Lots has happened this past week in the tech world! With Trump saying he’s approved a TikTok sale to Larry Ellision or Elon Musk, investigations being launched against Google and Apple, and more, there’s much to catch up on. So, let’s get started!
Trump Says He’d Approve TikTok Sale to Larry Ellison or Elon Musk
President Trump said Tuesday he would consider allowing Tesla CEO Elon Musk or Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison to buy TikTok. Speaking at a briefing, Trump responded positively when asked about Musk buying the app, adding, “I’d like Larry to buy it, too.” TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, remains in limbo in the U.S. following Trump’s executive order to delay a potential tech ban. Trump also noted TikTok could be worth $1 trillion if it gains U.S. approval.
Investigation Launched Against Google and Apple
On Thursday, Britain’s competition regulator launched an investigation into Apple and Google’s vast mobile ecosystems to determine if they violate the U.K.’s new digital competition rules. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened two probes to assess whether the tech giants hold “strategic market status” in areas like operating systems, app stores, and mobile browsers. The investigation will examine the impact on both mobile users and businesses developing services or apps.
Google Invests $1 Billion in Generative AI Startup
Google has agreed to invest over $1 billion in the generative AI tech startup Anthropic, a source confirmed to CNBC. This new funding adds to Google’s previous $2 billion investment and 10% stake in the company, along with a significant cloud contract. Anthropic, known for its Claude AI chatbot, is also in late-stage talks to raise $2 billion in a funding round at a $60 billion valuation, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Samsung Launches New S25 Smartphone Series
Samsung Electronics launched its new flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S25 series, on Wednesday, featuring a custom chip and enhanced AI capabilities. The series includes three models: the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, with prices starting at $799, $999, and $1,299, respectively. This release comes after a challenging year for Samsung, with competition from Chinese brands and Apple. Preorders for the S25 series begin Wednesday, and the devices will be available for sale on February 7.
Users on Instagram Claim They’re Following Trump Unknowingly
Instagram users are voicing frustration this week, claiming Meta is forcing them to follow President Donald Trump’s social media accounts without their consent.
In a post on Threads Wednesday, Meta tech spokesperson Andy Stone explained that users are seeing posts from @POTUS, @VP, and @FLOTUS due to the accounts being transferred during a U.S. presidential transition. Stone clarified, “People were not made to automatically follow any of the official Facebook or Instagram accounts for the President, Vice President, or First Lady,” adding that the White House manages those accounts and content changes with each new administration.
