Tue. 11/26 – Apple Going Too Thin Again?

Nov 26, 2024 18m

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Episode Description

Intel does get its money. Threads continues to feel the heat from Bluesky, and responds by… giving people what they want. The new Mate 70 flagship smartphone from Huawei. Is Apple trying to make the iPhone so thin it can’t put a sim card in it? And yes, the whole Drake/Kendrick Lamar beef. Sponsors: LegalZoom.com promocode: techmeme Links: Intel Gets Up to $7.9 Billion Award for U.S. Chip-Plant Construction (WSJ) Threads is testing the option to choose your own default feed (The Verge) Elon Musk Admits X is Throttling Links — Effectively Limiting People From Reading News (Mediaite) Starbucks, Other Retailers Hit by Ransomware Attack on Tech Provider (WSJ) China’s Huawei Takes Aim at Apple With Latest Smartphone (NYTimes) Apple’s Thin iPhone Has No Physical SIMs—That Could Dampen China Sales (The Information) Drake Accuses UMG & Spotify of Scheme to ‘Artificially Inflate’ Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ (Billboard) Link to AI avatar experiment

AI-Generated Summary

Intel Receives Major Funding for Chip Production

Intel has secured up to $7.865 billion from the U.S. government under the Chips Act, aimed at boosting U.S. chip manufacturing and counteracting supply chain issues exacerbated by COVID-19. The funds will support Intel's expansion in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon, with Intel agreeing to a five-year ban on stock buybacks to qualify for this support. Despite initially seeking $11 billion in loans, Intel has shifted to applying for tax credits instead.

Threads vs. Blue Sky: Enhancements to User Experience

In a bid to respond to mounting competition from Blue Sky, Meta’s Threads app is finally testing a customizable default feed feature, allowing users to prioritize what they see based on their preferences. After much demand, this update indicates Threads' evolution toward user-centric design, aiming to enhance engagement with the platform.

Ransomware Attack Disrupts Operations for Major Companies

A significant ransomware attack on Blue Yonder has impacted major retailers, including Starbucks and Sainsbury's. Starbucks faced disruptions in employee payment systems, forcing managers to manually handle payroll. Blue Yonder clients, including Ford, are assessing potential repercussions and implementing backup plans to mitigate the chaos until normal services are restored.

Huawei’s Mate 70 Series Smartphone Launch

Huawei has launched its Mate 70 flagship smartphone, touted as 'the smartest mate phone ever,' amid U.S. sanctions that hinder access to advanced chip technology. Priced starting at $760, the device boasts an array of AI functions and aims to compete directly with Apple, particularly in the Chinese market where it hopes to reclaim share lost to local competitors.

Apple's Thin iPhone Controversy

Apple is reportedly developing a new iPhone model that's as thin as 5mm to 6mm, which poses challenges for including a physical SIM card tray, risking sales in China where eSIMs are not yet approved. Amidst declining sales in the region, Apple hopes this new design will appeal to consumers who have turned to local brands.

Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: A Legal Battle Unfolds

In a surprising twist of events, Drake has initiated legal action against UMG and Spotify, alleging that they used bots and artificial inflation tactics to promote Kendrick Lamar's song 'Not Like Us.' This pre-action petition highlights the intensifying competition and tensions in the music industry, especially as it relates to the longstanding feud between the two artists.