Tobias

Apple announced a “Mini Apps Partner Program,” potentially reducing App Store commission fees to 15% for developers who deeply integrate with Apple’s technology, including user purchase history and in-app transactions. This initiative, allowing mini-apps built with web technologies, occurs amidst regulatory pressure to reduce App Store control. While prohibiting alternative app stores, Apple increasingly embraces mini-apps within its ecosystem, requiring developers to provide detailed information for review, ensuring oversight and platform control.

Oracle’s stock initially surged on bullish AI prospects and its OpenAI partnership, but has since relinquished significant gains. Investor sentiment is cooling due to concerns about the capital intensity of AI buildout, Oracle’s cash flow, and OpenAI’s commitment sustainability. Oracle is reportedly considering a large debt raise to fund its AI infrastructure expansion. Analysts highlight Oracle’s reliance on OpenAI and lower GPU rental margins compared to its core business. Upcoming earnings will be crucial for assessing Oracle’s AI strategy progress and financial health.

Major League Soccer (MLS) will transition to Apple TV+ in 2026, ending the separate MLS Season Pass subscription. This move, stemming from a 10-year media rights deal initiated in 2022, aims to broaden MLS’s reach and consolidate sports viewing, addressing the fragmentation of streaming services. The shift coincides with MLS’s effort to capitalize on soccer’s growing popularity in the U.S. and aligns its schedule with global leagues, starting in 2027. The league has seen fandom increase in recent years after global superstar Lionel Messi started playing for Inter Miami CF.

Tesla is recalling approximately 10,500 Powerwall 2 units due to a potential safety hazard: defective lithium-ion battery cells that can overheat, causing fire and burn risks. The issue, attributed to a third-party supplier, has led to 22 reports of overheating, including five fires. Tesla is replacing affected units free of charge. This recall could impact Tesla Energy’s growth, which saw a 44% revenue surge in Q3 2025, as Powerwall is a key component of its clean energy ecosystem. Newer Powerwall 3 is not affected.

Google swiftly disrupted a foreign-based cybercriminal group behind a massive SMS phishing campaign, known as the “Smishing Triad,” after filing a lawsuit. The group used a phishing kit called “Lighthouse” to target over a million people in 120 countries with deceptive SMS messages impersonating legitimate services. These messages led victims to fraudulent websites to steal financial information. Google acted within 24 hours, but details of the shutdown methods were not disclosed. This proactive approach highlights the fight against sophisticated phishing operations.

StubHub (STUB) shares fell 5% after hours following its first earnings report post-IPO in September 2025. While Q3 revenue beat expectations at $468.1 million, the company reported a significant $1.33 billion net loss, or $4.27 per share, attributed to a $1.4 billion IPO-related stock compensation charge. Gross Merchandise Sales (GMS) increased 11% year-over-year to $2.43 billion, but analysts cited challenging comparisons due to the prior year’s “Swift lift.” Since its $23.50 IPO, the stock has declined roughly 20%.

xAI, Elon Musk’s AI venture, is reportedly securing $15 billion in funding, pointing to strong investor interest despite Musk’s initial denial. This follows a previous $10 billion round valuing xAI at $200 billion, with funds mainly intended for GPUs. AI startup valuations are soaring, but xAI faces scrutiny regarding the environmental impact of its data centers and inaccurate information generated by Grok and Grokipedia. xAI acquired X for $33 billion, and Tesla integrates Grok while xAI invests in Tesla’s battery storage, indicating a complex ecosystem.

Verizon, facing market share decline, has appointed Dan Schulman as CEO to lead a strategic reset. Chairman Mark Bertolini cites increased competition and commoditization of 5G as key challenges. Schulman, formerly of PayPal, is evaluating cost structures and operational efficiencies to develop a new strategy. The focus will be on enhancing value for customers beyond price competition. Analysts anticipate initiatives to improve customer retention, expand into new markets, and optimize capital allocation as Verizon strives to regain its market leadership.

AI startup Cursor has raised $2.3 billion in a Series D funding round, valuing the company at $29.3 billion. The AI-assisted coding tool provider, founded by Anysphere in 2022, automates code generation, editing, and review, aiming to accelerate software development. Investors include Accel, Thrive Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, Coatue, Nvidia, and Google. Cursor claims to have surpassed $1 billion in annualized revenue since its 2023 launch. With competition from OpenAI, Anthropic, and others, the company will need continuous innovation to maintain its market position.

Uber launches Uber Ski, targeting the winter tourism market by offering transportation to nearly 40 ski resorts in the US, Canada, Switzerland, and France, available through March. Partnering with Vail Resorts, users can book rides directly to resorts and purchase Epic Passes via the app. Uber also enhances the user experience with UberXL/XXL options for gear and expands Uber Share to major airports, potentially cutting costs. They have released the “Send a Ride” option, similar to the Uber Eats gifting function.