Meta’s data center cancellation could hint at AI pivot: The sudden surge of interest in generative AI and its applications could be the outlet Meta needs to generate profit while it mulls its metaverse opportunities.
No easy resolution for Rackspace data breach: Customers still don’t have access to their email archives, and a federal investigation and a class-action lawsuit could bankrupt the cloud provider.
Netflix experiences growing pains as an ad platform: It misses some viewership guarantees by a mile—though it’s trying to make up for it.
WBD is licensing away some of its premium content: “Westworld” is among the shows moving to FAST channels from HBO as the company looks to pare debt.
User-generated content alone can’t save the metaverse: Meta’s new creator mode is a plus, but VR limitations are hurting its metaverse plans.
US lawmakers put more pressure on advertising and social media: Senators propose a ban on tracking users under 17 and call for legislation before the current session ends.
Why Apple profits by complying with regulations: Alternative app stores could be coming to iPhones and iPads, allowing Apple to cash in on developer verification.
Bipartisan bill seeks to outlaw TikTok in US: Given the app’s popularity, though, is this the hill most politicians want to die on?
Netflix looks to score big in gaming: Streamer increases platform offerings in hopes of luring mobile gamers as subscribers.
Meta expands footprint of its virtual avatars: Digital designer clothing shop looks to open for business in Asia-Pacific as online personas expand to WhatsApp.
European Commission probes Broadcom’s VMware acquisition: Investigations could derail consolidation and spur the UK’s CMA and the US' FTC to undertake their own antitrust queries, possibly delaying the merger.
There were 559 original scripted TV series made in the US in 2021, according to FX Networks. That’s more than twice the number made a decade prior.
A reality check for consumer confidence on cybersecurity: Consumers give too much trust to companies and services handling their data. A study reveals security education needs to be updated.
Walmart’s visual search feature has some kinks to iron out: The retailer would be better served continuing its investments in AR try-on and 3D-visualization, like Nordstrom has done.
Semafor bets on events as ad spending pulls back: Recently launched pubisher to rely on revenues coming from conferences and meetings.
Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard in what could essentially create a video game monopoly has many, including the Federal Trade Commission, keeping a close eye on the gaming industry. The $68.7 billion acquisition would give Microsoft a leadership position with franchises like Call of Duty, Candy Crush Saga, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch.
FTC’s biggest antitrust test: Successfully blocking Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard could define Lina Khan’s tenure in the FTC. A legal skirmish with Big Tech will be long and expensive.
James Gunn will need all his Marvel know-how and a little luck to save DC’s cinematic fortunes: Billions are at stake for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Time spent with cable and broadcast TV is decreasing, a trend that’s been particularly pronounced over the past year. Streaming accounted for 36.9% of US time spent with TV as of September 2022, up from 27.7% in the same month in 2021, according to Nielsen. Streaming stole share from all other TV categories.
Cloud defense contract divided by four: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle are official government cloud contractors under the JWCC, which leans on collective technology to develop strategic defense.