Tobias

The EU Commission has fined Google €2.95 billion for anti-competitive practices in its adtech business, alleging the company favored its own services, disadvantaging rivals and distorting the market. The EU requires Google to cease these practices within 60 days and address conflicts of interest. Google disputes the findings, plans to appeal, and argues its services benefit the market. This decision could force Google to restructure its adtech business in Europe and sets a precedent globally for antitrust actions against dominant tech platforms.

Malu, a millennial entrepreneur, left a traditional Japanese corporation due to its rigid seniority system (nenkō joretsu). She now runs a new media advertising company, observing that Japan’s market lags behind China’s. Key challenges include acquiring local clients, navigating cultural nuances (like omotenashi), and understanding platform preferences such as Amazon and Rakuten. Success in Japan requires a different approach, emphasizing service quality over cost and adapting strategies for platforms like TikTok Shop, avoiding direct replication of Chinese methods.

Broadcom’s stock surged after announcing a $10 billion commitment from a new customer, widely speculated to be OpenAI for custom AI chips (XPUs). CEO Hock Tan highlighted the order’s impact on Broadcom’s AI revenue forecast, with shipments expected in 2026. Analysts believe the partnership will optimize OpenAI’s AI models and strengthen Broadcom’s position in the AI market, where it competes with Nvidia. Broadcom’s Q3 results exceeded expectations, with projected Q4 revenue reaching $17.4 billion.

Tesla is seeking shareholder approval for a new CEO compensation package for Elon Musk, following a court invalidation of his 2018 pay plan, deemed excessive. The proposal includes stock options vesting upon achieving ambitious market capitalization and operational milestones, aiming to incentivize Musk and grant him increased voting power. Tesla also proposes investing in Musk’s AI venture, xAI, raising conflict-of-interest concerns. The timing coincides with an ongoing legal battle regarding the 2018 package, adding complexity to executive compensation practices and corporate governance.

Ahead of the Xuzhou-Nanjing soccer match, Ant Insurance and Alipay, both Ant Group subsidiaries, have engaged in a playful marketing rivalry. Ant Insurance sent “Guardian Ducks” to support Nanjing, while Alipay countered with China’s “Four Great Chickens” to back Xuzhou. Alipay is also offering a one million yuan subsidy for every Xuzhou goal to residents of supporting provinces. The humorous exchange leverages regional culinary specialties and aims to boost local economies and user engagement, particularly promoting Alipay’s “Touch and Pay” feature for post-game celebrations.

OpenAI is entering the recruitment market with an AI-powered platform, aiming to connect talent with companies seeking AI expertise. Launching in mid-2026, it will prioritize local businesses and government entities. Simultaneously, OpenAI is expanding its “OpenAI Academy” with a certification program designed to validate AI fluency and challenge LinkedIn Learning. Walmart is already integrating the program into its internal training. OpenAI aims to certify 10 million Americans by 2030, addressing the skills gap and focusing on AI literacy programs while navigating complex relationships with competitors like Microsoft.

Tinglixiong has launched the X3, China’s first AI learning companion phone for children aged 6-16, addressing parental concerns about screen time, content, and distractions. The X3 features robust safety measures, including an AI content review model developed with Alibaba Cloud, and introduces “Teeni Cloud Bear,” an AI growth agent for learning and emotional support. It aims to transform the phone from a control tool into a growth partner, integrating AI into education and creativity while prioritizing child safety and fostering digital literacy.

Following a favorable antitrust ruling that boosted Alphabet’s market capitalization by $230 billion, CEO Sundar Pichai was congratulated by President Trump at a White House dinner. The discussion also covered AI, with Pichai emphasizing its transformative potential and praising the administration’s AI action plan, which aims to prioritize American competitiveness and exclude “Woke AI.” Google remains engaged in a lawsuit with Trump’s legal team regarding YouTube’s suspension of his accounts. Earlier, Pichai attended the White House “AI Education Taskforce” event.

President Trump reiterated his intention to impose tariffs on semiconductor imports from companies not establishing or expanding U.S. manufacturing. At a White House dinner with tech leaders like Apple’s Tim Cook and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Trump indicated companies investing domestically, like Apple, might be exempt. This follows previous tariff threats and aligns with the U.S. push to onshore semiconductor production, incentivized by the CHIPS Act. While details remain unclear, the event highlights the role of tech in shaping economic policy, with AI also a key discussion point.

A Chinese manufacturer in Qingdao has developed a “liquid gold” tire purportedly solving the “magic triangle” of tire performance: rolling resistance, wet grip, and abrasion resistance. This innovation claims to enhance all three simultaneously, unlike traditional tires. The result is a potential 10% fuel efficiency improvement, saving consumers nearly 5,000 yuan over the tire’s lifespan. Analysts suggest that if verified, this breakthrough could reshape the global tire market, strengthen China’s manufacturing reputation, and have applications in other industries needing friction and wear solutions, also aligning with goals for reduced carbon emissions.