Meta is known for its ability to quickly adapt and mimic trends in the tech industry. If your startup unveils a popular new feature, chances are that before you can secure your Series B funding, Meta will have developed a similar offering within its more widely used platforms, potentially overshadowing your innovation. While this might not be the ideal scenario envisioned by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, it is undeniably a strength; few companies excel as much at spotting and capitalizing on emerging trends.
In some instances, riding the trend wave involves multi-billion dollar acquisitions like those of Instagram and WhatsApp. However, this strategy has also led to legal challenges, including an antitrust trial with the FTC currently taking place in Washington, D.C. There, the court is investigating whether Meta acquired these platforms to foster their growth or to stifle potential competition. The outcome of Judge James Boasberg’s decision could significantly impact the entire tech industry.
In the latest episode of The Vergecast, The Verge’s Lauren Feiner shares insights from the ongoing trial. Having attended almost every day of testimony, she breaks down the complexities surrounding WhatsApp, the influence of TikTok on the proceedings, and the conversations regarding “friends and family”. While the verdict may take time to unfold, Lauren provides her perspective on the current direction of the case.
Following that, The Verge’s Victoria Song joins the discussion to share her recent experience testing Google’s Android XR smart glasses. She compares her impressions from the most recent demos with earlier versions and discusses the significance of Google’s collaboration with Gentle Monster. Additionally, she speculates on potential future projects involving Jony Ive and OpenAI — if not smart glasses, what could they be envisioning?
Finally, we tackle a question from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) regarding the shutdown of Mozilla’s Pocket read-later app. With a vast user base and numerous saved links, many are left searching for alternatives. Fortunately, there are several solid options available.
For further details on the topics discussed in this episode, check out these useful links:
