Tue. 11/19 – Microsoft Ignite

Nov 19, 2024 16m

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We have an idea of how the DOJ wants to breakup Google, and it seems to hinge a lot on selling the Chrome web browser. Sony wants the Elden Ring franchise. The outgoing administration is racing to give out Chips Act money. And all the headlines from today’s Microsoft Ignite event.

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Links:

Google’s Chrome to Fetch Up to $20 Billion If Judge Orders Sale (Bloomberg)
Source: Google is turning Chrome OS into Android to compete with the iPad (AndroidAuthority)
Exclusive: Sony is in talks to buy media powerhouse behind 'Elden Ring' (Reuters)
Two undersea cables in Baltic Sea disrupted, sparking warnings of possible ‘hybrid warfare’ (CNN)
Windows 365 Link is a $349 mini PC that streams Windows from the cloud (The Verge)
Windows comes to the Meta Quest (TechCrunch)
Want to speak Italian? Microsoft AI can make it sound like you do. (Washington Post)
Biden Team Races to Deliver Chip Grants Before Trump Takes Over (WSJ)

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AI-Generated Summary

DOJ's Antitrust Moves Against Google

The podcast discusses the Department of Justice's (DOJ) proposed measures to break up Google, specifically focusing on the potential sale of its Chrome web browser. This move is part of an antitrust remedy package that includes licensing search data and uncoupling Google's Android from its search and Play services. Antitrust officials believe that controlling Chrome, which holds a significant market share, is crucial for Google's revenue stream from advertising. The discussion raises questions about the viability of selling Chrome as a standalone product and whether potential buyers could emerge amidst existing antitrust scrutiny.

Sony's Potential Acquisition of Catacawa

Listeners learned that Sony is in negotiations to acquire Catacawa, the media company behind the popular video game franchise Elden Ring. With a market cap of about $2.7 billion, this acquisition could expand Sony's foothold in the gaming sector, further building on its stake in the company. The Elden Ring game, a collaboration between renowned game director Hidetaka Miyazaki and author George R.R. Martin, has sold 25 million units, underscoring its significance in the gaming landscape.

Disruption of Undersea Internet Cables

Recent disruptions to two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea have sparked concerns about potential sabotage linked to Russian hybrid warfare tactics. The outages affected key data connections between Lithuania and Sweden, as well as Finland and Germany, raising alarms amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The investigation into these disruptions is ongoing, and officials have expressed deep concern regarding the implications for regional security.

Highlights from Microsoft Ignite Event

The podcast shares notable announcements from the Microsoft Ignite event, including the introduction of the Windows 365 Link, a cloud-based mini PC set for release in April 2025. Additional updates include enhancements in cloud security and AI capabilities, such as a new AI interpreter in Microsoft Teams that offers near real-time voice translation in multiple languages. The discussion emphasizes how these innovations aim to streamline cloud computing and enhance collaboration.

Chips Act Funding Before Transition of Power

As President Biden's administration nears its end, efforts are underway to secure billions in Chips Act funding aimed at boosting U.S. semiconductor production. Most of the allocated grant money remains entangled in negotiations, creating uncertainty about how these funds will be utilized under a potential Trump administration. The podcast highlights the significance of this funding for companies like Intel and the broader implications for the U.S. technology landscape.