Core Argument - Three major tech companies, Meta, ByteDance, and Google, are facing a landmark trial in Los Angeles over allegations that their platforms intentionally addict and harm children [1] Group 1: Trial Details - Jury selection for the trial begins this week, marking the first time these companies will present their case before a jury, which could significantly impact their operations regarding child users [2] - The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, with executives, including Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg, anticipated to testify [6] Group 2: Lawsuit Background - The case centers around a 19-year-old plaintiff, KGM, whose experiences with social media are claimed to have led to addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts, suggesting that the companies designed their platforms to be addictive for profit [3][4] - The lawsuit argues that the companies employed behavioral techniques similar to those used in gambling and tobacco industries to maximize youth engagement and advertising revenue [5] Group 3: Company Responses and Broader Implications - The tech companies dispute the allegations, asserting that they have implemented numerous safeguards and are not liable for third-party content on their platforms [7] - Meta has stated that attributing teen mental health issues solely to social media oversimplifies a complex problem, highlighting various factors affecting youth today [8] - This case is part of a broader trend, with over 40 state attorneys general filing lawsuits against Meta for allegedly contributing to the youth mental health crisis through their platform designs [10]

Core Insights - The fourth quarter earnings season is gaining momentum, with major tech companies like Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Apple leading the earnings calendar [1] - A positive consensus is emerging, with 13% of S&P 500 companies having reported fourth quarter results, and analysts projecting an 8.2% increase in earnings per share, marking the potential for the 10th consecutive quarter of annual earnings growth for the index [2] - Analysts had initially expected an 8.3% increase in earnings per share, a decrease from the previous quarter's 13.6% growth rate, but have recently raised expectations, particularly for tech companies [3] Industry Trends - The earnings season will not only focus on Big Tech but will also assess the broader stock market breadth that has improved at the start of 2026, with ongoing themes such as artificial intelligence and economic policies from the Trump administration continuing to influence market dynamics [4] - In addition to the major tech earnings, updates will be provided from a diverse range of companies across various sectors, including UnitedHealth, Boeing, General Motors, IBM, Starbucks, and others, indicating a comprehensive earnings landscape [5]

Quick Read Stocks rallied Monday after the second straight week of losses for the major indices was posted last Friday. Excitement over megacap earnings from some of the Magnificent 7 this week is taking center stage as this will be the biggest week for 4th quarter earnings results. The Federal Reserve will meet this week, and it’s doubtful they will lower rates again. They will likely need more economic data to ensure inflation isn’t bubbling back up. Investors rethink ‘hands off’ investing and dec ...

Facebook co-founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg sits in his seat inside a bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Insight Forum for all U.S. senators hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13, 2023.A landmark case against social media giants Meta, Alphabet's YouTube and TikTok is set to begin Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. It's the first of several high-profile legal cases kicking off in 2026 that center on allegations that the companies misled t ...

Core Insights - Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has entered into a significant agreement with Corning, a manufacturer of Gorilla Glass, to pay up to $6 billion for fiber-optic cables intended for its AI data centers [1] Company Summary - Meta Platforms is investing heavily in infrastructure to support its AI initiatives, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing its data center capabilities [1] - The deal with Corning highlights the growing demand for advanced fiber-optic technology in the tech industry, particularly for AI applications [1] Industry Summary - The agreement reflects a broader trend in the technology sector where companies are increasingly focusing on upgrading their data center infrastructure to accommodate AI workloads [1] - The investment in fiber-optic cables signifies the importance of high-speed data transmission in the development and deployment of AI technologies [1]

Core Insights - Meta's Reality Labs has laid off 10% of its workforce, approximately 1,000 employees, primarily affecting VR-related projects, indicating a shift in focus from VR to AI and smart glasses [2][3] - The cumulative loss of Reality Labs has exceeded $70 billion since the end of 2020, prompting Meta to reduce its VR investments and reallocate resources [2][4] - The VR industry is perceived to be entering a "winter period," with developers expressing concerns about the future viability of VR platforms like Horizon Worlds [7][8] Group 1: Strategic Shift - Meta is reallocating resources within Reality Labs to focus more on AI and wearable devices, such as the Ray-Ban smart glasses, rather than VR hardware [3][4] - The lack of significant VR hardware updates at the recent Meta Connect conference signals a strategic downgrade for VR, with the company shifting its focus to other technologies [4][6] Group 2: Developer Sentiment - Developers are feeling the impact of Meta's layoffs, with many reporting a loss of direction for Horizon Worlds and a shrinking space for smaller developers [7][8] - The Quest app store's traffic distribution is critical for developers, and any retreat by Meta could adversely affect their survival [8] Group 3: Market Trends - The XR market is undergoing significant changes, with IDC forecasting a 41.6% growth in overall XR device shipments by 2025, while VR and MR headset shipments are expected to decline by 42.8% [12] - AI smart glasses are projected to see a dramatic increase in shipments, highlighting a shift in consumer interest away from traditional VR headsets [12][14] Group 4: Enterprise Opportunities - Apple's Vision Pro, while initially underperforming in the consumer market, is finding traction in the enterprise sector, where clients value immersive training and collaboration [16][18] - The potential for VR in vertical industry applications, such as manufacturing and healthcare, is recognized as a promising avenue for growth, despite the overall market cooling [18][19] Group 5: Conclusion - The VR industry may not have reached its peak, but it is transitioning to a more realistic phase, focusing on practical applications rather than speculative consumer products [20][21]

In this articleMETAOCAAPLwatch nowAs Meta tries to rapidly construct massive data centers to keep pace with the artificial intelligence craze, it's turning to a 175-year-old glass manufacturer for help.Meta has committed to paying Corning up to $6 billion through 2030 for fiber-optic cable in its AI data centers, Corning CEO Wendell Weeks told CNBC in an exclusive interview about the deal from a cable factory in Hickory, North Carolina.Corning is expanding the facility to accommodate growing demand from Met ...

Group 1: Meta Platforms Subscription Plans - Meta Platforms plans to introduce premium subscription models for its apps, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, aimed at enhancing user productivity and creativity through additional features and AI capabilities [4][5] - The new subscription offerings will be distinct from the existing Meta Verified product, which provides content creators and businesses with a verified badge and 24/7 support [5] - Meta intends to gather user feedback during the rollout of these subscription plans in the upcoming months [5] Group 2: Industry Developments - The announcement of Meta's subscription plans comes amid other significant industry news, including President Trump's decision to raise tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25% [6] - Twin Hospitality Group and FAT Brands have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with both companies expecting their restaurants to continue operating during the bankruptcy process [7][8]

By Aditya Soni Jan 27 (Reuters) - Microsoft and Meta will kick off Big Tech earnings this week under pressure to prove that their costly bets on artificial intelligence can power another year of strong growth as a resurgent Alphabet takes the lead in the high-stakes ​race. The companies, along with Amazon, are expected to lift their AI spending by 30% to more than $500 billion this year, an unprecedented outlay ‌that will sharpen investor scrutiny. Doubts have deepened whether Microsoft has squandered ...

U.S. stock futures are presenting a mixed picture this Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as investors navigate a busy week dominated by corporate earnings reports, a crucial Federal Reserve policy meeting, and fresh geopolitical developments. While technology-focused futures show upward momentum, broader market indicators suggest a more cautious approach in premarket trading.Premarket Activity and Index FuturesAs of early Tuesday, premarket trading indicates a divergence among the major U.S. indexes. Nasdaq 100 fu ...