Big Tech
Major platform companies, antitrust, hardware, and strategic competition.
UK to place Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Oracle under direct financial oversight
The UK has designated Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Oracle as critical third parties for financial services, bringing their cloud operations under direct oversight from the Bank of England and the FCA starting July 13.
UK financial regulators to extend oversight to four big US cloud services groups
The UK Treasury has designated Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Oracle as critical third parties for financial services, bringing their cloud operations under Bank of England and FCA oversight from July 13, 2026.
EU preliminarily accuses Meta of violating Digital Services Act over addictive Facebook and Instagram design
The European Commission said Meta may be violating the Digital Services Act by designing Facebook and Instagram in ways that can encourage compulsive use and harm minors. The company disputes the preliminary findings, which could still lead to fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue and forced product changes.
Samsung sets July 22 Galaxy Unpacked for new foldable lineup
Samsung has confirmed Galaxy Unpacked for July 22 in London, with a livestream on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and YouTube. The invite says the company will unveil the newest additions to its Galaxy portfolio, while reporting says a new wider foldable and updated Galaxy Watch models may be shown.
Samsung sets Galaxy Unpacked for July 22 in London
Samsung says its next Galaxy Unpacked event will take place in London on July 22 at 9 a.m. ET, with reporting pointing to a new wider foldable phone and updated Galaxy Watch models.
Meta is testing always-on “super sensing” AI glasses
Meta is testing a prototype of always-on “super sensing” AI glasses that could continuously capture photos and audio, according to the Financial Times. The report adds to privacy concerns just as Meta moves to harden safeguards on its current smart glasses.
Top EU court dismisses Google appeal of $4.5 billion antitrust fine
The Court of Justice of the European Union dismissed Google and Alphabet’s final appeal in the Android antitrust case, confirming a reduced €4.125 billion fine and closing an eight-year legal fight over Google’s treatment of Android device licensing, Search and Chrome preinstallation.
UK watchdog proposes loosening Apple and Google app-store steering rules
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has opened a consultation on relaxing Apple and Google app-store steering rules, a move that could let developers send users to outside payment options and intensify scrutiny of fees, controls and mobile payments.
UK watchdog plans to loosen app-store rules for Apple and Google
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has opened a consultation on easing app-store restrictions for Apple and Google, including payment steering rules and possible NFC access on iPhone.
Stock Futures Jump on Tech Bounce After U.S. and Iran Agree to Halt Strikes
U.S. stock futures rose early Monday after reports that the U.S. and Iran agreed to halt further strikes and resume talks, easing pressure on tech shares and shipping-risk worries tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
Alphabet to join the Dow, replacing Verizon
S&P Dow Jones Indices said Alphabet will enter the Dow Jones Industrial Average before the open on June 29, 2026, replacing Verizon and shifting the 30-stock index further toward technology and communications services.
Google Home rolls out a June 23 update that improves face and sound recognition
Google is rolling out a June 23 Home update that improves Familiar Faces by using more than face matching when visibility is poor, refreshes household image libraries and adds better sound detection to event notes.
Tech, Media & Telecom Roundup: Market Talk
A market roundup highlighted Getty Images’ partnership with OpenAI, Tencent’s testing of Weixin AI in select services, and AI demand supporting semiconductor and data-center suppliers.
AWS says one Melbourne data centre will be the first in Victoria to use recycled water for cooling
Amazon Web Services says one of its western Melbourne data centres will be the first in Victoria to use recycled water for cooling, with water piped from the Melton sewage plant. AWS says construction on the connection will begin next year and that the move could preserve millions of litres of drinking water annually.
Android 17 arrives on Pixel phones today
Google has started rolling out Android 17 to compatible Pixel phones as part of the June Pixel Drop, adding Bubbles, Screen Reactions, foldable gaming controls, security and parental controls, and Pixel-specific AI and communications features.
Microsoft’s Xbox division reportedly preparing major layoffs next month
Multiple reports say Microsoft’s Xbox division is preparing a major round of layoffs next month as part of a broader reset that could affect studios, marketing, and strategy. Microsoft has not publicly confirmed the scope.
Google Cloud outage after Delhi data centre fire reroutes traffic
Google Cloud said it rerouted traffic after a fire at a third-party data centre in Delhi reduced available network capacity and disrupted service for users in parts of India, including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
Australia, Canada, Japan trade bodies warn EU made-in-Europe push could sideline foreign firms
Trade bodies in Australia, Canada and Japan warned that the European Union’s new push to favor homegrown cloud, AI and semiconductor technologies could exclude foreign firms, after Brussels unveiled its tech sovereignty package last week.
OpenAI releases GPT-5.5 Instant as new default ChatGPT model
OpenAI says GPT-5.5 Instant is rolling out as the new default ChatGPT model, with updated personalization controls and clearer memory sources.
OpenAI makes default ChatGPT more personal
OpenAI says GPT-5.5 Instant is the new default ChatGPT model, with stronger personalization, fewer hallucinations and memory-source controls.
Coinbase is laying off 700 employees as CEO cites need to be 'AI-native'
Coinbase said it will cut about 700 jobs, or 14% of staff, as Brian Armstrong pushes the company toward an AI-native operating model.
OpenAI says Musk texted Brockman and Altman with a threat after seeking a settlement
OpenAI says a new court filing shows Elon Musk texted Greg Brockman two days before the Oakland trial began, asking about settling the case and then warning Brockman and Sam Altman about public backlash. Reuters, Forbes and TechCrunch all reported the filing, and TechCrunch said the judge excluded the exchange from evidence.
Sierra raises $950M as the race to own enterprise AI gets serious
Sierra is raising $950 million in a new funding round led by Tiger Global and GV, according to multiple reports. The deal values the enterprise AI startup above $15 billion as investors keep pouring money into agent platforms.
Elon Musk’s only AI expert witness at the OpenAI trial fears an AGI arms race
Elon Musk’s only AI expert witness in the OpenAI trial, Peter Russell, testified about the risks of frontier AI and warned about an AGI arms race. The testimony came in Musk’s case alleging OpenAI abandoned its nonprofit mission.