US consumers spent $497 billion on tech last year, according to the Consumer Technology Association. That’s a $15 billion drop from 2021. This year, spending will decline again, by $12 billion.
Apple’s next move: The company lost $1 trillion in a year, saw China’s COVID-19 shutdowns diminish Q4 iPhone sales, and is now wrestling with shrinking demand for multiple products as consumers brace for a recession.
Amazon laying off 18,000: That’s significantly more than previously disclosed and could indicate that widespread job cuts are around the corner for tech companies. Job uncertainty could lead to panic and stall innovation.
Interoperability standard Matter could be a boon for advertisers: We share a snapshot from our recent report on how the long-awaited protocol is creating a new blueprint for marketers to reach consumers.
Tesla takes on the semitrailer truck market: As competition in EVs intensifies, Tesla ships its first Semi to show a diversifying product mix. Meanwhile, various recalls pile up, exposing a pattern of QA mishaps.
Tesla isn’t the status symbol it once was: Industry competition, inflation, supply chain issues, and a distracted CEO are major challenges for Tesla, but tax credits could help next year.
Ford, VW vehicles rendered obsolete by 3G shutdowns: The carmakers are dealing with the fallout of 2014-2019 models no longer being able to remotely start, lock, or unlock due to the loss of 3G access.
Apple and Amazon deal faces a new lawsuit: The companies are headed to court to determine if their 2019 deal for Apple’s storefront on Amazon Marketplace reduced competition from independent Apple resellers.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren suspicious of Big Tech’s carmaking ambitions: Google lends its software expertise to help Renault build vehicles digitally. It’ll meet consumer demand for connected cars but also trigger antitrust scrutiny.
Analyzing Meta’s business pivot: Meta could hold off on its business aspirations and improve various aspects of the current metaverse before pushing its business aspirations, at least until the economy improves.
Autonomous vehicle sector crashes: After a two-year funding heyday, AV companies’ valuations have nosedived. The technology is to blame, not just the market. More collaboration is the answer.
Widespread layoffs at Microsoft: The job cuts affect less than 1,000 but stretch across the organization in the latest example of Big Tech bracing for a recession.
We Do Solar democratizes solar power: The Germany-based startup developed a solar array for renters that’s primed for strong sales amid the energy crisis. But there’s room for improvement.
An IONIQ 5-powered countryside retreat: Hyundai is putting its EVs’ bidirectional charging capabilities on full display. It’s a competitive marketing strategy that could promote EV adoption during an energy crisis.
Heavy EVs could be weighing down the industry: Truckers are struggling to transport EVs due to weight limits. More battery R&D could help and boost safety.
Feds give states long leash on EV charging station deployment: The USDOT has approved a $5B national rollout of EV charging stations. But few requirements could lead to a bungled job.
Apple’s manufacturing shift from China: The iPhone maker is looking to India and Vietnam to manufacture its most profitable products—a sign that Apple’s long time reliance on China’s manufacturing could be coming to an end.
EVs needn’t contribute to the energy crisis: Stanford researchers are concerned about EV charging draining the energy grid at night. But new charging technologies point to a less worrisome outcome.
Zuck has a golden opportunity if he doesn't muck it up: Meta’s market valuation drops are tied to its metaverse aspirations. Its upcoming product releases need to be crowd pleasers.
2022’s global EV boom: This year could mark a turning point in EV adoption. Broader demand is driving more competition among automakers and could yield more affordable options outside China.