Meta has established itself as a leader in quickly adopting and integrating popular technologies. If a startup introduces an appealing feature, Meta often swiftly develops a comparable offering, incorporating it into its existing platforms, which boast a far larger user base. This effectively diminishes competition, a strategy that might not align with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision but has proven effective in capitalizing on emerging trends.
However, this approach sometimes leads to significant expenditures, such as the billions spent on acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp, and entangles the company in legal battles, including an antitrust trial with the FTC. In recent courtroom proceedings in Washington D.C., discussions have centered on whether Meta acquired these firms to foster their development or to stifle potential competition. The outcome of Judge James Boasberg’s deliberations carries significant implications for the tech industry.
In a recent episode of The Vergecast, host Lauren Feiner shares insights from the trial. Having attended nearly every day of testimonies, she discusses the complexities surrounding WhatsApp, the impact of TikTok on the case, and the recurring theme of “friends and family.” While the trial’s conclusion remains uncertain, Feiner provides her perspective on the current trends influencing the case’s direction.
Following this, Technology News’s Victoria Song joins the discussion to share her experiences with Google’s Android XR smart glasses. She details how recent demonstrations compare to earlier ones and highlights the significance of Google’s collaboration with Gentle Monster. Song also reflects on the notable project between Jony Ive and OpenAI, speculating about its potential applications beyond smart glasses.
The episode concludes by addressing a listener query from the Vergecast Hotline regarding Mozilla’s decision to discontinue the Pocket read-later application. Given Pocket’s extensive user base and their saved links, listeners are advised of alternative options available for managing saved content.
For those interested in exploring the topics covered in this episode further, here are some helpful links:
- FTC v. Meta: The antitrust battle over WhatsApp and Instagram
- Did WhatsApp really need Meta?
- Why the FTC argues Meta is a closer rival to MeWe than TikTok
- Instagram CEO testifies about competing with TikTok: ‘You’re either growing, or you’re slowly dying’
- Android XR is getting stylish partners in Warby Parker, Gentle Monster
- We tried on Google’s prototype AI smart glasses
- Android XR and Project Moohan hands-on: Gemini is the killer app
- What in the world are Jony Ive and Sam Altman building?
- Mozilla is shutting down Pocket
- Raindrop.io
- Instapaper
- Matter
- Wallabag
- Readwise Reader
