Lessons from an orbital harvest: Redwire is sending the first commercial greenhouse to space. With extreme drought on Earth and a food crisis, the initiative could aid terrestrial farmers.
In this Analyst Take, we asked analysts from marketing & advertising, retail & ecommerce, connectivity & tech, digital health, and fintech to share their insights on layoffs, hiring freezes, and hiring trends within those industries. Here’s what they discovered and what they see in store for the future of work.
China blasts $52B CHIPS Act: Beijing is calling out the US’ efforts to boost chipmaking, citing violation of fair market practices. Manufacturers are caught in the middle of an intensifying conflict.
Big Tech rolls up red carpet for talent: Amid a growing layoff and belt-tightening trend, Microsoft’s pay raises disappoint, with some workers vowing to leave. Smaller, more frequent raises could pacify.
Energy is manufacturing’s Achilles’ heel: A record heatwave is hammering China’s energy sector, shuttering a crucial manufacturing hub. It’s part of a global trend that could become a year-round crisis.
The state of public EV charging leaves much to be desired: Why would consumers invest in EVs when there’s a dearth of working public chargers? A study shows reliable charging could be the biggest hurdle to future EV adoption.
Europe’s startup slaughterhouse: After pandemic-era fattening, inflation, war, and an energy crisis have triggered a pullback in startup investment. Wintertime natural gas supplies and hiring are key indicators to watch.
Short list of EV winners: Only about 20 EV models qualify for tax credits. Trouble could be ahead for EV adoption as price-sensitive consumers have even fewer affordable options.
Apple’s return to office could kickstart industry mandates: Companies are heading into their busiest quarter, requiring all hands on deck. Job uncertainty could complicate employees’ shift from remote to office work.
Print books get a tech makeover: Augmented reality books could capitalize on consumers’ love of paper, providing a hybrid reading experience with integrated tech. Brands might love the idea too.
Xbox One sacrificed over Activision Blizzard: Facing an uphill battle over the consolidation deal, Microsoft releases trailing Xbox sales data, portraying a lack of industry power. It might not be enough.
Data security probe: The FTC is collecting public comment on data privacy and exploring new rules governing “commercial surveillance and lax data security.” New regulatory action could transform cyber practices.
An EV monkey wrench: As the end nears for looser EV tax credit requirements, Rivian fights to retain customers while VinFast seizes an opportunity. EVs could get pricier in the short term.
Network security on high alert: Security spending is rising as cyber threats and ransomware become more sophisticated. SMBs are most vulnerable yet most likely to cut expenses.
Google doesn’t have all the answers: A Search update could help reduce online misinformation with alerts. But its success will rely on the algorithm’s performance and winning the public’s trust.
Baidu’s Apollo robotaxis break driverless barrier: 10 fully-driverless taxis will run in two of China’s busiest city centers. The ultimate test for a fully autonomous robotaxis could herald wider global AV adoption.
A 60-minute doomsday hack: The federal government’s leading security solution against the post-quantum cybersecurity threat is child’s play for hackers. Businesses could invest in nimbler security solutions amid growing vulnerability.
Amazon is acquiring Roomba vacuum maker iRobot, adding yet another connected device to its offerings.
Can’t afford a picnic: Microsoft cut contractors, laid off an entire division, and tightened its expense belt. Between gloomy cloud forecasts and regulations, things could get tougher for Big Tech.
Foxconn shifts from smartphones to tractors: The iPhone maker’s deft moves led to strong Q2 profits. Now, as demand changes, it positions itself to weather uncertainty with a diverse manufacturing base.