with companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft [4]. - The investment will allow Scale AI to accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships, and distribute proceeds to equity holders [9]. - After the investment deal closes, Meta will hold a minority stake in Scale AI, although the exact percentage has not been disclosed [9]. Leadership Changes - Alexandr Wang will transition to Meta while remaining on Scale AI's board of directors, and other employees, referred to as "Scaliens," will also join him [6]. - Jason Droege, a tech industry veteran and co-founder of Uber Eats, will take over as the new CEO of Scale AI [9]. AI Capabilities - Scale AI has developed an AI model called "Defense Llama," based on Meta's Llama 3 model, tailored for U.S. national security missions [7][8]. - The model is designed to assist in military and intelligence operations by assessing scenarios and answering tactical questions [8]. - Scale AI is committed to ongoing collaboration with the defense community to ensure the effectiveness of its AI solutions [8].

Core Viewpoint - The German state of Schleswig-Holstein is transitioning away from Microsoft products to open-source software to regain control over data and ensure digital sovereignty amid rising US-EU tensions and concerns over the power of major tech companies [3][4][6]. Transition to Open-Source Software - Schleswig-Holstein plans to replace Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel with LibreOffice and Open-Xchange for emails and calendars, with a complete switch to the Linux operating system in the coming years [5][8]. - The shift will impact approximately 30,000 public servants initially, with plans to extend to around 30,000 teachers in the future [4]. Economic Considerations - The move to open-source software is expected to save Schleswig-Holstein tens of millions of euros, as investing in alternatives and training staff is often cheaper than Microsoft licensing fees [10][11]. - The state aims to avoid unexpected costs associated with mandatory updates from Microsoft, which can financially strain public bodies [10]. Global Interest and Trends - The geopolitical climate, particularly the war in Ukraine, has heightened awareness of digital dependencies, prompting interest in Schleswig-Holstein's approach from other regions [8][10]. - Other public entities, such as France's gendarmerie and India's defense ministry, have successfully adopted open-source systems, indicating a growing trend [13]. Legislative Support - The EU's "Interoperable Europe Act," which encourages the use of open-source software, may further drive this trend, potentially leading to more administrations adopting similar practices in the next few years [14].

Core Insights - Google is implementing buyouts for employees across key divisions as part of a cost-cutting strategy ahead of a potential court ruling that may lead to a breakup of its operations [1][4]. Group 1: Employee Buyouts - The buyouts are offered to staff in Google's search, advertising, research, and engineering units, although the exact number of affected employees is not specified [2]. - A spokesperson from Google confirmed that this initiative follows a voluntary exit program introduced earlier in the year, which included severance for U.S.-based employees [3]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Context - The buyouts come as a federal judge is set to rule on a case declaring Google's search engine an illegal monopoly, with potential implications for its business practices [4][5]. - The U.S. District Judge is considering a proposal that could limit Google's annual payments exceeding $26 billion to other tech companies for search engine exclusivity and may require data sharing with competitors [5]. Group 3: Industry Trends - Google, like other major tech companies, has been reducing its workforce since 2023, reversing the hiring trends seen during the pandemic due to increased demand for digital services [6]. - The company is focusing on enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities, which are transforming its search engine into a more conversational platform [6][8].

Core Viewpoint - Disney and Universal have initiated a copyright infringement lawsuit against AI company Midjourney, labeling it a "bottomless pit of plagiarism" and marking a significant legal confrontation between Hollywood studios and AI firms [3][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Los Angeles, accuses Midjourney of unauthorized use of Disney and Universal's intellectual property, including iconic characters like Darth Vader, Elsa, and Minions [4][5]. - The studios claim that Midjourney has generated high-quality reproductions of their characters without permission, using their copyrighted works to train its image generation service [4][6]. - Disney and Universal are seeking unspecified monetary damages and a preliminary injunction to prevent further infringement and to enforce copyright protections [8]. Group 2: Company Actions and Revenue - Prior to the lawsuit, Disney and Universal approached Midjourney regarding their copyright concerns, requesting the implementation of measures to prevent infringement, which Midjourney allegedly ignored [6][8]. - Midjourney reportedly generated $300 million in revenue last year through paid subscriptions, indicating a significant financial incentive for the company to continue its operations despite the legal challenges [7]. Group 3: Context of Legal Action - This lawsuit represents the first major legal battle between major entertainment studios and an AI company, following previous lawsuits from independent artists against Midjourney and other generative AI firms for similar copyright issues [3][8]. - A California federal judge previously ruled that artists had a plausible case against Midjourney and other AI companies for copying and storing their work, allowing litigation to proceed [8].

Core Insights - Snap is set to release augmented reality (AR) glasses in 2026, following a significant investment of over $3 billion and 11 years of development [2][5][10] - The new AR glasses, known as Specs, will be lighter and more advanced than previous versions, which were only available to developers [2][5] - Snap's CEO, Evan Spiegel, emphasizes the need to integrate AI into the real world through AR technology [4] Company Developments - Snap's revenue increased by 14% from $1.19 billion in 2024 to $1.36 billion in the first quarter of this year, while net losses decreased by 54% to $140 million [11] - The company has over 900 million monthly active users and 460 million daily active users, indicating a strong user base for potential AR product adoption [11] - Snap's stock has faced challenges, dropping more than 24% this year, partly due to economic uncertainties affecting advertising spending [10] Industry Context - The AR glasses market is competitive, with major tech companies like Meta, Google, and Apple also developing similar products [5][8] - Previous attempts at smart glasses, such as Google Glass and Snap's earlier Spectacles, struggled to gain consumer traction, but advancements in technology may improve future adoption [6][8] - The ongoing development of AR glasses is seen as a potential new revenue stream for Snap beyond digital advertising [10]

Core Insights - The Nintendo Switch 2 has achieved record-breaking sales, becoming the fastest-selling console ever with 3.5 million units sold in its first four days [3][4] - The console is priced at $449.99 in the U.S., significantly higher than the original Switch's launch price of $299.99 [7][8] - Analysts express concerns about sustaining sales momentum in the long term, especially given the high price point and competition [5][6] Sales Performance - The Switch 2 reached the highest global sales level for any Nintendo hardware within the first four days of its release [4] - It surpassed the original Switch and Sony's PlayStation 5, which sold 2.7 million and 3.4 million units in their first month, respectively [4] - Nintendo forecasts selling 15 million Switch 2 consoles in the current financial year, similar to the original Switch's performance in the same timeframe [7] Pricing Strategy - The high price of the Switch 2 is seen as a strategic move to mitigate potential impacts from U.S. tariffs [8][9] - A Japan-only version of the console is priced lower at 49,980 yen ($350) [8] - New game titles for the Switch 2 are also priced higher than existing titles, which may affect consumer adoption [8] Product Features - The Switch 2 features eight times the memory of the original Switch and includes innovative controllers that can function like a desktop computer mouse [9] - New functionalities such as online chat and temporary game sharing are designed to attract younger audiences [9] Revenue Dependency - Approximately 90% of Nintendo's revenue is derived from the Switch business, making the success of the Switch 2 crucial for the company's financial health [10]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is taking a cautious approach to generative AI, facing pressure from competitors and skepticism from Wall Street regarding its strategy [1][10]. Group 1: AI Strategy and Developments - Apple announced incremental updates to its AI software, allowing app developers to access device AI capabilities, enabling offline generative AI interactions [3]. - CEO Tim Cook stated that Siri's AI improvements are still in development and require more time to meet Apple's quality standards, particularly regarding privacy and data security [4]. - Analysts express concern over Apple's delays in AI advancements, especially as competitors like Google and Samsung introduce new AI features [4][10]. Group 2: Operating System Updates - The major announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) was the renaming of Apple's operating systems to align with their release years, with iOS 26 set to launch in the fall [5][7]. - The new operating system will feature the first major redesign since 2013, termed "Liquid Glass" [7]. Group 3: Market Challenges and Analyst Sentiment - Apple's relationship with app developers has been strained due to high fees for App Store access, compounded by legal challenges from companies like Epic Games [7][8]. - Wall Street analysts are divided on Apple's future, with the stock down approximately 17% since the beginning of the year, resulting in a loss of over $600 billion in market value [10]. - Some analysts remain optimistic about Apple's long-term AI monetization potential, while others are concerned that the company's cautious approach may be detrimental in the long run [10][11].

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: After stumbling out of the starting gate in Big Tech's pivotal race to capitalize on artificial intelligence, Apple tried to regain its footing Monday during an annual developers conference that focused mostly on incremental advances and cosmetic changes in its technology. More AI, but what about Siri? In 2023, Apple unveiled a m ...