Japanese multinational conglomerate in electronics, entertainment, and imaging
A coalition led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a federal lawsuit to block Paramount’s planned $110–111bn acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the merger will raise prices, reduce content and harm movie theaters and cable distributors. The companies have cleared many regulators and the DOJ approved the deal in June; the states are asking the firms to pause closing.
Microsoft has announced 4,800 job cuts companywide, including 3,200 roles in Xbox during fiscal 2027 and 1,600 Xbox positions eliminated immediately. Xbox will spin out or divest five studios and reduce management layers as it restructures to strengthen margins while shifting resources toward AI and core franchises. The move has reduced Xbox headcount by about 20%.
Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey, starring Matt Damon and Tom Holland, is released with IMAX-heavy production, delivering a monumental retelling of Homer’s epic. Early reviews praise Samantha Morton’s Circe and the scale of practical effects, while an ensemble cast navigates gods, monsters, and a homecoming saga.
Automakers have announced strategic shifts as Chinese brands and US trade rules upend the sector. Volkswagen has proposed deep job cuts to cut costs, Jaguar Land Rover is adding hybrids and prioritising the US, and the Commerce Department has denied Polestar permission to sell new connected models in the US from 2027, pushing the brand to refocus on Europe.
Prime Day shelves Apple gear discounts despite price hikes, with iPads, MacBooks and AirPods on sale. Deals span AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Max 2, and MacBook lines, while AirPods, Watches and iPads see varying discounts. Authorities note time-limited, inventory-driven pricing while Apple prices have increased.
Sony has announced it will stop producing physical PlayStation game discs from January 2028. New titles will be sold via the PlayStation Store or as retailer-issued download codes; games releasing before 2028 remain unaffected. The move follows years of rising digital sales and has provoked consumer backlash over ownership, preservation and the second‑hand market.
Prime Day has updated with a curated set of deals our editors test and trust. We highlight the standout kitchen, home, tech and travel offers and explain why they’re worth buying while prices may vary across retailers.
Supergirl has opened to disappointing box office figures, prompting DC Studios to reassess its plans. Critics have praised Milly Alcock’s performance but criticize pacing, tone, and ambition. The film expands DCU’s reach with space-set adventures while raising questions about future direction and character use.
Comcast has announced a tax-free spin-off that will separate NBCUniversal and Sky into a standalone, publicly traded media company while leaving Comcast focused on broadband, wireless and business services. The company has said the separation will complete in about a year, executives told investors, and Comcast will initially keep up to 19.9% of the new media group.
Major device makers have raised prices and warned consumers after memory and storage costs have surged because AI data‑centre buildouts are buying up DRAM and flash. Apple has increased Mac and iPad prices; Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo have signalled or implemented console and hardware hikes. Analysts say shortages will persist into 2027.
Prices for Xbox consoles and various Apple devices have surged as AI-driven demand strains memory and storage components, pushing manufacturers to raise prices by hundreds of dollars. The trend affects consumers globally as memory costs double and memory shortages loom. The changes come as several publishers report price increases from Microsoft, Apple and others amid an AI infrastructure boom.
Japan has secured a spot in the round of 32 in the World Cup, while Chinese supporters in Tokyo celebrate Japan's form. Chinese brands are making inroads at the event, with marketing campaigns elevating their presence across host venues.