Microsoft’s long-awaited acquisition of gaming company Activision Blizzard has finally been completed, following approval from the UK’s antitrust regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The deal, valued at $68.7 billion, marks a significant milestone for Microsoft and solidifies its position in the gaming industry. After more than 20 months of negotiations and regulatory scrutiny, the acquisition has now been finalized. As a result, Activision Blizzard’s common stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq.
In other news, Qualcomm, the US chip giant, has announced its plan to lay off 1,200 employees, representing approximately 2.5% of its workforce. The majority of the layoffs will occur in California, with 1,064 employees in San Diego and 194 in Santa Clara losing their jobs in mid-December. While Qualcomm did not provide specific reasons for the layoffs, it is speculated that the company is restructuring and realigning its workforce to adapt to the changing dynamics in the semiconductor market.
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has recently found itself dealing with rumors and misinformation circulating on social media. A spokesperson for JD.com expressed concern over false rumors of a businessman named Liu being arrested for alleged illegal activities. The spokesperson clarified that these rumors were intentionally posted to manipulate public opinion and confuse the public. JD.com has reported the case to the relevant authorities and vehemently condemned such manipulative behavior.
Turning to new products in the consumer market, Under Armour’s Curry brand has unveiled its latest offering, the Curry 11 basketball shoes. Designed with a futuristic style, the Curry 11 aims to showcase the limitless potential of NBA superstar Stephen Curry and the next generation of basketball athletes. With upgraded product technology, the Curry 11 promises to deliver optimal performance and unmatched comfort for athletes on the court.
Meanwhile, Oriental Selection, a well-known Chinese online retailer, has issued a statement vowing to protect its rights after being accused of selling counterfeit products. An internet celebrity known as “Tietou” claimed in a trailer that he would expose and punish Oriental Selection for allegedly selling fake goods. Oriental Selection responded by stating that the accusations were baseless and defamatory, causing harm to the company’s reputation and consumers. The company has taken legal action and will take necessary measures to safeguard its rights.
In the tech world, Google has introduced a new feature called “Search Generative Experience” on its Search Labs platform. This function generates visual images based on user input, enhancing the search experience and providing users with more relevant and creative results.
Adobe, a prominent software company, has launched a new logo to identify images and content created or edited using artificial intelligence tools. The solution, called Content Credentials, aims to combat issues of misinformation and deepfake content by verifying the authenticity and integrity of AI-generated media. Several partners, including the BBC, Microsoft, and Nikon, have collaborated with Adobe on this initiative.
That’s it for today’s news highlights. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day.