Why CNN is a bargaining chip

Technically, the Netflix / Warner Bros. news is almost a week old, but what a week it has been! And so, after some follow-up on smart shades and CES, Nilay and David talk through all that’s at stake in the fight between Paramount and Netflix — and whether it’s even possible for someone to win this deal. After that, Charlie Harding, co-host of Switched on Pop and honorary Vergecast intern, explains how AI is taking over the country music scene in Nashville. He also makes us a song, and it’s a jam. Lastly, the hosts talk about font news (with a special guest), Brendan Carr, smart rings, garage wars, and more.

Further reading:

• The Verge subscription turns one 

• Netflix is buying Warner Bros. for $83 billion 

• Paramount launches a hostile $108 billion bid to snatch Warner from Netflix 

• David Ellison pitches Paramount’s $108 billion hostile bid for WBD as “pro consumer.” 

• Behind Paramount’s Relentless Campaign to Woo Warner Discovery and President Trump

• New Paramount Speaks: Theatrical Films, Streaming Investment and Tech Upgrades Are Top Priorities

• Netflix CEO made a visit to the White House before buying Warner Bros. 

• Trump isn’t sold on the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal

• Netflix’s leadership thinks the Warner Bros. deal won’t be like other big media mergers.

• Welcome to the big leagues, Netflix 

• There are no good outcomes for the Warner Bros. sale

• OpenAI’s billion-dollar Disney deal puts Mickey Mouse and Marvel in Sora

• Get ready for an AI country music explosion

• Brendan Carr is a Dummy

• Chamberlain’s new technology blocks aftermarket controllers from working with its garage door openers

• The Pebble Index 01 is a smart ring with a built-in microphone

• Calibri is too woke for the State Department | The Verge

• Gruber got a copy of the thing

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