Swedish audio streaming giant
OpenAI is contending in a high-stakes legal battle with Apple over a trade secrets lawsuit that could affect its hardware plans. The dispute centers on alleged misconduct by former Apple employees now at OpenAI, including senior hardware leadership. The case intersects with OpenAI’s rumored IPO timing and its ambitions in hardware.
Compass has published six-month results showing revenue up 9% at constant currencies, reaching $25 billion, with operating profit rising 12%. The group highlights new contracts worth $4.1 billion and says AI-enabled services are driving client demand for outsourced catering amid regulatory and data-driven needs.
The Swedish government has has introduced a back-to-books policy to reduce screen time in schools and preschools, aiming to improve reading skills. A Nordic-wide shift is mirrored by moves in Denmark and Finland, with broader concerns about digital reliance. Critics warn about potential impacts on digital skills; supporters praise reduced distractions.
A wave of AI-enabled tools is reshaping publishing, note-taking, and defense sectors. Beehiiv and Substack roll out chat-assisted publishing; Plaud ships AI-powered notetaking hardware; Mode Inc expands via acquisitions to crowdsource data labeling; Mach Industries pursues multiple weapons programs to boost U.S. defense capabilities.
A wave of AI-driven restructuring is redefining how companies run global operations. Opendoor is moving operational work back to the U.S., signaling a broader shift toward leaner, AI-enabled workflows that compress offshore back offices and emphasize Services-as-Software. The changes echo across tech and outsourcing sectors as companies recalibrate headcount, partnerships, and location strategies.
Nine Entertainment has moved Karl Stefanovic from Today and will terminate his network contract immediately, after a contentious interview on his independent podcast with far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Stefanovic says he is now free to pursue independent projects as Nine faces a tense period while navigation a new media strategy.
Le Pen’s criticisms of France’s transforming national team echo a longer debate over race, belonging and the country’s evolving identity as it embraces a diverse football squad that has shone on the world stage.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a standards inquiry over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and questions about lobbying the Bank of England for crypto interests. The investigation follows a string of donor-related and financial disclosures that have unsettled the party and shifted public perception.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is consulting on rules to allow app developers to steer users away from Apple and Google’s payment systems. The move aims to boost competition by lowering platform fees and potentially passing savings to UK customers.
WhatsApp has begun reserving usernames to replace phone numbers for contact, a move the company frames as a privacy feature. Several countries are scrutinising the plan as regulators warn of potential rises in fraud and impersonation. The rollout is to be gradual this year, with high-profile handles reserved to prevent abuse.
TikTok is expanding beyond social video to include shopping, travel bookings, and payments, signaling a move toward a “super app” model. Separate microdrama deals show investors betting on AI-assisted, mobile-first storytelling as a growing entertainment niche, while studios and networks explore vertical formats and creator-owned IP.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have married in a private ceremony at Madison Square Garden, their publicist has confirmed. The couple did not use bridesmaids or groomsmen; Austin Swift served as Man of Honor and Jason Kelce as Best Man. Adam Sandler officiated and both wore Christian Dior Haute Couture; Swift wore Cartier and Christian Louboutin shoes.
Disney has reorganized leadership under CEO Josh D’Amaro, integrating AI tools into streaming and signaling a broader push toward a “super app” strategy. Internal charts show reporting lines to top executives as Disney accelerates its tech and content ambitions while pursuing the potential phasing out of Hulu as a standalone service.
Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler has died at the age of 75 in a hospital in Portugal after an illness. Her career peaked with Total Eclipse of the Heart, produced with Jim Steinman, and she represented the UK at Eurovision in 2013. She had a decades-long career and was awarded an MBE in 2023.
Netflix is expanding its strategy to boost engagement by exploring always-on live channels, launching publisher deals for short-form video, and considering free-tier content as it intensifies competition with YouTube, Disney, and others. Analysts expect continued emphasis on ad-supported revenue and content diversification.