The current incarnation of The Daily Observations Podcast is coming to an end. But there is still a show to do! TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts joins Ken to talk about rumors that Apple’s mixed reality headset is being delayed. Plus – Needham analyst Laura Martin thinks Apple and Disney should merge. It’s been fun.
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Noise Around Various Voice Assistants - TMO Daily Observations 2022-11-23
News on the Hingham Apple Store tragedy, stirring the Apple/Disney M&A stew, and the noise around various voice assistants – we’re wrapping a holiday shortened week with TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts. Happy Thanksgiving, one and all.
CBS and Viacom Merge to Become ViacomCBS
ViacomCBS is the name of a merged corporation between CBS and Viacom. It will create a joint media library including over 140,000 TV episodes and 3,600 movies.
In their announcement, the companies note that the merger creates a joint content library that includes more than 140,000 TV episodes and 3,600 films, and “reunites fan-favorite franchises such as Star Trek and Mission: Impossible” (which were previously split between Paramount on the film side and CBS on the TV side). They also say that this will allow them to “accelerate” their direct-to-consumer strategy, which includes offerings like CBS All Access, Showtime and Pluto TV. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2019.
DOJ Approves T-Mobile, Sprint Merger
The U.S. Department of Justice has approved the T-Mobile-Sprint merger, but a lawsuit from 13 state attorneys is currently pending.
The merger can’t be finalized however until a lawsuit from 13 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia is concluded. A trial date is set for Oct. 7, though that date could be pushed as late as Dec. 9.
It’s also possible that the case could be settled out of court, since it revolves around a lack of competition in the national wireless space. With Dish being propped up as a replacement for Sprint, there may not be reason to continue.
This Maps Shows T-Mobile, Sprint Coverage After Merger
You can click and drag around the map, or type in your zip code for faster results.
Apple Face ID Supplier Acquired for $3.2 Billion
Finisar, an Apple Face ID supplier that makes laser scanners, has been acquired by optical system producer II-VI, Inc. worth US$3.2 billion.
T-Mobile, Sprint, and 5G Networks - TMO Daily Observations 2018-04-30
John Martellaro and Andrew Orr join Jeff Gamet to discuss the T-Mobile and Sprint merger along with 5G networks, plus they respond to listener comments on Apple dropping its AirPort product line.
T-Mobile and Sprint Merging, Announce Nation-wide 5G Plans
T-Mobile and Sprint agreed to a US$26.5 billion merger deal with plans to make the first truly nation-wide 5G cellular network.
AT&T to Buy Time Warner in $85.4B Deal
AT&T is about to get a lot bigger because the communication company struck a deal to buy Time Warner for about US$85.4 billion. The two companies hope to close the deal by the end of 2017, but are already facing scrutiny over the impact a combined AT&T and Time Warner.
Didi Buying Uber China Could Spell Opportunity for Apple
Apple’s US$1 billion investment in Didi Chuxing just became more interesting because the ride sharing company is buying rival Uber’s China business in a deal valued at $35 billion. Didi is also investing in Uber outside of China, and that means Apple’s interest in the ride sharing market may get a lot bigger.