A test by Google means 1% of users in several EU countries will miss out on news sources. Just Eat sells Grubhub to a new delivery venture for $650 million. GOG's new initiative aims to preserve classic video games, emphasizing the significance of maintaining digital content. The podcast also dives into food delivery innovations and the complex relationship between news organizations and tech giants, shedding light on the challenges of accessibility and monetization for smaller news outlets.
GOG's new game preservation initiative aims to provide ongoing support for classic, DRM-free titles, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.
Grubhub's acquisition by Wonder signifies a shift towards a comprehensive food delivery super app, integrating various dining and grocery options for users.
Deep dives
Game Preservation Initiative
A new game preservation initiative has been launched by Good Old Games, now also known as GOG. This program will commence with 100 DRM-free games aimed at ensuring compatibility with modern systems and providing ongoing technical support. Notable titles included in this initiative are classics like Heroes of Might and Magic 3 and Fallout New Vegas, sources of nostalgia for many gamers. The program reflects a commitment to making older games accessible and playable, addressing the challenges presented by evolving technology.
Evolution of Food Delivery Services
Recent developments suggest Grubhub may evolve into a comprehensive food delivery 'super app' following its acquisition by Wonder. This new model aims to integrate a wide range of dining options from multiple restaurants, enabling users to order from different eateries simultaneously. Not only will Grubhub continue to deliver restaurant meals, but it will also incorporate grocery delivery and meal kits from Blue Apron, streamlining the food ordering experience. This consolidation signifies a potential shift in the food delivery market towards more integrated and versatile service offerings.
Google's Local News Experiment
Google is testing a controversial approach by temporarily removing EU news articles from search results for a small percentage of users across several countries. This experiment aims to assess the influence of local news on search traffic and user behavior, providing important data for Google as it navigates regulatory pressures. While it raises concerns among news publishers, the move also highlights Google's role as a significant traffic driver for media outlets. The outcome of this trial could lead to significant changes in how news is accessed and monetized in the digital space.
Meta's Legal Challenges
Meta is facing legal challenges as the FTC's lawsuit to compel the company to divest Instagram and WhatsApp advances in court. This lawsuit stems from claims that Meta acquired these platforms to stifle competition, which raises significant issues about market monopolies in the tech industry. As the trial date approaches, Meta is under scrutiny as ongoing discussions about antitrust regulations continue to shape the landscape of digital business. The outcome may set precedents for how large tech companies are allowed to operate and compete within the marketplace.
1% of users in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain will no longer receive EU news sources in their search results as part of a Google test. Plus Just Eat sells Grubhub to Wonder for $650M. And GOG launches a new initiative to preserve older video games.
Starring Tom Merritt, Robb Dunewood, Jenn Cutter, Roger Chang, Joe.