Google's Android Shuffle: Spyware Slapped, Teen Tech Triumphs

The Compiler

Dec 21, 2024•3 min

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Episode description

Welcome to The Compiler, a daily curation of tech news.

MAIN CHARACTER

Google's playing defense in the DOJ antitrust case, offering to loosen its iron grip on Android. They're willing to make Android deals non-exclusive and let manufacturers unbundle Chrome/Search from the Play Store. It's like watching a tech giant do the "please don't break us up" dance. But here's the kicker - they're also calling the potential Chrome sale an "extreme" remedy. Translation: "We'll give an inch, but don't you dare take a mile." This could reshape the mobile landscape as we know it, folks.

SPICY TAKES Databricks' $10B Hail Mary

Databricks is raising a mind-boggling $10B at a $62B valuation. In this economy? It's either brilliant or bonkers. This isn't just a funding round; it's a declaration of war in the AI talent arms race. With that kind of cash, they could probably offer engineers personal jetpacks and still have change left over for a few small countries.

NSO Group's Pegasus Wings Clipped

NSO Group, the shady spyware peddler, just got slapped with a liability ruling in WhatsApp's lawsuit. Turns out, "But we only spy for good reasons!" isn't a great legal defense. This could set a precedent that makes spyware companies as popular as a smartphone with a 5-minute battery life. Get your popcorn ready for the damages phase - it's going to be spicy.

⚡️ QUICK HITS

A 19-year-old's 3D-printed iPhone gamepad is becoming a real product. Move over, Apple - the next big thing might come from a teenager's bedroom. Read more
Researchers created an algorithm to jailbreak AI. It's like giving a digital lockpick to every teenager on the internet. What could possibly go wrong? Read more
Tech M&A activity jumped 20%+ to $534B in 2024. Looks like "Mo' Money, Mo' Mergers" is the new Silicon Valley motto. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHT

If AI can now jailbreak itself, are we teaching machines teenage rebellion? And if so, how long until they start sneaking out at night and coming home with a new piercing?

Thanks for reading!