Core Insights - Nintendo has officially announced the launch of its new console, the Nintendo Switch 2, set for June 5 at a retail price of £395.99 for the basic package and £429.99 for the bundle with Mario Kart World [1] Technical Specifications - The Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch screen with double the pixels of the previous model, offering 1080p resolution and supporting up to 120 frames per second, while maintaining the same thickness as the original [2] - The console's dock supports connection to a TV with up to 4K resolution [2] - Improved built-in speakers now support 3D audio, and the new stand provides more sturdy support with various viewing angles [8] Controller Innovations - The redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers connect magnetically and feature larger SL and SR buttons for comfort [3] - Each Joy-Con can function as a mouse, equipped with a rollerball for precise movement [3] Game Titles and Features - Launch title Mario Kart World features detailed circuits and an open-world map, allowing off-road racing [4] - Other announced titles include Legend of Zelda Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, and Donkey Kong Bananza, with the latter set to release on July 17 [6] - Several third-party titles were introduced, including The DuskBloods from From Software, expected in 2026, and other notable games like Elden Ring Tarnished Edition and Hades II [7] Backward Compatibility and Upgrades - The Switch 2 is a hybrid system, allowing gameplay on both its built-in screen and a TV, with full backward compatibility for most original Switch games [9] - Upgraded versions of popular titles like Legend of Zelda Breath of The Wild and Metroid Prime 4 will be available, featuring enhanced visuals and new gameplay features [9] Social Features - The new console emphasizes social features, including a GameChat function for in-game communication and a camera for video chat while playing [14] - A GameShare feature allows users to share a single game with up to three other players on their own Switch 2 devices [14] Market Position - The original Switch, launched in March 2017, sold over 150 million units, making it Nintendo's most successful home console [15] - While the Switch 2 may not match the technical specifications of competitors like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, Nintendo focuses on innovation and game quality [15]

Tesla sales declined in the first three months of the year, another sign that Elon Musk’s once high-flying electric car company is struggling to attract buyers.The drop of 13% is likely due to a combination of factors, including its ageing lineup, competition from rivals and a backlash from Musk’s embrace of rightwing politics. It also is a warning that the company’s first-quarter earnings report later this month could disappoint investors.Tesla reported deliveries of 336,681 vehicles globally in the Januar ...

Core Points - Block, Jack Dorsey's financial technology company, plans to lay off nearly 1,000 employees and make significant operational changes, marking its second major workforce reduction in just over a year [1][2] - The layoffs will affect over 930 employees, with nearly 200 managers transitioning to non-management roles and around 800 open positions being closed [2] - Dorsey emphasized that these changes are not aimed at achieving specific financial targets or replacing staff with AI, but rather to enhance performance and streamline operations [4][5] Company Operations - Block operates several payment platforms, including Square and Afterpay, as well as the money transfer app CashApp and the music streaming service Tidal [3] - The company has implemented a headcount maximum of 12,000 employees as part of a previous reorganization that also resulted in approximately 1,000 job losses [4] Financial Performance - Block's stock has decreased by 29% this year, with revenue and profit growth slowing, raising concerns among shareholders [6] - Dorsey noted that part of his role is to increase the company's stock value, and the current reorganization is intended to improve focus and execution [6] Industry Context - Dorsey highlighted the need for the company to move faster in response to the transformational changes within the industry to enhance access, openness, and automation [7]

Core Viewpoint - Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, is considering introducing a subscription service for UK users to access an advert-free version of its platforms following a settlement in a significant privacy lawsuit [1][4]. Group 1: Legal Settlement - Tanya O'Carroll, a human rights campaigner, filed a lawsuit against Meta in 2022, claiming the company violated UK data laws by not respecting her request to stop collecting her data for targeted advertising [2]. - The lawsuit was settled on Friday, with O'Carroll declaring a "victory" as Meta agreed to cease using her personal data for targeted ads, supported by the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) [3][4]. - O'Carroll emphasized that the ICO's position could lead to more lawsuits regarding privacy rights, highlighting the importance of individual privacy in the digital age [4]. Group 2: Meta's Response and Future Plans - Meta expressed disagreement with O'Carroll's claims but acknowledged its commitment to UK privacy laws, specifically GDPR, and is considering a subscription model for UK users to avoid ads [4][5]. - The company already offers a no-ads service in the EU for €7.99 per month, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice in 2023 [5]. - Advertising constitutes approximately 98% of Meta's revenue, indicating a significant shift in strategy if a subscription model is implemented [4].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla's CEO Elon Musk reassured employees about the company's promising future despite a significant decline in stock prices, urging them to retain their shares during challenging times [1][8]. Group 1: Company Performance - Tesla's stock price has experienced a 50% drop, leading to concerns among employees and investors [1]. - The company issued a recall for approximately 46,000 Cybertrucks due to a safety hazard related to a part called a cant rail, which could detach and pose a risk on the road [3]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Tesla owners are attempting to sell their vehicles, and reports indicate vandalism against Teslas, including incidents of vehicles being set on fire [2]. - The Vancouver International Auto Show removed Tesla from its lineup due to security concerns amid protests against Musk [2]. Group 3: Brand Image and Investor Sentiment - Longtime financial supporters express disappointment over Musk's political actions and the negative impact on Tesla's performance [4]. - The brand damage has escalated into a "brand tornado crisis," affecting Tesla's global reputation [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Musk reiterated his belief that Tesla vehicles will achieve full autonomy in the future, a claim he has maintained since 2016 [7].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla and Elon Musk are facing a significant brand crisis, with calls for Musk to reduce his involvement in political activities to mitigate damage [1][4][6] Group 1: Brand Crisis and Investor Concerns - Tesla announced a recall of 46,000 Cybertrucks in the US due to a potential safety hazard involving an exterior panel [1][11] - Protests against Tesla are escalating, with 500 demonstrations planned globally on March 29, indicating growing public dissent [2][9] - Tesla shares have decreased by one-third over the past month, driven by concerns over Musk's political engagements and their impact on sales [3][4] Group 2: Recommendations for Musk - Dan Ives, a financial analyst, suggests Musk must balance his roles in Tesla and his political endeavors to prevent further brand damage [6][7] - Ives emphasizes the need for Musk to announce a clear plan for new vehicle releases and the rollout of self-driving technology to restore investor confidence [8][6] - The situation is described as a "moment of truth" for Musk, with the potential for long-term consequences if not addressed [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Nvidia plans to invest "several hundred billion" dollars in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing in the US over the next four years, reflecting a shift in its supply chain strategy due to geopolitical factors and tariff threats [1][2]. Group 1: Investment and Manufacturing Strategy - Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, stated that the company will procure approximately half a trillion dollars worth of electronics over the next four years, with a significant portion manufactured in the US [2]. - The company's shift is influenced by the "America First" policy, prompting Nvidia to reconsider its global operations despite being one of the world's most valuable companies [2][3]. - Recent investments, including a $100 billion commitment from TSMC, have facilitated the production of Nvidia's Blackwell chips in the US, enhancing supply chain resilience [7]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Nvidia has been a key player in the AI market boom, with its valuation reaching $2.9 trillion, but it has become increasingly reliant on Taiwanese chipmaking facilities, which are vulnerable to geopolitical tensions [3][4]. - Huang expressed confidence in Nvidia's ability to manage potential disruptions in Taiwan, emphasizing a diversified supply chain [4]. - The competitive landscape includes formidable companies like Huawei, which have thrived despite US efforts to constrain them, highlighting the challenges faced by US tech firms [5]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment and Energy Needs - Huang noted the importance of having supportive government policies for the success of the AI industry in the US, particularly regarding energy supply for data centers [6].

Google has agreed to pay $28m (£22m) to settle a class action lawsuit claiming that it favoured white and Asian employees by paying them more and putting them on higher career tracks than other workers.The accord with Google, a unit of Alphabet, won preliminary approval last week from Judge Charles Adams of the Santa Clara county superior court in California.He called the settlement fair, reasonable and “a good result for the class” of at least 6,632 Google employees in California between 15 February 2018 a ...

Hundreds of people protested at Tesla dealerships across the US over the weekend, as the backlash against Elon Musk and the Trump administration continued despite a warning from the attorney general that the government would be “coming after” protesters.The protests, in cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston and New York, have come as Musk has seen his net worth plunge and the sales of Teslas plummet in Europe. In Brooklyn, New York, about 50 people gathered outside a Tesla showroom on Saturday ...

Core Viewpoint - The investment community is concerned about Elon Musk's involvement in political activities, particularly regarding federal spending cuts, which may negatively impact Tesla's stock performance and investor sentiment [2][5][6]. Company Insights - Investment manager Christopher Tsai, whose firm manages approximately $137 million, has significant investments in Tesla and has expressed hope that Musk's political involvement is temporary, allowing him to focus on his businesses [2][4]. - Despite recent stock market downturns, Tsai Capital has seen a return of more than six times its initial investment in Tesla since February 2020, indicating strong long-term confidence in the company's potential [3]. - Tsai views Tesla as a creator of advanced electronics and software rather than a traditional automotive manufacturer, suggesting a belief in its long-term value and growth trajectory [4]. Market Reaction - The stock market has reacted negatively to Musk's political activities, with a notable decline in Tesla's stock price, which fell over 15% amid public protests and vandalism at dealerships [7]. - A CNN poll indicated that 53% of Americans disapprove of Musk, reflecting a significant public backlash against his recent actions [7].