MAYBE TikTok Is A Done Deal (This Time?)

Jan 23, 2026 20m

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Episode Description

Ok, ok, maybe the whole TikTok thing is a done deal at long last? Amazon is planning another major round of layoffs. Are Epic Games and Google doing an end-run around the judge? Capital One acquires Brex. And, of course, The Weekend Longreads Suggestions. Trump’s TikTok deal is a gift to China (FT) Exclusive: Amazon plans thousands more corporate job cuts next week, sources say (Reuters) Epic and Google have a secret $800 million Unreal Engine and services deal (The Verge) Apple Expands Hardware Chief's Role (Bloomberg) Capital One Strikes $5.15 Billion Deal for Fintech Brex (WSJ) Weekend Longreads Suggestion: Russia, Ukraine and the race for Chinese drone components (FT) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI-Generated Summary

TikTok Deal Resolution

In a significant turn of events, ByteDance strikes a deal with non-Chinese investors to establish a new U.S. entity for TikTok, thus potentially avoiding a federal ban and concluding a six-year legal saga. The new joint venture involves Oracle and Silver Lake, with ByteDance retaining a minor stake. This strategic arrangement aims to stabilize TikTok’s operations in the U.S. while further integrating it into the global technology landscape.

Amazon Layoffs Continue

Amazon plans to implement another round of layoffs, aiming to cut around 30,000 corporate positions, following previous reductions of 14,000 jobs. CEO Andy Jassy indicated that these cuts are not driven solely by financial factors or the rise of AI but are also a response to organizational culture and bureaucratic growth within the company.

Epic Games and Google Antitrust Deal

A legal hearing raises questions about the potential implications of a new partnership between Epic Games and Google, which might influence ongoing antitrust negotiations. Judge James Donato expresses concerns over whether this new joint venture could weaken Epic's bargaining power in their appeal for industry-wide changes that would benefit app developers.

Apple's Leadership Changes

Apple's hardware chief, John Ternus, has been tasked with overseeing the design teams, bolstering his position as a potential successor to Tim Cook. This change is seen as a strategic move to enhance Apple’s design capabilities as the company navigates the future of its product lines.

Capital One Acquires Brex

Capital One has finalized a $5.15 billion acquisition deal for Brex, a financial technology firm that offers corporate credit card management solutions. This acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for the fintech sector as traditional banks face competition from emerging tech enterprises.

Weekend Longread Suggestion

The episode concludes with a longread recommendation focusing on the dual reliance of Ukraine and Russia on the same Chinese drone suppliers, highlighting the intricate dynamics and challenges faced in the ongoing conflict.