What's New In Consumer Tech World Last Week? News That You Should Know (May 5-May 11, 2024)
What’s New In Consumer Tech World Last Week? News That You Should Know (May 5-May 11, 2024)
The world of consumer tech was abuzz with excitement last week, as several major companies made headlines with their latest announcements and developments. From Apple’s potential partnership with Rivian Automotive to Nintendo’s plans to unveil a successor to its popular Switch console, there was no shortage of news in the tech industry. Here’s a roundup of some of the top stories that you should know about:
Apple and Rivian Automotive Partnership
According to a report late last Monday, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in talks to forge a partnership with Rivian Automotive, Inc (NASDAQ:RIVN). This news comes after Apple ditched its electric vehicle plans, and the partnership could signal a renewed interest in the segment. While neither company has confirmed the reports, the potential collaboration has generated significant excitement in the tech industry.
Microsoft’s $3.3 Billion Investment in Wisconsin
In a move that contrasts with former President Donald Trump’s failed tech project in the same state, President Joe Biden and Microsoft President Brad Smith are set to announce a significant $3.3 billion investment in Wisconsin. The investment is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy.
Data Breach Affecting UK Military Personnel
According to media reports, the sensitive details of an undisclosed number of active U.K. military personnel have been compromised in a major breach of data security. The Chinese state was behind the cyber attack, which has raised concerns about the safety and security of personal information.
Microsoft Under Scrutiny for Cloud Practices
In the latest development, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) is under scrutiny from a Spanish startup group, which has filed a complaint against the tech giant’s cloud practices. This marks another challenge for Microsoft’s rapidly expanding cloud computing services.
Baidu Media Relations Chief Resigns Over “996” Work Culture
The media relations chief of web search giant Baidu Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU), known as China’s Google, has apparently resigned due to the controversial and demanding “996” work culture in the Asian country. The resignation has sparked discussions about the grueling work hours and pressure faced by employees in the tech industry.
Comparison of Microsoft and Google Work Cultures
Daniel McKinnon, who worked at Meta from 2018 to 2022 and later at Google for two years before returning to Meta in February to work on the company’s Ray-Ban AI glasses, highlighted the differences between the two tech giants in a blog post last month. McKinnon’s comments have generated significant interest and debate among tech industry insiders.
Gaming News
Microsoft is shuttering several Bethesda studios and merging at least two - Roundhouse Games and ZeniMax Online Studios - sending shockwaves through the gaming industry. The company has also abruptly halted Redfall’s development, canceling DLC, including an offline mode. Despite promises and assurances, Redfall’s troubled history, marked by criticism and slow updates, reflects broader challenges faced by Xbox.
On the other hand, Microsoft has secured agreements to add Lords of the Fallen and Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 to its Game Pass subscription service. The confirmation of this deal came from CI Games in a financial note on May 3, though Microsoft has yet to make an official announcement.
Nintendo’s Plans for a New Switch Console
Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company Nintendo has announced plans to unveil a successor to its popular Switch console during the fiscal year ending March 2025. The company has also said it will no longer support X/Twitter integration on Switch as of June 10, mirroring similar actions by PlayStation and Xbox in 2023.
Final Fantasy 14 DDoS Attack
Final Fantasy 14, the Final Fantasy installment, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Square Enix Holdings Co., is under a global Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. The attack has caused significant disruptions to the game’s service, leaving players frustrated and eagerly awaiting a resolution.
EA’s Plans for Battlefield 2042
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) has announced plans to release Battlefield 2042, the latest installment in the popular first-person shooter franchise. The game promises to deliver a cutting-edge gaming experience, with advanced graphics and immersive gameplay.
Takeaways
The tech industry is constantly evolving, and last week’s news highlights some of the exciting developments and challenges facing major companies. From Apple’s potential partnership with Rivian Automotive to Nintendo’s plans for a new Switch console, there was no shortage of excitement in the tech world. As the industry continues to grow and innovate, we can expect even more groundbreaking announcements and developments in the months and years to come.
