Google paid over $21 billion in 2021 to make its search engine the default on various devices and browsers
What just happened? The US Department of Justice's nearly year-long case against Google over its dominance in the search engine market has reached a dramatic end. The case could drastically alter how numerous devices and web browsers choose their default search engines, though the full extent of the impending effects remains unclear.
If the gambit pays off, Cybertrucks could eventually become cheaper
In context: Tesla set the stage for this milestone back in 2019 when it pulled the trigger on a major battery tech acquisition. The EV maker scooped up Maxwell Technologies and its promising "dry electrode" coating process, originally developed for supercapacitors. At the time, Tesla was still relying on partnerships with suppliers like Panasonic for cell production. But the Maxwell deal signaled Elon Musk's ambitions to bring that technology fully in-house.
Bottom line: The fact that Intel had a bad quarter is not that surprising. What is surprising is the extent to which management does not seem to have a handle on how to communicate its plans.
Bottom line: Intel's latest quarterly earnings were nothing short of ugly, prompting restructuring plans. It is quite the change for a company that was once among the 30 best stocks in the world. Analysts are increasingly skeptical about CEO Pat Gelsinger's ability to execute a successful turnaround, especially as Intel struggles to keep pace with AMD and Nvidia.
Allegations of strong-arming cloud providers sparked antitrust concerns
The big picture: It's been a whirlwind year for Nvidia, the tech juggernaut that's become virtually synonymous with AI computing hardware. From superb revenue figures to CEO Jensen Huang's headline-grabbing antics, the company has been in the spotlight for months. Now, the headlines grow sour as Nvidia has caught the eye of US antitrust regulators.
Microsoft expects the trends to continue into the following quarter
The big picture: Some analysts predicted the Xbox Series X would outsell the PlayStation 5 in 2020. Instead, Sony's console has likely sold more than double the Xbox Series S and X. The situation is so dire that Microsoft hasn't disclosed precise unit sales in over a year and has begun releasing its games on competing consoles. The company's latest earnings call certainly won't improve investor outlook concerning the future of Xbox hardware.
Forward-looking: In its effort to become a global tech company, TSMC has long planned to open new plants outside of its Taiwan base. The chip foundry has now confirmed that it will soon begin constructing its first European fab, with support and funding from third-party manufacturers.