James Morales

London

Journalist at CCN

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Articles

Apple, Meta, Google Shift Focus Back to Metaverse in 2025

6 days ago | ccn.com | Insha Zia |James Morales

Key TakeawaysBig Tech firms walked back some metaverse projects in 2024, but haven’t given up on the concept. Apple is rumored to be developing a new lightweight version of its Vision headset to compete with Meta. Meanwhile, Google is more focused on the software side of things. Despite a run of metaverse flops and retreats in 2024, Big Tech firms remain committed to virtual and augmented reality (V/AR). An example is Apple’s Vision headsets.
Meta Antitrust Trial Starts Today: Timeline, Key Witnesses, and What's at Stake

1 week ago | ccn.com | James Morales

Key TakeawaysMeta vs. the Federal Trade Commission kicked off on Monday, April 14. In the coming weeks, several Meta executives are expected to take the witness stand. If it wins, the FTC is likely to seek Meta’s breakup. With the start of a historic trial on Monday, April 14, Meta faces its biggest legal challenge yet as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mounts its argument that the firm’s acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram breached antitrust laws.
Virgin Media Wi-Fi Router Upgrades Highlight Security Risk of Outdated Hardware

1 week ago | ccn.com | James Morales

Key TakeawaysOutdated routers pose a security risk to Wi-Fi networks. In the UK, providers of internet-connected devices are legally required to develop and implement security patches. To phase out older models, Virgin Media is offering customers a free upgrade. Ahead of proposed new rules that will require internet service providers (ISPs) to implement more robust cybersecurity measures, outdated Wi-Fi routers represent a vulnerability for the U.K.’s cyber armor.
Trump Administration Backpedals on Smartphone Tariff Exemptions

1 week ago | ccn.com | Samantha Dunn |James Morales

Key TakeawaysOn Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a notice exempting many electronics from the highest tariffs. Smartphones, laptops, hard drives, flat-screen displays, and most semiconductors are included in the exemption. However, Donald Trump has suggested that looming sectoral tariffs will target the electronics supply chain.
Intel CEO’s China Investments Expose Billions in US VC Funding for Military-Linked Chip Firms

1 week ago | ccn.com | Samantha Dunn |James Morales

Key TakeawaysThrough venture funds he controls, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has invested in hundreds of Chinese companies. Most notably, Walden International is a prolific investor in the Chinese semiconductor industry. Walden was one of five American VCs investigated by Congress over their China investments. Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, has invested in hundreds of Chinese tech firms, mostly through his venture capital (VC) firm, Walden International.
Gabe Newell's Net Worth Explained: From Harvard Dropout to $9.5B Gaming Mogul

2 weeks ago | ccn.com | Samantha Dunn |James Morales

Key TakeawaysGabe Newell dropped out of Harvard to work at Microsoft in 1983. After 13 years at Microsoft, Newell founded the video game company Valve. Valve’s Steam is now the dominant platform for PC game downloads. As the largest stakeholder of Valve, Gabe Newell’s net worth is estimated to be between $6.7 billion and $9.5 billion. But before Steam, Half-Life and other blockbuster Valve titles, Newell was convinced to drop out of Harvard to work for Microsoft.
OpenAI Seeks Injunction Against Elon Musk, Citing Efforts To Undermine Company Strategy

2 weeks ago | ccn.com | Samantha Dunn |James Morales

Key TakeawaysElon Musk is suing OpenAI in a bid to prevent its conversion to a for-profit corporation. OpenAI has filed a counterclaim to prevent Musk’s legal attacks. The AI developer is seeking a broad injunction against Musk’s “tortious interference” with its business. Responding to Elon Musk’s lawsuit, OpenAI has filed a counterclaim seeking a permanent injunction barring further “interference” with the organization.
Huawei’s AI Chip Lands TSMC in Hot Water With US Commerce Department Despite Efforts To Cut Ties

2 weeks ago | ccn.com | Samantha Dunn |James Morales

Key TakeawaysThe U.S. Commerce Department is reportedly investigating TSMC over export control violations. Last year, TSMC-made chiplets were discovered in Huawei AI processors. Huawei uses proxy companies like Sophgo to circumvent U.S. sanctions. After components made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) were discovered in Huawei’s AI processors, TSMC has moved to crack down on attempts to circumvent U.S. sanctions.
Meta Expands Teen Safety Features on Instagram in Response to Online Safety Act

2 weeks ago | ccn.com | Samantha Dunn |James Morales

Key TakeawaysMeta is expanding Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger. It is also introducing new features for Instagram Teen Accounts. Regulations like the U.K.’s Online Safety Act have prompted Meta to improve its child protection measures. Half a year after Meta introduced dedicated Instagram accounts for teens, the company has expanded the offering to Facebook and Messenger.
DOGE Using Signal to Track Federal Workers Weeks After US War Chat Leak

2 weeks ago | ccn.com | Samantha Dunn |James Morales

Key TakeawaysDOGE staff are reportedly using Signal to communicate. The revelation follows the news that national security leaders used Signal to discuss war plans. DOGE has increasingly come under fire for a lack of public accountability. With the U.S. administration still dealing with the fallout from Signalgate, government employees’ use of the encrypted chat app has come under scrutiny.