HeyWhatsNew: Apple and Google Face the DoJ in Separate Cases, and Jaguar May Have Missed the Mark On Its Rebranding Campaign
Welcome back to HeyWhatsNew, your weekly dose of the tech news and updates that are shaping our world. The Department of Justice has been hard at work in battles with tech giants this week, plus we’ll dive into some of the announcements that shook the internet and the tech world. Let’s take a look at what happened in the week beginning 18/11/2024.
Apple Continues to Seek Dismissal of DoJ Antitrust Lawsuit
Apple is heading to court today to request the dismissal of a significant antitrust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and multiple states, targeting its iPhone, App Store, and business practices. The lawsuit, which has been in motion since March 2024, accuses Apple of anticompetitive behavior, including claims that it forces customers to use its iPhones to access its Messages ecosystem.
Apple argues the accusations are outdated and exaggerated, noting that it had already announced support for the cross-platform RCS messaging standard before the lawsuit was filed. While the company remains confident in its defense, legal experts believe it is unlikely the case will be dismissed at this stage, given its scope and the involvement of a federal agency.
DoJ Proposes Breaking Up Google’s Search Monopoly
The U.S. Department of Justice has intensified its battle against Google, recommending significant measures to dismantle the company’s illegal search monopoly, following Judge Amit Mehta’s August ruling that Google abused its dominance in the search market.
In a filing with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday, the DOJ suggested Google divest its Chrome browser as part of its punishment. Additionally, the DOJ proposed that Google spin off its Android mobile operating system, which, along with Chrome, serves as a major distribution channel for its search business. If approved, Google would also be barred from re-entering the search market for five years.
This decision could fundamentally reshape the internet landscape and weaken Google’s stronghold on search and advertising. Judge Mehta will ultimately decide the scope of Google’s penalties in 2025, marking a critical juncture for one of the most influential tech companies in the world.
What Went Down at Microsoft Ignite 2024
Microsoft is doubling down on the potential of autonomous AI tools, with CEO Satya Nadella emphasizing a future where “every organization will have a constellation of agents” to assist with work and life tasks. Speaking at the Ignite conference in Chicago on Tuesday, Nadella highlighted the company’s vision of tools designed to act on users’ behalf, such as processing returns, reviewing shipping invoices, or catching costly supply-chain mistakes.
The move reflects Microsoft’s efforts to push beyond traditional AI models, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or its own Copilot, which excel in writing tasks but face limitations in autonomous decision-making. By advancing agentic AI, Microsoft aims to redefine how businesses operate, enabling systems that can work 24/7 with minimal human intervention.
Jaguar Rebrands in Preparation for Its Switch to All Electric and Faces Backlash Online
British luxury automaker Jaguar has sparked online controversy with its new rebranding campaign, featuring a vibrant logo and an ad highlighting diversity, ahead of its pivot to an all-electric vehicle lineup by 2025. Critics, including outspoken figures like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have taken aim at the ad for its lack of featured vehicles and its inclusive tone. Musk’s X post questioning, “Do you sell cars?” outperformed Jaguar’s ad in engagement, garnering over 164,000 likes and nearly 3 million views.
Forbes reports that Jaguar’s CEO Adrian Mardell has defended the company’s rebrand, which aligns with its ambitious EV strategy. Earlier this year, Mardell announced the discontinuation of most of Jaguar’s current lineup, citing low profitability, with plans to focus on a fresh electric lineup.
While Jaguar has yet to address the backlash directly, the rebrand highlights the challenges legacy automakers face in balancing bold transitions with public perception in a polarized cultural climate.
Nvidia Makes Nearly $20 Billion Profit in a Single Quarter
Nvidia’s recent growth is a reflection of its dominant position in the AI chip market, driving record-breaking sales and profits as businesses worldwide increasingly invest in artificial intelligence technologies. The company reported a 94% increase in third-quarter revenue, reaching $35.08 billion as demand for its AI-focused computer chips continues to surge.
The Santa Clara-based tech giant posted a net profit of $19.31 billion, more than doubling the $9.24 billion earned during the same period last year. While Nvidia’s results exceeded expectations, its stock dipped 1% in after-hours trading, even though shares have soared 195% this year.
And that wraps up this week’s edition of HeyWhatsNew! From the DOJ ramping up its efforts to rein in tech monopolies to major announcements that set the tech world buzzing, it’s clear that the industry is evolving at a breakneck pace. As we head into another week, stay tuned for more updates on how these stories unfold and the innovations shaping our digital future. See you next time!
