In the world of consumer tech, the last week has been filled with exciting developments. From earnings reports to controversial statements from industry leaders, here’s a roundup of the top stories:
STMicroelectronics NV reported a revenue decline in the first quarter of 2024, missing the consensus estimates. Spotify Technology SA, on the other hand, reported strong revenue growth, beating expectations. Meta Platforms Inc. also exceeded revenue estimates in its first-quarter report.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, responded to criticism from the Australian prime minister, denying any sense of being above the law. Musk also made controversial statements about Social Security, calling it the “Biggest Ponzi scheme ever.”
In the gaming world, Microsoft Corp. unveiled a custom Xbox console featuring the X-Men ’97 theme. Amazon Inc.’s “Fallout” TV series on Prime Video sparked interest in the Fallout games, with millions of players engaging in a single day.
In the smartphone industry, Apple Inc. faced potential market share decline in China due to strict App Store policies. The company also announced a special event scheduled for May 7, where new iPads are expected to be unveiled.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed plans to open-source a $10 billion AI model and announced a collaboration with Microsoft to produce a limited edition Meta Quest VR headset.
In social media news, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that could lead to a ban on TikTok, raising concerns about free speech. Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley voiced support for the ban, citing concerns about the influence of the Chinese Communist Party.
Overall, the tech industry continues to be a hotbed of innovation, controversy, and growth, with major players making headlines around the world.