Tech

ServiceNow is acquiring cybersecurity firm Armis for $7.75 billion in an all-cash deal. This strategic move aims to significantly enhance ServiceNow’s security offerings, particularly in the AI era, and expand its addressable market for security and risk solutions. The acquisition, expected to close next year, follows ServiceNow’s recent purchases of Moveworks and Veza, contributing to a unified “AI control tower.” Armis brings over $340 million in annual recurring revenue and robust growth, solidifying ServiceNow’s position in the cybersecurity market.

Former Facebook CPO Chris Kelly predicts the next AI wave will prioritize efficiency over raw power. As data center expansion booms, driven by massive AI investments, energy consumption and costs are soaring. Kelly suggests a shift towards optimizing existing resources, akin to the brain’s low power usage, to make AI more sustainable and cost-effective. Companies mastering energy efficiency and cost reduction will likely lead the future of AI development.

The U.S. auto industry is recalibrating its electric vehicle strategy due to slower-than-expected demand. Automakers, after substantial EV investments, are refocusing on profitable trucks and SUVs, acknowledging that regulatory mandates, not consumer desire, drove initial adoption. Federal incentives ending also impacted sales. While electrification’s long-term future is clear, the timeline is adjusting, with hybrid offerings expected to grow as the market finds a more realistic equilibrium.

Novo Nordisk’s FDA approval for the first oral obesity pill marks a significant shift, democratizing weight management beyond injections. This move, priced affordably, boosts Novo Nordisk shares and intensifies competition with Eli Lilly. The article also covers Dominion Energy’s offshore wind project halt, Skydance Media’s bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, Alphabet’s data center acquisition, and the EV sector’s recalibration amidst slower-than-expected demand. Instacart is ending controversial AI pricing tests due to consumer concerns, and US gasoline prices have hit four-year lows.

Alphabet rejoins the watchlist due to significant shifts in its favor. Google’s Gemini 3, developed on custom silicon, now sets new AI benchmarks. This proprietary hardware presents a new revenue stream, with growing industry interest. Regulatory hurdles have also largely cleared, with favorable court rulings on Chrome and the preservation of the Apple search deal. This positions Google strongly for Apple’s AI integration, potentially outpacing OpenAI due to Google’s financial stability. The focus now is on future potential, not past concerns.

Alphabet is acquiring Intersect for $4.75 billion in cash plus debt assumption to bolster its data center and energy infrastructure. This strategic move aims to accelerate computing capacity and secure energy resources for AI development, a critical need amid intense competition. The deal integrates Intersect’s expertise in power generation with Alphabet’s data center expansion, particularly in Texas. Intersect’s California and some Texas assets will remain independent. The acquisition is expected to close by mid-2026.

Space stocks are surging towards 2026, driven by technological leaps like reusable rockets and miniaturized satellites. Commercial applications are expanding beyond government missions to include global internet, climate monitoring, and even space tourism. Significant private investment fuels this growth, though regulatory hurdles and space debris remain challenges. The sector presents a compelling, albeit high-risk, frontier for investors anticipating a significant economic expansion into space.

Instacart has stopped its AI-driven pricing tests due to consumer scrutiny and regulatory pressure. A recent study revealed these tests led to shoppers paying different prices for the same items. The FTC had also issued a demand regarding Instacart’s pricing practices. The company acknowledged the concerns, stating that the tests “missed the mark” and that they are committed to trust and transparency.

Markets anticipate a year-end rally, with tech stocks showing recent strength. Meanwhile, the Justice Department began releasing Epstein files, though the process faced initial search issues. Google is re-hiring former AI talent, and executives are grappling with social media’s dual nature. The wellness sector is set for holiday growth, while Xbox faces significant challenges. Key economic data, including GDP and consumer confidence, are due this week.

Baidu plans to launch its Apollo Go robotaxi service in London by 2026, partnering with Uber and Lyft. This move into a major Western market aligns with the UK’s efforts to fast-track self-driving vehicle regulations. Baidu aims to integrate its autonomous vehicles onto the ride-sharing platforms, with testing set to begin in 2026, pending regulatory approval. This expansion is a significant step in Baidu’s global strategy to become a leader in autonomous mobility, facing competition from Waymo and other industry players.