Wed. 05/14 – Airbnb’s Midlife Transformation

May 14, 2025 17m

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The US still has it out for Huawei. Sony takes a hit from tariffs. TikTok is turning to AI and also messaging. And then, how Airbnb is either going through a midlife crisis, or else, it is trying to become the thing that Brian Chesky always hoped it would become.

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US warns against using Huawei chips ‘anywhere in the world’ (FT)
Sony Sees $700 Million Tariff Hit on Underwhelming Outlook (Bloomberg)
Microsoft extends Office app support on Windows 10 to 2028 (The Verge)
TikTok launches TikTok AI Alive, a new image-to-video tool (TechCrunch)
TikTok Working on Photo Messaging Feature Despite Employee Concerns Over Sextortion (The Information)
You can now book a chef or personal trainer while traveling with Airbnb (CNN)
Airbnb Is in Midlife Crisis Mode (Wired)

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AI-Generated Summary

US Policies Target Huawei

The episode opens with a discussion on the US government's stricter stance on Huawei, declaring that using Huawei Ascend chips violates US export controls due to their likely use of US technology. The Commerce Department issued guidance reinforcing this position, indicating that companies using these chips risk criminal penalties.

Sony's Earnings and Tariff Impacts

Brian discusses Sony's recent earnings report, which reflected a 24% decline in year-over-year revenue. Key factors include a drop in PlayStation 5 sales and anticipated losses due to tariffs amounting to $700 million. The company is considering diversifying production locations and possibly raising prices to manage the tariff impacts.

Microsoft Extends Support for Windows 10 Apps

Microsoft announced an extension of security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 until 2028, a shift from their previous stance. This decision is aimed at easing the transition to Windows 11, which has seen slower adoption rates.

TikTok's Innovations and Messaging Concerns

TikTok has launched a new feature, TikTok AI Alive, that transforms static images into videos, enhancing creative expression on the platform. Simultaneously, there are discussions about introducing photo messaging, but internal concerns about safety and potential misuse raise questions about the feature's viability.

Airbnb's Major Redesign and New Offerings

Airbnb is undergoing significant changes, adding a services section to its app that allows users to book personal chefs, trainers, and more. This redesign aligns with CEO Brian Chesky's vision of evolving Airbnb into a comprehensive travel platform, competitive with traditional hospitality options.