Tech

Meta is launching ads on Threads globally next week to generate revenue from its rapidly growing user base, which has surpassed 400 million monthly active users and is competing directly with X. This move aims to mirror the successful monetization strategies of Facebook and Instagram. Ads will be rolled out gradually, building on previous testing. Meta also plans to introduce new features to enhance the platform’s appeal and advertising capabilities.

Intel’s stock is soaring due to strong demand for server chips and progress in its foundry business. Analysts predict the company may sell out of server CPUs this year, potentially leading to price hikes. Intel’s foundry ambitions, supported by government investment and promising 18A technology, are gaining traction, aiming to compete with TSMC. A partnership with Nvidia further strengthens its position in AI. Despite projected overall revenue decline, data center and AI sales are expected to see significant growth.

Blue Origin is launching TeraWave, a 5,408-satellite network targeting enterprise and government clients. This venture aims to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s “Leo” service, promising up to 6 terabits per second speeds. Deployment begins in late 2027, marking a significant step for Jeff Bezos’s space company, which also boasts heavy-lift capabilities with its New Glenn rocket.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang believes AI will create more jobs than it displaces, viewing it as a transformative “platform shift” like personal computing or the internet. He outlined a five-layer AI architecture from energy to applications. Huang argued that AI’s efficiency gains will boost overall demand for goods and services, leading to increased hiring, citing radiology and nursing as examples where AI frees up professionals for more critical patient care. Despite high demand, he doesn’t see an immediate AI investment bubble, as supply is struggling to keep up.

Meta’s $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus faces customer distrust over data privacy concerns. Existing users are seeking alternatives, citing apprehension about Meta’s data handling practices and future integration into Meta’s AI roadmap. This skepticism poses a challenge for Meta as it competes with AI giants and aims to bolster its enterprise AI strategy, especially given its advertising-centric business model and mixed enterprise track record.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sees AI-powered robotics as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Europe, leveraging its strong industrial base. This “physical AI” could allow Europe to lead beyond the current software era. Major European manufacturers and tech giants are investing heavily in robotics, with significant global investment flowing into the sector. However, Huang stressed that Europe’s high energy costs and the need for robust energy infrastructure are critical challenges that must be addressed to fully capitalize on this AI robotics boom.

U.S. stocks are set for a muted open as geopolitical tensions surrounding President Trump’s Greenland stance and tariff threats pressure markets. Investors are wary of escalating trade disputes impacting global capital flows. Key developments include institutional reactions to U.S. debt, Trump’s World Economic Forum address, tech earnings like Netflix, AI partnerships with ServiceNow, and airline sector optimism, alongside pharma’s challenges with pricing and patent cliffs.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan has prioritized tackling “AI slop” and deepfakes in 2026. The platform is enhancing systems to distinguish authentic from AI-generated content and combat harmful synthetic media. YouTube is also expanding AI tools for creators, supporting monetization, and focusing on child and teen safety. The company has paid out over $100 billion to creators since 2021.

California’s proposed wealth tax, a one-time 5% levy on billionaires, faces strong opposition from venture capitalist David Sacks. He calls it an “asset seizure” that could deter innovation and trigger capital flight, citing personal relocation from California to Texas. While some tech leaders commit to staying, Sacks warns smaller businesses may leave, potentially worsening California’s fiscal issues. The debate highlights concerns over economic impact and implementation challenges.

Leading AI firms OpenAI and Anthropic are increasingly prioritizing enterprise clients. This strategic shift highlights the AI sector’s move towards robust, scalable business solutions. OpenAI sees enterprise clients contributing significantly to its revenue, while Anthropic’s model is even more business-focused, emphasizing safety and reliability. This trend signals AI’s maturation into an indispensable business tool for driving efficiency and innovation.