Microsoft $MSFT has announced that it will discontinue support for its messaging platform Skype by February 28, 2025. This news marks a significant step in the transformation of the company’s communication products, as it aims to focus on the development of Microsoft Teams.
One of the primary reasons for this decision is the desire to enhance user satisfaction and streamline the company's communication solutions. Skype, once a pioneer in VoIP technologies, has gradually seen a decline in popularity compared to Microsoft Teams, which is designed for collaboration and communication in the workplace.
The U.S. Appellate Court recently rejected a motion by Chinese manufacturer Hikvision $002415.SZ, marking a significant moment in the regulation of video surveillance and telecommunications equipment. This ruling continues the regulatory trend established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2022 and highlights the ongoing emphasis on ensuring the security of network communications.
Hikvision filed a motion in the U.S. Appellate Court for the District of Columbia, seeking to overturn the FCC’s administrative freeze that prevents the company from submitting applications for regulatory approval. In its legal filing, Hikvision argued that the existing regulatory framework not only hinders its ability to introduce new products but also causes substantial financial losses.
Recent news about Intel $INTC, the largest chip manufacturer, has garnered significant attention once again. The company announced a delay in the opening of its much-publicized semiconductor plant in Ohio, marking another setback in its ambitious expansion plans. This postponement highlights the challenges Intel faces in the current market.
Initially, the launch of the first plant in Ohio was slated for this year, but Intel has now stated that it will not open before 2030. According to the company, the new plant may commence operations as early as 2031. Additionally, the completion of the second plant has also been pushed back to 2031, although its operation might begin as soon as next year.
Brazilian software developer Totvs $TOTS3.SA announced on Thursday that it is withdrawing from the competitive process to acquire the Linx division of StoneCo $STNE. This decision was outlined in a securities filing, though no further details were provided by Totvs.
According to sources cited by Reuters, StoneCo, a payment services company, received six non-binding proposals for its Linx software development division. However, none of these proposals made a compelling impression on the company. This factor has played a significant role in the ongoing corporate negotiations within Brazil's competitive software market.
Earlier this year, Totvs indicated that it was still evaluating the possibility of making a binding offer for Linx. The company had previously expressed interest in acquiring Linx in 2020 before StoneCo ultimately finalized a deal.
Recent developments indicate that Meta Platforms $META is set to test a new paid subscription model for its Meta AI chatbot, which leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. The initiative aims to offer functionalities similar to those provided by OpenAI and Microsoft $MSFT, marking a strategic effort to fortify Meta’s position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
According to a source familiar with the situation, as reported by Reuters, testing will commence in the second quarter of this year. The initial phase will allow users access to enhanced versions of the chatbot, with significant revenue generation from subscriptions not expected until next year. Launched in September 2023, Meta AI operates as a virtual assistant capable of executing complex logical tasks by utilizing large language models.
On Thursday, Autodesk $ADSK announced forecasts that its annual revenue and profit are expected to surpass Wall Street estimates. This optimistic outlook is driven by strong demand for its design and development software across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, architecture, and engineering.
Autodesk continues to show robust growth. In the fourth quarter, ending January 31, the company’s revenue increased by 23%, reaching USD 2.11 billion. This performance confirms the rising demand for Autodesk’s advanced 3D solutions among firms engaged in product design and infrastructural projects.
In February 2025, shares of Illumina Inc. $ILMN faced significant challenges, plummeting by 33%. This marked the largest decline since July 2002 and resulted in a $7 billion drop in the company's market capitalization. To understand the factors behind this collapse, it is crucial to examine several key elements contributing to the situation.
One of the primary reasons influencing Illumina's stock was the new tariffs implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump. These measures created obstacles for many companies operating within the Chinese market, including Illumina, leading to increased uncertainty and challenges.
Apple $AAPL has once again found itself in the spotlight after facing a lawsuit over claims regarding its Apple Watch models. In a case filed in a federal court in San Jose, California, seven purchasers of the Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra 2 allege that the company’s assertion of these devices being “carbon neutral” and environmentally friendly was misleading. According to the complaint, had buyers known the full details, they might have chosen not to purchase these smartwatches or would have paid a lower price. Introduced in September 2023, the new models were hailed as carbon neutral thanks to a combination of reduced emissions and the purchase of carbon offset projects.
Critics of the claim point to two major offset projects that Apple has relied upon, arguing that they do not provide a genuine reduction in carbon emissions. The main points of contention include:
Duolingo $DUOL is capturing the attention of the educational technology market with its latest update that anticipates annual revenue exceeding Wall Street expectations. This move highlights the broader adoption of the company’s paid subscription service, which now integrates advanced artificial intelligence capabilities designed to enhance language learning.
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duolingo has solidified its position in the global market by leveraging its successful freemium business model. The free version of the app attracts millions of users, while additional premium features are available through monthly or yearly paid subscriptions. This model not only drives user engagement but also supports the company’s growing revenue.
BYD Co. $1211.HK , one of the leading global electric vehicle manufacturers, has announced its plans to build a third factory in Europe. This step is aimed at expanding its presence in the market, particularly in light of increased tariffs on electric vehicle imports from China. Stella Li, the company's Executive Vice President, shared insights about potential locations and timelines for the decision during a recent press conference in Frankfurt.
Given the changing market conditions and heightened competition, BYD is striving to adapt to the new landscape. Increased tariffs on imports from China threaten profitability, especially regarding relationships with European consumers. Hence, establishing new production facilities on the continent appears to be a logical move to maintain competitiveness.
OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, has announced the preliminary release of its newest model, GPT-4.5, for Pro users and developers around the globe. This announcement marks an important milestone in the evolution of generative AI models, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to ongoing innovation in artificial intelligence. With strong support from Microsoft $MSFT , OpenAI continues to enhance its technology and expand access to its products.
GPT-4.5 stands out from its predecessors thanks to several notable improvements. Its enhanced ability to recognize patterns, generate creative ideas without undue deliberation, and demonstrate a higher level of emotional intelligence set the model apart in today's competitive AI landscape. These advancements open up new avenues for applications in sectors that demand both creativity and deep analytical insight.
CMA CGM SA, the third-largest container shipping line in the world, is on the brink of significant changes in its business strategy. With upcoming rate increases and new maritime policies from the United States, the company is preparing to adapt to conditions that could drastically impact both global trade and the shipping sector as a whole.
CMA CGM’s Chief Financial Officer, Ramón Fernández, has stated that the company is exercising caution regarding the upcoming year. Expectations related to changes in transportation and logistics demand are heightened amid potential disruptions in trade and supply chains. In his recent statement, he noted, “We are monitoring this very closely, working with clients on preparing solutions if necessary”.
